Last week, Statistics SA reported a rise year-on-year in wholesale and retail trade sales for March. While wholesale trade lost some ground on February's stats, retail trade had a bump up from the previous month. Commenting on the retail trade figures, banks see the increase more as a bounce than the start of an incline. The International Franchise Expo opened last week with a call on government to give small business the credit it deserves for the contribution it makes to the economy. Chief strategist at Investment Solutions, Chris Hart, commented that the many regulations imposed by government on business is hampering, rather than fostering, growth. However, a new portal has been launched to aid entrepreneurial growth and employment in Cape Town. The mobile price war has finally become interesting with Cell C making the first slash to its prices with a 99c p/min off-network call rate, followed hotly by Vodacom with a similar offering. And last, but certainly not least, if you've been missing your weekly Biz Takeouts, we're back on the airwaves, baby, and better than ever before... Happy dining!

Shan Radcliffe, Retail editor
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