Last week saw the Cape Town version of Business of Design 2016, one week on from the Johannesburg event. Leigh Andrews summarises Day 1 of #BODCT here, saying that a strong message for all attendees was to use these insights to create more impactful designs than ever before, in any industry. She also interviewed Mike Abel, chief executive partner and Robert Grace, founding partner: head of strategy at M&C Saatchi Abel on their talk, 'The power of the idea', sharing further insights into the changing notion of the big idea over the years and how to make it more effective in the age of the customer. For more #BOD coverage, have a read through my article on Sorbet CEO Ian Fuhr's talk on brand loyalty, my #WomensMonth-themed Q&A with The Creamery founder Kate Schrire, and my interview with Business of Design's head of programme, Tracy Lynn Chemaly. In other news, speaking at the Shoprite's full year results presentation in Cape Town on Tuesday, CEO Whitey Basson hinted at offshore expansion. On the subject, South African entrepreneur Lauren de Swardt, who recently launched her franchise, Kids Emporium in the UK, shares insights into what makes a brand stand out in a foreign country. As #WomensMonth nears a close, Andrews looks into how Y&R's #BreakTheMould campaign is flipping the script on 'gender-specific' toys, with gender-neutral toys like Iron Chef, Ninja Fairy and Princessaurus delighting children while perplexing parents.
Jessica Tennant, Retail Editor (@Biz_Retail)
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