The gap between high and low wage earners has increased sharply in most countries, according to a new United Nations report. 20 Oct 2008
A new study released in the US reveals which consumer groups are most likely to spend during challenging economic times, and how behaviour-based segmentation helps retailers improve strategies to connect with consumers. The study applies to US consumers but South African and African marketers and retailers will find parallels with the local market. 20 Oct 2008
According to the International Monetary Fund, the present economic crisis is on such a scale that even advanced economies are expected to go through a period of extremely sluggish growth or contraction in 2008 and the first half of 2009, and experience only a modest upturn in the latter part of the year. 20 Oct 2008
Economists are predicting a petrol price cut of about 47 cents soon, despite the weakening Rand erasing the perks of a low oil price. 17 Oct 2008
Wayne van der Merwe has resigned as finance director of apparel retailer Truworths with effect from 16 April 16 2009 to relocate to with his family to Australia, Truworths said today. 17 Oct 2008
State oil and gas company PetroSA has been granted a manufacturing licence for its planned R101.4 billion oil refinery at the Coega Industrial Development Zone outside Port Elizabeth. 17 Oct 2008
The new Heinz Junior Chefs of the Year competition, involving high school learners from around Tshwane, took place at Pretoria's Pro Arte Alphen Park High School on Saturday 11 October and culminated in a culinary extravaganza as these young chefs turned up the heat with their creative masterpieces. 17 Oct 2008
As fears of a global recession sets in, international investors are withdrawing funds from emerging markets. 17 Oct 2008
South Africa has come out tops in Africa and is 15th in the world rankings in the World Economic Forum survey of banking systems. 17 Oct 2008
The crème of South Africa's social scene, including VIP guests, celebrities and local media joined in the über-stylish, exclusive cocktail party celebration of the launch of the Hugo menswear store at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town on 15 October 2008. This new store is the first in South Africa. 17 Oct 2008
This article relates to the UK, but there are parallels with South Africa and the message is clear. Beware! 17 Oct 2008
How easy is it to do business in South Africa and Africa - or with the rest of the world, for that matter. These rankings provide some insight. 17 Oct 2008
After Tuesday's launch of the new MacBooks, Steve Jobs, Tim Cook and Phil Schiller sat on high stools on stage to answer questions. Asked about Blu-ray, Jobs said, "You know, Blu-ray is a bag of hurt." That's probably more of a positioning statement for Apple products and strategy than a real indictment of the Blu-ray technology, and therein lies a problem. 17 Oct 2008
Among dreamy startups and salty e-commerce veterans alike, Zappos.com appears to be the golden grail - certainly one blessed, at least, with heavenly rewards. "Zappos is the Amazon of the shoe business, and its model is extremely difficult to mimic," Gene Alvarez, vice president of research at Gartner (and former employee of shoe-biz powerhouse, Nine West Group), told the E-Commerce Times. 17 Oct 2008
Food retailer Pick n Pay is expected to see faster growth by 2010 after completing its substantial restructuring programme, which includes converting Score stores into its franchises. 16 Oct 2008
The Consumer Protection Bill 2008, which will introduce principles of consumer protection and serve as a governing statement on consumer protection matters in South Africa, will go before a selected Parliamentary committee today, Thursday 16 October. 16 Oct 2008
Consumers have become far more cautious when it comes to spending their cash, and that's bad news for local retailers. 16 Oct 2008
Often, people use their headphones to block out the noise of an airplane or chatty neighbor, but simply increasing the volume can increase the danger of hearing damage. Many headphones now offer noise isolation or noise cancellation, which audiologists recommend over everyday earphones for protecting hearing. 16 Oct 2008
The Golden Kaan wine brand has won gold at Veritas, one of South Africa's premier wine awards, announced last Saturday night in Cape Town. 16 Oct 2008
Consumers should continue to be cautious with their spending despite global markets stabilising and Wall Street registering its highest gains in a single day since the darkest days of the Great Depression. 16 Oct 2008
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