Two 20-something year-old brands have recently been revamped to keep up with the latest trends. Lotusfm and Auto & General launched new corporate identities and advertising campaigns, with the insurer adding on a new communications strategy. 14 Nov 2007
RETAIL NEWSWATCH: The bread price fixing scandal has taken another turn as the Competition Commission announces that a number of national bread-producers have been fixing the price of bread for at least 12 years. And that means that millions of this country's poor have been even further below the breadline than they need have been. 13 Nov 2007
Two lucky Lunch Bar lovers have each won a Ford Bantam Bakkie in the Cadbury Lunch Bar ‘Strength to Win' promotion. 13 Nov 2007
Debonairs Pizza is still scooping up awards and celebrating milestones even as the end of the year approaches and we move well into November. The franchise, more than 200-strong, collected the Leisure Options Best of Joburg Reader's Choice Awards for the eighth time this year. 13 Nov 2007
Where has this year gone? It seems like just yesterday that we were celebrating the previous peak summer and Christmas period and the next is almost upon us. 13 Nov 2007
According to at least one South African e-tailer, there's a boom in women shoppers changing the face of online retail. And apparently they're better at shopping online than men! 13 Nov 2007
Four Spar retailers have slashed the error rate between their shelf and till pricing from 7% to near 0% through an electronic shelf labelling (ESL) solution supplied by XON Systems. 13 Nov 2007
After thorough internal investigations and months of working with the Competition Commission, Tiger Brands Limited has agreed to pay an administrative penalty of R98,8 million for contraventions of the Competition Act by certain employees at its baking operations and has been granted corporate leniency in respect of its milling operations by the Competition Commission. 13 Nov 2007
Truworths International Ltd has achieved sales of merchandise for the first 19 weeks of the 2008 financial period increased to R1 850 million, 15.7% above the corresponding period in 2006. 13 Nov 2007
Women exercise over 80% of decision-making when it comes to privately owned cars in South Africa today, according to the latest research by www.cars4women.co.za, a site managed by women, for women – drivers, that is. 13 Nov 2007
The Staffords range of baking products just became more tempting than ever with the addition of Staffords Polka Dots and Staffords 70% Cocoa. 13 Nov 2007
Donald L. Deubler has the guts of a high roller. In 2005, the former industrial parts salesman created a hot cell phone for kids. The award-winning device, which allowed only parent-programmed calls, soon generated US$20 million in annual sales for his Firefly Mobile. 12 Nov 2007
Cognac is the most successful style of brandy, with a golden period in the late 1980s and early 90s (mainly in Japan) and another strong spell in the mid-1990s throughout China, according to research undertaken by global drinks industry website just-drinks.com. 12 Nov 2007
Nick Badminton, CEO, says “We're going to show Pick ‘n Pay in a new dress” and the “new dress”, even though it will not entail renaming the group, will entail the rebranding of 400 stores, the phasing in of more than 450 new or repackaged lines, and the employment of global and local experts to drive the whole exercise. The aim to ensure the brand is world class. 12 Nov 2007
Consumer complaints website, PissedConsumer.com, has launched a new consumer advocacy section offering consumer tips and advice just in time for the holiday buying (and selling) season. 12 Nov 2007
Ted Leonsis wants you to pay bills and transfer money online in a new way, with no fees. 12 Nov 2007
Speech-enabled IVR is top-of-mind for many companies. As call centers look for ways to reduce cost, speech applications have traditionally been one of the lower cost alternatives. Over the next 12 to 18 months, 30 percent of Best in Class companies plan to implement a speech self-service application. 12 Nov 2007
What can retailers - both online and in stores - do to prepare for post-holiday returns? The first thing is to do everything they can to minimize return levels in the first place, Scott Silverman, executive director of Shop.org, told CRM Buyer. Shop.org is the National Retail Federation's digital division. 12 Nov 2007
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) says the region is ready to open the SADC Free Trade Area (FTA) next year as per the set milestones. 12 Nov 2007
With more than 17,000 visitors through the doors over three days, rAge 2007, which took place at the end of September, proved to be an ideal platform for retailers looking for a weekend of exceptional sales, marketers looking to introduce new products to gamers, and tech junkies and product managers looking to build brand awareness. Even tertiary institutions jumped aboard, using rAge as a platform to reach the Gauteng youth. 9 Nov 2007
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