On top of very weak festive season sales during 2008, South African retailers anticipate another contraction in sales volume growth during the 2009 Christmas period. 26 Nov 2009
I am still thinking about the George Soros quote from a recent posting. The billionaire financier and philanthropist was quoted in Niall Ferguson's The Ascent of Money saying that "Every bubble consists of a trend and a misconception that interact in a reflexive manner." 26 Nov 2009
Softworx and SNS, Infor channel partners and product specialists, have announced a partnership that is designed to strengthen the Infor business in sub-Saharan Africa. Together, they aim to provide an expert team of operational and technical consultants, highly knowledgeable in the supply chain and logistics domain. 26 Nov 2009
The proposed new South African interactive kiosk web portal, JusTTouchIT - The Forum, has received international support for its intended launch in February 2010. The Australian kiosk solution provider Yeahpoint, which has a small operation in South Africa, has become a Gold Sponsor. 26 Nov 2009
Rickety Bridge has released an inaugural 2008 Foundation Stone Shiraz-Mourvèdre-Grenache blend. This unique blend of exquisitely interwoven varietals mimics the style of wine made in France's renowned Rhône Valley, attaining a four-star rating in the 2010 John Platter Wine Guide. 26 Nov 2009
Pedigree is sponsoring the African Tails 2010 Calendar that will allow the charity to raise funds for mass sterilizations to curb the overpopulation of neglected dogs in the Cape. The charity feeds, rescues and cares for South African street dogs. 26 Nov 2009
The Consumer Price Index for October 2009 fell within the South African Reserve Bank's (SARB) inflation target range at 5.9%, reported Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). 25 Nov 2009
Tiger Brands, SA's largest food company, yesterday, 24 November 2009, said profit for the year to September rose 8% to R2,5bn, as people switched to maize from more expensive staples such as rice, and commodity prices fell from the high prices seen the year before. 25 Nov 2009
A consumer credit organisation is predicting a bleak Christmas this year, particularly for the retail industry. 25 Nov 2009
While retailers are facing increased competition, many have recognised that the way to thrive today is to invest in new ways to engage and serve their customers. Many are taking a fresh look at one of the cornerstones of the online experience: site search. 25 Nov 2009
Sony Ericsson features Space Hoppers in its latest international advertising campaign ‘Spark Something', to launch its new Aino and Satio mobile phones. To further the campaign, consumers are invited to pump up Space Hoppers via Twitter, creating a unique interaction between the online community and the offline, physical world. This is believed to be the first time such a concept has been realised on a large scale. 25 Nov 2009
To celebrate its decade of winemaking, Groote Post, a Cape West Coast wine farm near Darling, is releasing four new wines. Winemaker, Lukas Wentzel says of the 2009 harvest, “This vintage has produced some of the best white wines we've ever made and the reds are showing very nicely too.” 25 Nov 2009
For what is reputed to be for the first time, a South African national rugby team is wearing kit that has been 100% produced in South Africa with the new Canterbury Springbok Sevens Rugby jersey. The jersey is made of a very light, quick-drying fabric, to minimise sweating and enable the team to perform at its best. 25 Nov 2009
Violight system, recently launched in South Africa, is reported to eliminate up to 99.9% of bacteria that thrive on toothbrushes and cause transferral of bacteria and viruses. The system uses a germicidal UV bulb, a similar technology used in hospitals to kill germs. 25 Nov 2009
Many retail banks have alienated their clients be reacting inappropriately to the recession. In part 1 of this article we look at some of the long-term damage to their brands. 25 Nov 2009
South Africa has emerged from its first recession in seventeen years. 24 Nov 2009
Addis is launching its first environmentally friendly household cleaning range of products using microfiber technology. “These cleaning products do not require detergents and use very little water,” says the marketing director of USABCO - the South African manufacturer of the Addis brand of houseware and cleaning products since 1914. 24 Nov 2009
BERLIN, GERMANY: With the crunch climate change summit in Copenhagen fast approaching, even McDonald's has decided to go green, at least with its logo, a senior executive said on Monday, 23 November 2009. 24 Nov 2009
Kwanda Klothing, a Soul City initiative, has brought together the talent of seamstresses to produce a winning clothing range with a distinctly urban feel. 24 Nov 2009
Building material retailer Cashbuild on Monday, 23 November 2009, announced that its chief executive, Pat Goldrick, has advised of his intention to retire in 2012, upon reaching the company's normal retirement age. 24 Nov 2009
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