Despite the emergence and steadily increasing popularity of mobile and online commerce, the retail store remains the strongest customer touchpoint. But these days, in a tough economic climate where competitors fight for control of consumers' hard-earned rands, the retail environment has to work that much harder to keep its customers, and keep them happy. 25 Nov 2015
Laurence Rapp, CEO of Vukile Property Fund.
The Vukile Property Fund has reported 7% growth in distributions per share for its half year to 30 September 2015, delivering results in line with its market guidance. Its results show strong operational performance and an increased retail property focus. 25 Nov 2015
In a few short weeks, another year will draw to a close and thousands of South Africans will begin setting off for holiday destinations around the country. For franchise owners, especially those in the fast food business, their busiest and most lucrative time of the year awaits. But, said Ethel Nyembe, head of small enterprise of Standard Bank, being ready for the festive business boom means making sure that all preparations are in place. 25 Nov 2015
With the rise of industrialisation, shopping became a mass-market, impersonal experience. Today, however, we are seeing a significant trend back to an experience-driven economy. Personalisation has become an essential dimension for the delivery of a rich shopping experience - and delivering a customer experience that is tailored toward the needs of shoppers is a significant competitive advantage. 25 Nov 2015
As the year draws to a close, shopping malls begin to experience a significant rise in foot traffic as many South Africans and international tourists rush to complete their Christmas shopping. 25 Nov 2015
The Black Friday sales promotion will return to Checkers this Friday, 27 November. Checkers was the first food retailer to bring Black Friday to South African shores in 2014, and this year has also teamed up with Uber to offer selected customers a free, seamless journey to and from their supermarkets on the day. 25 Nov 2015
The new Barbie clothing range has been launched in selected Edgars stores nationwide with a powerful brand message to match - women can be anything they want to be. The launch coincides with a new local CSI initiative driven by Blue Horizon Licensing (Blue Horizon), exclusive representative of Barbie and all Mattel consumer products in South Africa, in the hopes of providing greater opportunities to better the lives of women in need. 24 Nov 2015
The media launch of international doughnut brand Krispy Kreme was held earlier this week at the Zone in Rosebank, Johannesburg. 24 Nov 2015
The Watershed opened for trade in October 2014 after an R50-million transformation of an existing craft market space, and has fast become an important facilitator and supporter of local entrepreneurship through the sale of handmade items and African design. 24 Nov 2015
So, you've launched a new product or opened a new business unit or even started a whole new company from scratch, and did all your homework in the way of market research beforehand? 24 Nov 2015
SAB has launched Carling Blue Label, SAB's first single malt variety beer, which comes with a rich malty flavour, a subtle yet complex aroma and a smooth finish. 24 Nov 2015
The South African Civil Aviation Authority, which in July promulgated regulations governing the operation of drones, is considering requirements for manufacturers. 24 Nov 2015
E-commerce in South Africa faces many challenges. From the consumer perspective, these include reluctance to pay delivery costs, confusion around payment and the need for a credit card, security, and the ability to return items or get money refunded. 23 Nov 2015
Toys R Us has launched a new online shopping app to purchase toys, gaming and baby products via their mobile devices. Through the dedicated mobile app, users can browse and make purchases from the retailer's wide range of brands as well as receive notifications of promotions and new products. In addition, the app features search by category and store locator options. 23 Nov 2015
K-Way Manufacturers, the manufacturing division of the Cape Union Mart Group, has been recognised by the Fibre Processing & Manufacturing SETA (FP&M SETA), for providing opportunities for young people to work and acquire skills in the clothing industry. FP&M SETA has recognised K-Way as the Best Practice Workplace Provider in the Learnership Category for 2015. 23 Nov 2015
Photographer: Freddy Mavunda
Image source: Financial Mail
It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it, Warren Buffett observed. It is a sobering fact that has hit Lewis Group with a vengeance. 23 Nov 2015
New Edcon CEO Bernie Brookes has been visiting stores for consumer research.
Image: BDlive.co.za
Edcon, the retailer whose chains include Edgars, CNA and Legit, will make sweeping changes under new boss Bernie Brookes as the ailing group tries to claw back market share. 23 Nov 2015
PARIS - Toys R Us said on Friday it will remove from its shelves toy guns and other kids' toys in France that could confuse police in light of the Paris attacks. 23 Nov 2015
Rhodes Food Group said on Monday its business had generated strong operating cash flows in the year ended 27 September 2015. 23 Nov 2015
Coinciding with World Fisheries Day on 21 November, Woolworths has launched new ranges of responsibly farmed fish, marking another significant milestone in its Good Business Journey. The fish are the ASC-certified tilapia products. 20 Nov 2015
