Real retail sales growth for October continued to record a reasonably healthy growth rate under the weak economic circumstances. From a revised 3% year-on-year growth rate for September, October's rate rose slightly to 3.3%. This remains very healthy considering a third-quarter real economic growth rate of nearer to 1%. 14 Dec 2015
According to a recent study conducted by Ipsos, cross-border shopping is a growing trend with around 80% of shoppers going international when purchasing goods online. In Nigeria, 47% of the online spend is already taken internationally, while in South Africa shopping across the continent continues to rise in popularity. The two countries are playing no small role in boosting e-commerce on the continent, offering a much-needed shift that can potentially have a positive impact on both economies. 14 Dec 2015
Antoinette Coetzee, retail analyst of Redefine Properties.
Although some retailers put out their festive displays as early as October, Antoinette Coetzee, retail analyst of Redefine Properties, says the festive trading period is likely to be a short one this year, characterised by shoppers opting for quality over quantity, and driven by promotions and the desire for experiential offerings. 14 Dec 2015
The Australia-based Cotton On Group, the fashion retail group, is predicting its strongest festive period yet in South Africa, with an expected 20% growth in year-on-year sales. 14 Dec 2015
The new multi-million rand Cosmo Mall Pedestrian Bridge, developed by the Bentel Group, the owner and developer of the mall, will open to the public later this month just before the peak festive season trading. 14 Dec 2015
The Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in Pretoria is now wholly owned by Pareto, which previously owned a 50% stake and last week took transfer of the remaining 50% stake from Old Mutual Life Assurance Company. 14 Dec 2015
Recent findings released by BMi Research reveal that the sorghum beer market in South Africa has been steadily declining over the past three years. This trend comes both from decline of stock as well as declined consumption from the market, as more and more consumers are turning their attention to the likes of malt beer and craft beer. 11 Dec 2015
WASHINGTON - Walmart on Thursday announced it was launching its own mobile payments service, challenging similar offerings from Apple, Samsung, Google and others. 11 Dec 2015
MADRID - Spanish global clothing giant Inditex, owner of the Zara brand, posted on Thursday a 20-percent surge in nine-month net profits as its investments and expansion began to pay off. 11 Dec 2015
Retail sales growth performed better than expected in October, providing a glimmer of hope that the sector will lift economic activity in the fourth quarter. 11 Dec 2015
Constantia Flexibles has completed the acquisition of the South African flexibles packaging group Afripack after receiving approval from the relevant anti-trust authorities. 11 Dec 2015
It's a social experiment and a commercial adventure, an 'experiventure'," says, Exclusive Books CEO Benjamin Trisk of the bookseller's new store in Hyde Park Corner, Johannesburg. 11 Dec 2015
Recent findings released by BMi Research reveals that the drinking yoghurt market in South Africa experienced its lowest growth since 2009, increasing during 2014. The category itself has been very stable, with little movement internally from players. 10 Dec 2015
Nedbank and Chesa Nyama have announced a strategic funding agreement through which Nedbank will offer financial assistance for prospective Chesa Nyama franchisees. 10 Dec 2015
Dr Andrew Venter, CEO of Wildlands and Peter Cowan, chairman of Unilever South Africa.
South Africa is experiencing droughts, heatwaves and unseasonably cold weather, and so, recognising the crucial role played by trees in absorbing greenhouse gases that fuel global warming, Unilever South Africa has, in partnership with Wildlands, planted 195,770 trees across South Africa. 10 Dec 2015
There are many macro trends, globally and locally, which affect both retailers and brand manufacturers in the consumer goods space. Proper category management and its impact on retailers and brand's success are driven by the industry's ability to understand and capitalise on these macro trends. 10 Dec 2015
A market traditionally regarded as an afterthought, tweens - youths aged between nine and 16 - are increasingly brand savvy and spending more of their pocket money on clothing than on anything else, and retailers are starting to sit up and take note. 10 Dec 2015
Rebosis Property Fund has decided to focus on shopping malls, shifting its government-tenanted offices gradually into subsidiary Ascension Properties as it looks to attract retail-hungry investors. 10 Dec 2015
Let's do Biz
