Supply chains - the series of events needed to get goods and services to customers at the right place, time, quality, and price - face a number of impending challenges in 2016. 18 Jan 2016
Despite the economic outlook, political uncertainty, international strife, drought, and the weakening of the rand, there remains an industry oasis. It is the franchise industry, encompassing a wide array of business sectors and it continues to hold its own year on year. At Franchize Directions, we believe 2016 is going to be no exception... 18 Jan 2016
Jenna McArthur
The PR landscape is constantly evolving and finding new ways and means of reaching communities. 18 Jan 2016
Nigerian gift-card startup SureGifts is introducing a new service that allows employees in Nigeria to obtain voucher loans to pay for certain online services. 15 Jan 2016
Photographer: James Oatway
Image source: BDlive.co.za
South African retailers face a tough environment this year due to challenging domestic macroeconomics, but those with exposure to developed markets and higher earning customers are likely to fare better. 15 Jan 2016
LONDON - Luxury fashion group Burberry on Thursday announced a return to retail sales growth in China despite an economic slowdown, boosting overall results in its third quarter. 15 Jan 2016
LONDON - Troubled British supermarket giant Tesco posted sliding quarterly sales on Thursday as the nation's biggest retailer faced fierce competition but put in a solid performance over Christmas. 15 Jan 2016
Almost one-third of European retailers view Africa as an important future destination in the next three to five years, real estate advisor, CBRE has advised. In a recent report, CBRE surveyed the expansion plans of 115 leading retailers. Over the next five years, one-third see Africa as extremely or very important retail destination with 28% of respondents viewing South Africa, Egypt (19%) and Nigeria (16%) as key priority markets. 14 Jan 2016
Business can be slower than normal after New Year as people return from holiday and start getting ready to get back to work. For a small business owner, the luxury of having some spare time available makes this an ideal opportunity to prepare for 2016. 14 Jan 2016
Old Mutual's private equity unit has bought a stake in In2Food, a South African maker of ready-made meals and snacks, as the investor bets on an increasing appetite for convenience products among SA's growing middle class. 14 Jan 2016
FRANKFURT - German retail and distribution giant Metro said Tuesday it expects to have achieved a "significant" increase in quarterly profits, thanks to "very good" Christmas business and gains from the sale of its cash-and carry business in Vietnam. 14 Jan 2016
The Department of Trade and Industry is looking to accelerate SA's move into more value-added activities to cushion the country from the decline in commodity prices. 13 Jan 2016
A Cashbuild outlet in Rustenburg, North West.
Picture: Martin Rhodes
Building material retailer Cashbuild jumped 8.3% on Tuesday after saying its December quarter revenue had grown 15% from the matching period in 2014. Its revenue over six months was 14% higher than in the previous year. 13 Jan 2016
Food and household goods retail chain Shoprite Holdings, which owns brands including Shoprite, Checkers, Usave and OK Furniture, showed muted growth in the six months to December as South African consumers came under pressure and competition among supermarket chains intensified. 13 Jan 2016
The first time I heard about Travelbeta launch by Onyeka Akumah was in July 2015 at the official launch of HouseMax in Lagos. Akumah described the platform as one that would totally transform the travel space in Africa. Few months later, the platform was officially launched and a few weeks later, it raised US$2-million. 13 Jan 2016
Employees test margarine at Unilever's headquarters in Rotterdam.
Image source: AFP
Photographer: John Thys
HAVANA - Dutch food and cosmetics giant Unilever will begin operations in Cuba in 2017 after communist officials authorized a joint venture with state firm Intersuchel, they said Monday. 13 Jan 2016
Manufacturing output contracted year on year in November last year, although the pace of contraction was lower than that recorded in October. 13 Jan 2016
Shoprite Holdings (SHP) increased turnover by 8.8% from R57.5bn to about R62.5bn in the six months to December 2015, the company said in an operational update on Tuesday. 13 Jan 2016
During January, CNN's Marketplace Africa is airing a series of episodes featuring four of the biggest global brands in Africa. Each week, the programme will focus on the operations of a brand on the ground, to show how it deals with infrastructural and logistical challenges that exist on the continent, and how it positions its brand to appeal to African consumers. Marketplace Africa will also have FaceTime interviews with CEOs from each company to discuss how their strategy for Africa ties into the overall global strategy. 12 Jan 2016
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