Cardtronics, which provides services to approximately 225,000 ATMs in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, has acquired Spark ATM Systems, marking its entry into the South African market. 6 Feb 2017
Crime is part of life in South Africa, and goods in transit are often subject to increased criminal activity, particularly with regard to easily saleable, high value or small items. Surveillance solutions that utilise very low bandwidth could offer a solution. 6 Feb 2017
As we start the year 2017, we tend to reflect on the year that was. This might be a good time to look towards the future and see what 2017 has in store for us. Let's look at some headlining franchising trends for 2017. 3 Feb 2017
Bernie Brookes. Image via Business Day
Edcon officially belongs to its creditors with effect from 1 February, after it convinced senior lenders to accept a shareholding in the company, restructured its debt and made changes to the structure. 3 Feb 2017
It's no secret that around 80 percent of the 80 billion plastic bottles produced annually will end up in landfills or oceans where it will take 800 years to biodegrade. The Paper Water Bottle claims to be a brand-friendly and eco-friendly solution. Founded as an alternative to plastic, Paper Water Bottle is made of a pulp material comprised of organic and sustainable combinations of plant-based fibres. 3 Feb 2017
HARARE: Zimbabwe started levying a 15 percent value-added tax on basic foodstuffs Wednesday, the government said, dealing a further blow to cash-strapped consumers already battling to survive in an ailing economy. 3 Feb 2017
The R950 million Springs Mall will open on 16 March 2017 with special offers from among the 170 shops, restaurants and services, covering 48,000 sqm. Its anchor retailers are Woolworths, Checkers, Pick n Pay and Edgars. They will be joined by a comprehensive line-up of retail brands and concepts. 3 Feb 2017
To connect corporate, government and individual buyers to local creative SMMEs, the Cape Craft + Design Institute (CCDI) has launched its new subsidiary business, CCDI Connect, a level 1 B-BBEE business. 3 Feb 2017
Nampak CEO Andre de Ruyter
Packaging giant Nampak, which has about R2bn of restricted cash locked up in Nigeria and Angola, has placated investor fears that a rights issue could be in the offing. 3 Feb 2017
Euromonitor International has released its new hot and soft drinks industry data, which indicates the fastest growth in hot drinks is in the Middle East and Africa, while coconut and other plant-based waters show top growth in soft drink market. 3 Feb 2017
While Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) may have delivered an impressive full-year performance in SA amid a constrained consumer environment, the Swedish company's group results show that global retail is struggling as much as the local sector. 2 Feb 2017
South Africa's poultry industry says it is on the brink of collapse due to hotly-denied accusations that the European Union is dumping cheap chicken in the country in a dispute over free trade. 2 Feb 2017
Source: Capitec Bank
Nielsen's most recent annual banking survey data shows that Capitec Bank, established in 2001, has significantly increased its lead as South Africa's most popular bank. It is South Africa's preferred and most-used primary bank and is now the third largest retail bank in the country based on number of customers, according to banking industry interim results of August 2016. 2 Feb 2017
The Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA), using the Green Star SA – Existing Building Performance Custom Tenant rating tool, has awarded the Woolworths Palmyra store in Claremont, Cape Town a 5-star rating. 2 Feb 2017
SAN FRANCISCO: Online retail colossus Amazon on Tuesday said it will strengthen its distribution muscle and create US jobs by building its first air freight hub, an investment of nearly $1.5 billion. 2 Feb 2017
Starbucks South Africa launched its localised version of the global rewards programme, Starbucks Rewards at the Rosebank store on Wednesday, 1 February. 1 Feb 2017
Minority shareholders in Steinhoff and Shoprite remain unconvinced of the benefits of a proposed merger between the companies. The share prices of both are still trading below the levels at which they were in early December before the deal was flagged. 1 Feb 2017
For those entrepreneurs considering a franchise operation in 2017, Cash Converters offers 15 new opportunities for people who want to empower themselves by starting their own business. 1 Feb 2017
RCL Foods, one of SA's biggest chicken producers, says it faces a bleak future as it lays off 1,355 workers - or half the workforce - at its large Hammarsdale operations in KwaZulu-Natal. 1 Feb 2017
Garth Napier has been appointed managing director of retail chain Pepkor Africa, reporting to the Pepkor Africa Group MD, Leon Lourens. 1 Feb 2017
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