Italist.com CEO, Diego Abba, was one of the opening keynote speakers at the Seamless Africa conference (future of payments, e-commerce & retail) in Cape Town this week. He stated that brands and ‘bricks and mortar' retailers need to leverage their in-store assets and move into the world of e-commerce with an effective multichannel approach to sales that offers a seamless shopping experience to customers both physical and online, or face serious sales declines or closure. 16 Mar 2017
SA's retail sector remains under pressure with sales in January decreasing 2.3% year on year. 16 Mar 2017
In the last decade, the question that dominated many retail categories in the US was, “How do we beat Walmart?” With its big box, high volume, low price strategy, many players were forced into niches from either a shopping segment or shopping occasion perspective. Some, like the dollar stores, flourished, others certainly did not. 16 Mar 2017
Nampak CEO Andre de Ruyter
Packaging manufacturer Nampak said on Wednesday that it has made significant progress in the implementation of its comprehensive plan to improve operational performance through "buying better, making better and selling better". 16 Mar 2017
The increase in questionable labelling claims to differentiate products has become an issue of concern for academics, regulators and consumers around the world. A walk through the aisles of a local supermarket will reveal some interesting marketing claims made on product packaging – some valid and some spurious at best. 15 Mar 2017
Nascon Allied Industries, a salt refining establishment and Dangote Salt are collaborating with the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria to rid the food market of unwholesome practices, by unscrupulous traders. 15 Mar 2017
The Parmalat Phuma Phambili programme, initiated in 2015, aims to work with emerging fast food and retail businesses as a business enabler, giving these township startups a much-needed competitive advantage. It has honoured five township entrepreneurs for their outstanding efforts in successfully growing their retail and fast food businesses and as a direct result, creating more jobs for members of their local communities, at an event held at Moyo, Melrose Arch. 15 Mar 2017
E-commerce experts believe it is possible to take South African e-commerce from 1% of total retail to 5%, if a few key elements are etched into place in a short space of time. 15 Mar 2017
The traditional cigarette business will generate smouldering profits for British American Tobacco (BAT) for the foreseeable future, but next-generation products are set to light up the bottom line in the longer term. 15 Mar 2017
Shirley Maltz, CEO of HomeChoice. Credit: Financial Mail
Home-shopping and digital retailer HomeChoice International declared a dividend of 87c per share on Tuesday in the release of its financial statements for the year to end-December. 15 Mar 2017
All South Africans can contribute to the Shoprite/Checkers fire relief efforts in Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay, following the devastating fires that destroyed 3,500 homes and displaced 15,000 people this past weekend. 14 Mar 2017
South African consumers look beyond price when actively seeking value for money while grocery shopping, with their perceptions of physical characteristics and quality superseding price in making astute purchase decisions that deliver value. 14 Mar 2017
In a recent Bizcommunity interview Design Indaba speaker Brian Collins commented that there has never been a better time to be a startup. Social media, e-commerce platforms and push notifications now mean that retail market share is anybody's game. Terry Levin, founder of Off the Shelf Marketing, predicts that the beverage sector may be one category set for major upheaval. Here's why. 14 Mar 2017
Founded by Morteza Saifi and Evgeniya Khromina, Panâh is an ethical fashion production house based in Nairobi, Kenya. The production house provides consulting, sourcing and manufacturing services for international brands as well as emerging African designers. 14 Mar 2017
Fry's Family Foods is a family-owned food company, begun in South Africa in 1992, and now an international supplier of vegan foods, available in over 25 countries. 13 Mar 2017
Switzerland's Ringier Africa has exited its recently formed joint venture with South Africa's Silvertree Internet Holdings, with Silvertree taking full ownership of Nigerian discount online shopping platform DealDey. 13 Mar 2017
Despite the uncertainty that Donald Trump's presidency in the US has introduced into the global economy, America remains an important market for South African citrus growers. They can also consider expanding their exports into that country through the introduction of locally produced niche-market citrus products. 13 Mar 2017
PARIS - Fashion house Chloe, previously overseen by such fashion superstars as Karl Lagerfeld and Stella McCartney, has named the young French designer Natacha Ramsay-Levi as its new creative director. 13 Mar 2017
Clothing retailer Queenspark reported interim profit of R3m for the six months to end-December – a fifth of the matching period's R15m – but hopes online sales via Zando and Spree websites will improve its fortunes. 13 Mar 2017
Pierre Jourdan Popsicles, the never-been-done-before in South Africa wine popsicles, hit shelves in South Africa in September 2016 and has since garnered upwards of R1million in sales. 10 Mar 2017
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