With the continued growth and awareness of the convenience retail sector and the strengthening of its position as part of the traditional retail industry, organisations such as the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) are employing the expertise of convenience and fuel retailing industry professionals from around the world to discuss and debate international best practice on key trends and developments and rate best in class international retailers. 19 Jan 2018
We recently saw a global clothing retailer unwittingly become the target of consumer fury locally, as a result of their sizing. A disgruntled customer pointed out on social media the visible disparity between the store's sizing compared to other local retailers' size equivalent, with the retailer in question responding that their sizing was in line with EU standards. 18 Jan 2018
Like so many other sectors, the South African beverage market has not escaped the effects of the country's economic slowdown. In 2015/16, it experienced just 1.6% volume growth, compared to the 4.1% recorded in the same period the previous year. 18 Jan 2018
TFG CEO Doug Murray
Retail group TFG - whose brands include Foschini, Markham and @home - enjoyed Christmas sales in 2017 that were 31% higher than the previous year's. 18 Jan 2018
Shoprite's non-South African supermarket division recorded negative growth for the six months to December, owing to the effect of lower commodity prices on and the depreciation of currencies of the countries in which the group operates. 18 Jan 2018
Black Friday boosted November 2017's retail sales to 8.2% - double the annual growth expected by economists. 18 Jan 2018
Rooibos ice tea maker Bos Brands aims to double its retail market share in SA after announcing a sales and distribution deal with JSE-listed Rhodes Food Group (RFG) on Tuesday. 17 Jan 2018
E-commerce has changed the way the world conducts business, and the rise in technology has made it easier to interact with customers quickly and across borders. With economies becoming more interconnected, companies large and small are now able to access markets that were previously unattainable. 17 Jan 2018
Despite 2017 being a tough year for business and consumers, South Africa has remained a desirable destination for global brands looking to expand their businesses. none show this more than franchising in South Africa. According to Morne Cronje, head of franchising at FNB Business, this is most visible in South Africa's franchising sector. 17 Jan 2018
Image credit: Martin Rhodes
Former Shoprite Holdings CEO Whitey Basson says he vouches for the honesty of his friend and fellow Shoprite shareholder of many years, former Steinhoff chairman Christo Wiese, and will assist the collapsed furniture, apparel and home products retailer if he can. 17 Jan 2018
The Threads Accelerator, a fashion SME programme presented by marketing agency Nonzero and Standard Bank, has entered its second stage. Twelve fashion entrepreneurs - three each from Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town - have embarked on a 12-week programme designed to turn their fashion brands into fashion businesses. 17 Jan 2018
Image credit: Sunday Times
Kevin Hedderwick has resigned as a nonexecutive director of Famous Brands with immediate effect, the owner of Steers, Wimpy and other fast food franchises said in a statement on Tuesday morning. 17 Jan 2018
Consumers around the world are putting more value on experiences than they do on possessions, and South Africans are no different. Online shopping, commoditisation of once-expensive goods like smartphones, and a craving for simplicity among consumers are all factors that are helping to drive this trend. People increasingly agree that the thrill of a purchase fades quickly, but the memory of a great experience lasts a lifetime. 16 Jan 2018
Whitey Basson is back in the driving seat months after his exit from Shoprite, accepting an offer to become an independent nonexecutive director of JSE-listed dairy group Clover. 16 Jan 2018
Imagine a shopper, Sarah, who is concerned about child labour and knows about groups like the Fair Wear Foundation that certify which brands sell ethically produced clothing. Hours after learning that fashion giant H&M reportedly sells clothing made by children in risky workplaces in Burma, she goes shopping. Completely forgetting about what she just heard, she buys an H&M dress. 16 Jan 2018
Woolworths share price fell as much as 9% to R57.64 on Monday morning after said its interim headline earnings per share (HEPS) were expected to fall as much as 17.5%. 16 Jan 2018
Image credit: Jessica Levitt via Times Live
Just as many South Africans were recovering from the drama caused by the Economic Freedom Fighters over the weekend, the red berets yet again stormed one of the biggest malls in the country, Mall of Africa in Midrand north of Johannesburg. 16 Jan 2018
The Competition Commission's probe into the supply of school uniforms has so far established that various schools had made exclusive supply deals with stockists, a practice that is considered uncompetitive. 16 Jan 2018
Image credit: Petrics
LAS VEGAS, US - And to cats and horses, for that matter, as high-end gadgetry showcased at this week's Consumer Electronics Show offered ways that smart devices can improve the lives of animals and their human friends - starting with a good night's rest. 15 Jan 2018
Plan B Dessertery, a KwaZulu-Natal brand introduced by the founders of Wakaberry, has opened its doors in The Zone @ Rosebank in Johannesburg. 15 Jan 2018
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