As it continues to grow its wholesale, manufacturing and online presence nationwide, shoemaker Bata South Africa has announced the rationalisation/restructuring of its retail division. The company says it will review its long-term strategy focusing on the expansion of multi-channel and online retail markets. 24 Jan 2018
NEWSWATCH: Family-owned global spirits maker Bacardi Limited has acquired 100% ownership of Patrón Spirits International and its Patron tequila brand. The transaction values the tequila company at $5.1 billion and is expected to close in the first half of 2018. 24 Jan 2018
The current spike in the incidences of listeriosis, the disease which is transmitted to people through contaminated food and has already led to the known deaths of more than 80 people, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of having the means to timely identify and act on food safety threats. 24 Jan 2018
By 2021, smart technologies will provide shoppers with new levels of personalisation, speed and convenience, according to recent research from Zebra Technologies Corporation. The technology solutions provider's 2017 Retail Vision Study analysed the technology trends shaping the future of the global retail industry and enhancing the shopping experience. 23 Jan 2018
The Clicks group delivered impressive growth in the 20 weeks to January, lifted by strong promotional offerings as it continues to show resilience in the tough economic climate. 23 Jan 2018
2018 started off with a social media outcry from netizens and consumers around the world who were offended by a blatantly racist advert produced by Swedish clothing giant H&M, which also has a retail presence in South Africa. Within days the global outcry against the advert flighted on the company's UK website quickly escalated into public demonstrations of outrage in South Africa, resulting in trashing of local stores and suspension of trade. 23 Jan 2018
South African on-demand delivery service Zulzi is to expand to Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria in the coming months from its Johannesburg North base after racking up over 10,000 subscribers. 23 Jan 2018
A recent episode of Special Assignment looked into how unsafe imported chicken ends up in consumers' pots. "South African consumers face serious health risks from imported chicken, and are misled by retailers who stock incorrectly labelled imports which may also have been thawed, re-worked and refrozen before it reaches the shelves, leading to dangerously high bacterial levels," says antidumping advocacy group FairPlay. 23 Jan 2018
SAN FRANCISCO, US - Online giant Amazon on Monday plans to open a convenience store in Seattle where hungry customers will be able to grab sandwiches and go, without having to wait in line or use a checkout. 22 Jan 2018
Hedi Slimane
PARIS, France - Hedi Slimane, the designer who pioneered the skinny look at Dior and Saint Laurent, is to take over at Celine, the brand's owners said on Sunday. 22 Jan 2018
Alcoholic drinks giant, Pernod Ricard, has joined the war on plastic by declaring that it will no longer use non-biodegradable plastic straws and stirrers in any part of its business. The Group has asked all its affiliates globally to ensure plastic is not used at any Pernod Ricard events in the future. 22 Jan 2018
In a world where disposable, mass-produced goods of dubious quality are wreaking havoc on the environment, there is a growing place for luxury goods that don't need to be constantly repurchased because of their unfortunate build quality. 22 Jan 2018
The Lion Match Company, whose iconic golden lion is synonymous with safety matches in South Africa, has launched a new match. 22 Jan 2018
Image credit: Esa Alexander
After 200 years of making beer, Newlands Brewery in Cape Town is going into the water business. 22 Jan 2018
The Coca-Cola Company has announced a commitment to become more environmentally friendly by reshaping its approach to packaging. As part of the pledge, the company has stated a global goal to help collect and recycle the equivalent of 100% of its packaging by 2030. 22 Jan 2018
Image credit: Dean Hutton via Bloomberg
Massmart recorded muted growth for the year to December as it battled a weaker economy and stronger rand. 19 Jan 2018
The manufacturing industry's role in the South African economy has seen a long and sustained decline: from contributing nearly a quarter of GDP in the 1980s, the sector added a mere 13% to the country's GDP in 2016. Job creation has also not materialised: after 400,000 jobs were lost following the 2008 global financial crisis, the sector failed to recover and today employs 300,000 people fewer than in 2008. 19 Jan 2018
Nigerian online furniture retailer Skarabrand has sold more than 1,000 items and delivered to 11 cities since its launch in 2015. 19 Jan 2018
Image credit: Freddy Mavunda
Mr Price outperformed other retailers in the three months to December, recording 8.3% growth in sales. 19 Jan 2018
Dan Matthews, technical architect at Episerver, has been announced as one of the speakers at the Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) Conference 2018 to be held at Vodaworld on 8 February. He shares his insights on e-commerce and inbound marketing. 19 Jan 2018
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