In today's competitive market, retailers need to create a compelling reason for customers to enter their stores. Smart use of technology offers one way to differentiate themselves from the competition. 16 Oct 2018
The franchise sector continues to grow healthily, according to the survey results recently released by the Franchise Association of South Africa (Fasa). That sounds as if we should be in a good position to answer the president's call to create jobs - but, as the saying goes, the truth is rarely simple. 15 Oct 2018
By acquiring the prestigious Italian fashion house, Versace, American group Michael Kors enters the luxury world, despite a lack of experience in the sector. It's a risky move, but one that makes financial sense. 15 Oct 2018
Kitchen and homeware retailer Yuppiechef opened the doors to its new flagship store in Cape Town's V&A Waterfront on 1 October. The look and feel of the company's third brick and mortar space echoes that of the first two - industrial, yet modern and polished with a premium selection of products to delight cooks and foodies. 15 Oct 2018
Former Famous Brands group chief executive Kevin Hedderwick has joined the Real Foods board as group strategic director, while Antony Ball, the former co-founder, CEO and major shareholder of Brait, has also joined the Real Foods board as of 1 October 2018. 15 Oct 2018
Cartoons, shiny metallics, over-the-top accessories and statement-making prints are what characterise the much anticipated Moschino x H&M collection. 12 Oct 2018
Chief executive of The Lion Match Company, Basie van Wyk (left) with Jessica Rycroft (National Marketing Manager on Personal Care, Unsgaard (middle) and George Lemon, General Works Manager for Unsgaard (right). In the background is the newly commissioned pantyliner equipment which is located at Unsgaard in Cape Town.
Unsgaard, The Lion Match Company's manufacturer of a wide range of personal care products under the Comfitex, Cherubs, Lion-Duel and Loving Touch brands, has just commissioned a multimillion-rand pantyliner production plant in Cape Town. 12 Oct 2018
The multibillion-rand structural redevelopment of Fourways Mall in Johannesburg is being accompanied by a new brand and corporate identity, which will be rolled out across the property's various media and structural assets ahead of its re-opening during 2019. 12 Oct 2018
5M2T (5 Minutes 2 Town) aims to take the guesswork out of doing business in South Africa's dynamic informal sector by providing brands and wholesale distributors with detailed data and analysis of informal trade outlets - all accessible through a mobile app. 12 Oct 2018
Edcon, South Africa's largest non-food retailer, has officially announced the launch of Edgars Home. The new store concept replaces the Boardmans brand, and will be rolled out with a refreshed look and feel in the Edgars network as both stand-alone and shop-in-shop formats. 12 Oct 2018
The results of a survey commisioned by the Marine Stewardship Council reveals that seafood consumers are increasingly demanding independent verification of sustainability claims in supermarkets. Research agency GlobeScan surveyed more than 25,000 consumers in 22 countries, and 72% of this year's respondents expressed a desire for such independent certification, up from 68% in 2016. 11 Oct 2018
2018 has been a year of great retail activity and by August we had reached a technical recession. A recession is two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth and our most recent dance with this emotionally taxing indicator was in 2008. Ten years apart is a concern and understanding this recession will provide an indicator for Q3 and Q4 performance. 11 Oct 2018
Technical footwear company, Olympic International, has reported 25% year on year growth, despite tough economic conditions. 11 Oct 2018
If shopping is one of the world's greatest leisure activities, why are we seeing so much frustration in the aisles? It is because shopping to put food on the table and stock up on razor blades is functional, so marketers have to work harder to ensure shoppers bond with your brand and that buying is a pleasure from start to finish. 11 Oct 2018
European retail giant Carrefour has joined other participants involved in building the IBM Food Trust blockchain network, adopting the technology to improve the traceability of food products with plans to expand to all Carrefour brands by 2022. 11 Oct 2018
Checkers recently commissioned four upcoming South African artists to create unique artworks which would adorn the wine labels of the newest additions to the retailer's exclusive Odd Bins range. 10 Oct 2018
South African consumers are blessed with a choice of high quality locally produced olive oils. In recent years the growing number of awards won at major international olive oil competitions - even when pitted against countries like Italy and Spain - attest to the fact that the quality of SA olive oils can hold their own with the best of the world. 10 Oct 2018
FNB is hosting the 7th Franchise Leadership Summit at Montecasino on Tuesday, 13 November 2018. Themed 'Equipping you to future proof your franchise', the summit encourages discussion amongst high calibre franchisors and industry stakeholders. 10 Oct 2018
South African online florist Petal&Post is planning expansion across the country after its offering met with significant success in Cape Town and Durbanville. 10 Oct 2018
Summer is a smell that rises softly from silvery sand and clings to skin damp with salt spray. It's the clatter of shutters before dawn to let in the blossom-fragrant morning air, and the petals of peonies scattered around a vase on the breakfast table. It's the graze of a fluttery sleeve along a sun-kissed arm and sandals twined around fingertips as you make a mad dash for the shore. Summer is romance, freedom, adventure and bliss. 9 Oct 2018
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