One of the biggest frustrations instore shoppers face is not being able to find products they're looking for - whether they are sold out, hard to find or simply not practical to keep in stock. And customers hardly ever ask about them if they're not. While these missed opportunities may seem inconsequential, they are starting to add up in this competitive retail environment where every sale counts. 15 Feb 2019
Visitors to the USA's popular Coachella festival in April will now be able to shop festival essentials from Amazon to be delivered to an Amazon locker located inside the event. Whether it's sunscreen, sunglasses or phone chargers, festival-goers will be able to order these in advance for delivery during the festival or order onsite for same-day delivery, at no extra cost. 14 Feb 2019
IBM has revealed the five significant changes driven by innovation in science and technology that will transform every stage of the food supply chain within the next five years. 14 Feb 2019
For Valentine's Day, South Africans spend more on romantic experiences like travel and dining out rather than traditional gifts. This is according to the latest Mastercard Love Index, which offers retailers and merchants insights into consumer buying habits and behaviours during the period leading up to the most romantic day of the year. 14 Feb 2019
Retail sales declined 1,4% year-on-year in December 2018, with five of the seven types of retailer reporting negative growth rates during the period, according to the latest figures from Stats SA. This is the first time retail sales declined since February 2017. 14 Feb 2019
Uganda's Carico Café Connoisseur is using blockchain technology to track the supply chain of the coffee it sells. The launch of Carico's premium African coffees comes at a time when consumers are demanding that the products they consume are traceable, especially when it comes to coffee, an industry that used to be known for exploitative practices. 13 Feb 2019
Less than a year after Toys 'R' Us liquidated its assets and shut the doors to hundreds of toy stores and Babies 'R' Us stores in the U.S., the company has reemerged under a new brand. 13 Feb 2019
Pick n Pay is trialling an environmentally-friendly R5 bag as an affordable reusable alternative to plastic carrier bags. The new budget bag is made from green recycled plastic bottles and will initially be introduced in 22 stores across the country to gauge customer reaction. 13 Feb 2019
At present, e-business in Africa remains a challenge. It may be better than it ever has been, but the truth is that lower literacy and internet penetration levels continue to limit the growth on the continent. 13 Feb 2019
As the co-founder and MD of Silvertree Internet Holdings, Manuel Koser has invested in and helped grow an impressive list of successful South African businesses. Among them are Faithful to Nature, UCook, Pricecheck, Petheaven, Cybercellar and CarZar. 12 Feb 2019
Bata, the globally renowned footwear company, is taking an unconventional look at Valentine's Day. The brand knows that even though you always see perfect couples in ads and on social media, true love is never perfect: real love is not picture perfect. 12 Feb 2019
Happy (almost) Valentine's Day, retailers! Since the day of hearts is upon us, we thought it's high time to remind merchants about the things they can do to spread the love. You don't have to be in the flowers or gifts industry to show your V-Day spirit. 12 Feb 2019
Bloomable, the online marketplace formerly known as SA Florist, has teamed up with Ge:Skenk to offer shoppers conscious gifting options. 12 Feb 2019
Walmart has introduced its own private label furniture brand called MoDRN, available exclusively online through the Walmart.com's home section and on Walmart-owned sites Jet.com and Hayneedle.com. Featuring nearly 650 items across every room in the house, the company says that MoDRN has been created for customers who embrace a modern aesthetic. 12 Feb 2019
NEWSWATCH: It's been little over a month since Woolworths was accused of copying the design of a baby carrier produced by Cape Town-based small business Ubuntu Baba. Now, Michelle Legge, the owner of local beverage brand Superlatte claims that the retailer copied the idea for her superfood drinks and started selling their own version at Woolworths Cafes. 11 Feb 2019
Retail chain Miniso will be stocking a 264-item collection of accessories and apparel inspired by animated TV series Adventure Time, after entering into a deal with Cartoon Network. 11 Feb 2019
The shopping centre ecosystem: Banks that fund shopping centres; property developers that build shopping centres; property funds that own shopping centres; construction companies that build shopping centres; shops. 11 Feb 2019
As each new app or tech gadget appears on the horizon, keeping the customer experience (CX) fresh and relevant becomes more complex. But making and retaining customers in 2019 is not just about keeping up with the sophisticated robotics of the 21st Century. Yes, branding and selling is about knowing what and how technology can assist in the CX experience but it's also about ensuring that there's a human and emotional connection with the consumer every step of the way. 8 Feb 2019
With the biennial food & drink technology Africa (fdt Africa) trade fair happening in Johannesburg in July this year, food and drink industry stakeholders said consumer pressure, along with more challenging trading conditions and growing environmental awareness, were among the top change drivers in the sector for 2019. 7 Feb 2019
The fourth annual Bar (Bartending Accolades and Recognition) Awards will be held on 11 March 2019; additional activities such as masterclasses and cocktail offers will also be held ahead of the award ceremony. 7 Feb 2019
Let's do Biz