South African retail trade sales increased by 2.2% year-on-year in May, Stats SA said in a report, better than a Reuters forecast for a 1.6% expansion. 18 Jul 2019
When thinking 'search', you'd be forgiven for assuming that Google leads the pack. A global study has shown that consumers begin their retail-related searches on Amazon first (46%) followed by Google searches (34%). 17 Jul 2019
"Design" has been one of the big words of the twentieth century. To say that an object has been designed implies a level of specialness. "Designer items" are invested with a particular kind of expertise that is likely to make them pleasing to use, stylish, or - less common in late-capitalist society - well made. 17 Jul 2019
Pure Beginnings, a South African certified organic baby brand, can now be found on the shelves of Woolworths Food stores countrywide. 17 Jul 2019
French luxury group LVMH - owner of Vuitton, Dior and Givenchy - has purchased a minority stake in Stella McCartney's fashion firm. The news comes just over a year after McCartney ended her 17-year business partnership with LVMH's rival conglomerate, Kering, and bought back its 50% stake in her eponymous brand. 16 Jul 2019
By viewing our brand new corporate profile on YouTube we share our circular economy process with you. Our investment in technology offers you the opportunity to be the change, placing you right next to us in our 50-year-old recycling journey. 16 Jul 2019
KwaZulu-Natal's Ballito Junction Regional Mall, which opened in March 2017, is welcoming a host of new brands into its 80,000sqm retail space this year. 16 Jul 2019
Will technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) mean the end of human engagement and shopping in a physical retail store? Will we become completely dependent on Internet of Things (IoT) technology for shopping? Will we rely on a fridge to remind us of our shopping lists? Will we see robots shopping side-by-side with us in Checkers? Let's explore Retail 2030. 16 Jul 2019
South African telecoms giant Vodacom and global payments firm Mastercard on Thursday announced a new secure digital wallet and payments app called VodaPay Masterpass. 16 Jul 2019
The identity of luxury goods firms is often anchored in the creativity and skill of the artisans behind the objects. A case in point is Hermès, where workers spend years learning to work with precious materials such as leather and silk. This approach allows such companies to distinguish themselves and compete in a marketplace flooded with goods that cost less but don't have an identity strongly connected to craft, tradition and place. 15 Jul 2019
For the retail sector as a whole - and for physical stores in particular - 2019 will be a year of reinvention, a recently released report by Coresight Research finds. "We anticipate that the year will be marked by spectacular retail, fast retail, and smart retail," the report states. "The result will be a global retail sector that is stronger and better equipped to serve rising consumer expectations." 15 Jul 2019
Amazon has commited to upskill 100,000 of its employees across the United States, dedicating over $700 million to provide people across its corporate offices, tech hubs, fulfillment centres, retail stores,and transportation network with access to training programmes that will help them move into more highly-skilled roles within or outside of Amazon. 15 Jul 2019
Tastic Rice has stated the goal to provide enough rice to pack 5 million meals for families in need in South Africa this year. The brand's partnership with the global NPO Rise Against Hunger also seeks to support the United Nations in its mission to end world hunger by 2030, as part of its sustainable development goals. 12 Jul 2019
The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) is pleased to announce its sponsors and exhibitors for the 2019 PMA Fresh Connections: Southern Africa Conference and Trade Show, taking place on 30-31 July at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town. 12 Jul 2019
In marking the 60th anniversary of one of the world's best-known toys, the Barbie doll, scholars and journalists have a wealth of angles to explore. The impact of the Barbie doll on girls' body images and the spread of a stereotypical model of womanhood has been the subject of extended reflections. 12 Jul 2019
The third annual RCS Retail Summit - held in Cape Town and Johannesburg - featured three industry experts who presented their takes on the latest trends shaping consumer behaviour within a South African context. 12 Jul 2019
At the inaugural IRI International Growth Summit held in London this week, IRI president and chief executive officer Andrew Appel discussed his views on data and technology as the next enablers of competitive advantage in a rapidly changing FMCG environment. 11 Jul 2019
United Kingdom - Our economy currently relies heavily on unsustainable industrial principles of mass scale, never-ending growth and throwaway consumerism. The transition to a sustainable economy, then, requires a shift in how we think about production. 11 Jul 2019
South Africa is home to a nation of discount-obsessed shoppers. According to a newly released Nielsen report, 31% actively search for promotions and 16% go so far as changing stores for a brand they prefer, based on the best promotions on offer. The report titled The Price of Promoting, shows that 75% of South Africans claimed to know the prices of the grocery items they buy and notice changes in price, versus 69% in 2017. 11 Jul 2019
Nominations are open for the inaugural Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards, which recognise Southern African designers who have implemented a sustainable design approach and fostered ethical practices in the fashion industry. 10 Jul 2019
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