One of the greatest challenges faced by the textiles and fashion industry is to make itself more sustainable, not just in terms of economic and labour force issues but in the face of ecological necessity. The production of textiles involves a long chain of complex processes to convert raw materials such as fibres or petroleum into finished fabrics or fashion products. 27 Feb 2020
Smokers and drinkers will have to dig deeper into their pockets for cigarettes and alcohol. This comes after Finance Minister Tito Mboweni in the 2020 Budget Speech announced increases of between 4.4 and 7.5% in excise duties on alcohol and tobacco. 27 Feb 2020
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Online shopping in South Africa continues to grow, and with more traditional brick and mortar stores taking their brands online, there is more choice than ever before. 27 Feb 2020
Small informal retailers are a ubiquitous feature of any developing country's urban landscape. Known as spaza shops in South Africa, they are an important, even vital, component in the townships. Numbering over 100,000 across the nation, they make critical contributions to local food security, self-employment and community cohesion. 26 Feb 2020
The Nando's Design Programme, Clout, is returning to Milan Design Week to showcase South African creativity to an international audience, after a successful debut at the event last year. 26 Feb 2020
Click and collect adoption is growing in South Africa. More than 70% of South African online shoppers tried click and collect at least once as their delivery method in 2019, according to a global shopper report released by iVendi. 26 Feb 2020
The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) has ordered all formal wholesalers, retailers and informal traders to remove and stop selling 400g pilchards in tomato sauce and 400g pilchards in chili sauce with immediate effect. 25 Feb 2020
Iconic South African brand Jungle Oats celebrates its 100th birthday this year. Remaining a firm fixture on the household breakfast rotation, the brand has just revealed a new mill in Cape Town and a refreshed communication strategy and packaging design. 25 Feb 2020
South African speciality whisky retailer, WhiskyBrother, has nabbed the title of the Single Outlet Retailer of the Year at the 2020 Icons of Whisky Awards, held annually by Whisky Magazine in London. The win is described as a first for a South African retailer. 24 Feb 2020
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The City of Cape Town says it is committed to supporting the local clothing and textile sector by providing grant funding to strategic business partners dedicated to the growth of the industry. 24 Feb 2020
Global sports brand Puma and First Mile have co-created a sportswear collection made from recycled plastic, rooted in social impact and human connection. 21 Feb 2020
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Lactalis South Africa is the new name for dairy company Parmalat SA. The name change, which came into effect on 1 February, will not impact the company's existing range of products, brands, projects or business operations. 21 Feb 2020
Like many great success stories, local haircare brand Curl Chemistry was born to address a need harboured by the founder themselves. For 28-year-old Liesl Katzen, the problem was finding products that adequately cared for her natural curly hair, following her decision to ditch chemical straighteners and embrace her 'roots'. 21 Feb 2020
South African actress, businesswoman and human rights activitist Nomzamo Mbatha has been named the first Cotton On Foundation ambassador in South Africa. In her role, Mbatha will assist the Cotton On Foundation - the philanthropic arm of Australia-born fashion retailer Cotton On Group - with its goal to deliver quality education to young South Africans. 20 Feb 2020
With the world tied to their screens, social media has fast become the foundation for modern communication. Brand presence via Instagram, Facebook and Twitter is now a necessity rather than a choice, therefore a brand's packaging must matter as much as the product inside. 20 Feb 2020
Avon, the world's fourth-largest beauty company, has collaborated with South African designer David Tlale to produce a collection of fashion accessories that will be exclusive to Avon customers. 19 Feb 2020
Grand Parade Investments (GPI) has entered into an agreement to sell 100% of its interest in Burger King South Africa (BKSA) to Emerging Capital Partners, one of Africa's largest private equity groups. The company will also sell to ECP its Grand Foods Meat Plant, which supplies burger patties to Burger King and other businesses. 19 Feb 2020
Catherine Oshotse, a 27-year-old entrepreneur from Lagos, Nigeria, has the internet to thank for her growing business. Selling hair extensions and women's handbags online to customers across Africa and abroad has grown her client base from 10 in 2015 to more than 1,000 currently. Of these, 70% are in Africa and 20% in the United Kingdom and the United States. 18 Feb 2020
Vogue Talents, Vogue Italia's fashion talent scouting arm, has announced a new project dedicated to African creatives. Named Scouting for Africa 2020, the project is a collaboration with non-profit organisation African Fashion Foundation (AFF), with the support of Impact Fund for African Creatives, and is aimed at supporting emerging designers hailing from the African continent. 18 Feb 2020
Irrespective of industry sector, 81% of customers want to take matters into their own hands and solve queries before reaching out to a contact centre agent. In fact, 67% of people prefer self-service over speaking to a company representative. So, how can companies leverage this to differentiate themselves in the market? 17 Feb 2020
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