Polo South Africa has pledged 250,000 cotton fabric masks for the City of Cape Town to distribute to commuters and essential service workers across the country during the Covid-19 pandemic. 1 Apr 2020
As the impact of the coronavirus crisis grows every day, the retail world has had to evolve in countless ways, as how we shop and connect with each other has shifted dramatically. The pandemic has changed the way that all businesses are operating, not least in relation to working from home for those who are able to. 1 Apr 2020
Multinational consumer brands Coca-Cola, Nestlé, PepsiCo and Unilever are responsible for half a million tonnes of plastic pollution that is burnt or dumped per year in just six developing countries, according to a new report by international relief and development agency Tearfund. 1 Apr 2020
The volumes of ATM and point-of-sale (POS) transactions declined dramatically at the end of the first three days of the 21-day national lockdown, but this came after the large spike caused by the shopping rush in the days following President Cyril Rampahosa's lockdown announcement on Monday, 23 March 2020. 1 Apr 2020
Whilst many individuals, companies and manufacturers initially stocked up on disinfectants and sanitisers at the start of this worldwide pandemic, did they foresee just how long these stocks would last? We're already seeing many countries stopping exports of raw materials and ingredients needed to manufacture these vital products, of particular importance for our workforce at the front of the coronavirus - health workers, contract cleaners, supermarket employees, police, army, food manufacturers and so many others who need constant protection. 1 Apr 2020
On-demand drinks delivery business Quench has expanded its service to include groceries. While the news comes at a convenient time, as South Africa entered into a nationwide lockdown on 27 March to combat the spread of the coronavirus, the company says it has been planning the expansion for a while. 31 Mar 2020
Businesses are facing uncertainty worldwide as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Their rights and obligations have come into question, with competition authorities worldwide moving swiftly to provide clarity and guidance. 31 Mar 2020
Takealot.com reopened for trade on 30 March, to focus on the sale and delivery of essential goods as authorised and prescribed by the South African Government 31 Mar 2020
Woolworths and the MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet community loyalty programme have made a R500 000 donation to the Gift of the Givers Foundation to support frontline medical workers through the provision of protective wear and equipment. 31 Mar 2020
Over the next few weeks, South Africans are going to have a lot more free time on their hands, with many needing a little bit of extra cash. 31 Mar 2020
The Shoprite Group has announced support for the Solidarity Fund in aid of South Africa's response to Covid-19 and to assist the most vulnerable during this crisis. An initial donation of R1m will be made while the Group will also grow this amount daily with the support of the public via its Act for Change Fund facility. 30 Mar 2020
Massmart has announced that it will freeze prices on all essentials for the duration of South Africa's 21-day lockdown. 30 Mar 2020
The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (Pamsa) has confirmed that the pulp, paper, packaging, recycling and tissue value chains will continue to operate as a "critical business continuity service" supporting the manufacturing, processing and distribution of essential goods and services during the lockdown. 30 Mar 2020
The James Sedgwick Distillery and its master distiller Andy Watts were recently recognised at the 2020 Whisky Magazine World Whiskies Awards, which celebrates the best whiskies from across the globe. 30 Mar 2020
As the national lockdown takes a firm hold over the nation, Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel has urged retailers to manage crowds and queues at their establishments, so as to slow the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19). 30 Mar 2020
The 21-day lockdown shouldn't be seen as an excuse to stagnate, but as an opportunity for innovators to co-create effective solutions to make South Africa a better place for all. 27 Mar 2020
In an emotional conference call to suppliers on Thursday, Edcon's CEO Grant Pattison delivered the sobering news that the company is unable to pay its suppliers, many of which are SMMES, as it only has sufficient liquidity to pay salaries at this time. He also said that Edcon, which is one of southern Africa's largest non-food retailers, may not be able to open at the end of South Africa's national lockdown to fight the coronavirus outbreak. 27 Mar 2020
The National Consumer Commission (NCC), working jointly with the Competition Commission, has launched an investigation into allegations of excessive price hikes by 30 retailers from various provinces in the country since the outbreak of coronavirus (Covid-19). 27 Mar 2020
The franchise sector, at the end of 2019, was holding its own in what was a trying economic environment. According to the Franchise Association of South Africa's (FASA's) 2019 Franchise Survey, sponsored by Sanlam, the franchise sector contributed an estimated turnover of R734bn, equivalent to 13,9% to the country's GDP through its over 800 franchise systems, close to 48,000 franchised outlets and a workforce of close to half a million. 27 Mar 2020
Distell, producer and marketer of spirits, fine wines, ciders and ready-to-drinks (RTDs), will begin producing hand sanitisers and other hygienic products at its production facilities as part of its efforts to help curb the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. 26 Mar 2020
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