The lockdown in South Africa and many other countries around the world to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus will put significant pressure on an already-strained global economy. 23 Apr 2020
Woolworths has announced a commitment of over R34 million to support a variety of initiatives to meet the challenges of the Covid-19 crisis in South Africa. While its fashion, beauty and homeware businesses are all under lockdown, Woolworths continues to deliver its essential food provision service across the country, putting a significant number of its employees at the frontline of the nation's Covid-19 response. 23 Apr 2020
L'Oréal South Africa has started producing hand sanitisers under its beauty brand Garnier at the group's local factory in Midrand, Gauteng. 22 Apr 2020
The V&A Waterfront's new 100 Beautiful Things initiative celebrates the creativity of the makers behind some of South Africa's most inspiring projects, products, ideas and experiences. All of the ideas showcased have been created with either compassion, sustainability, future-thinking or local essence at their core, with some being recognised for just simply being beautiful. 22 Apr 2020
Covid-19 spreads from person to person through physical contact with contaminated surfaces
or objects, or other people carrying the virus. Theoretically, avoiding contact with people or objects with Covid-19 should curb the spread of the virus. 22 Apr 2020
Hyprop Investments has launched a national food drive to support the work being done by the Gift of the Givers Foundation, the largest non-governmental disaster response organisation in Africa. 22 Apr 2020
The Redshift Store Connector was created during the South African lockdown to allow small local retailers like spaza shops selling essential items to easily set up an online presence and sell to their surrounding communities. 21 Apr 2020
Pick n Pay has introduced digital grocery vouchers, providing a safe and easy way to transfer funds to family, friends and others in desperate need of essentials during the Covid-19 pandemic. 21 Apr 2020
The unloved, underinvested world of traditional trade retailing just became the next key battleground for sales-depleted businesses. 21 Apr 2020
Government has gazetted a regulation banning the sale of hot cooked food during the Covid-19 lockdown. This comes after the legality of the prohibition was called into question last week and business group Sakeliga threatened to take legal action. 21 Apr 2020
The South African Breweries (SAB) is donating 100,000 face shields, made from recycled beer crates, to the Gauteng Health Department, which recently announced its urgent need for personal protection equipment (PPE) for frontline health workers who are integral to the global response to Covid-19. 20 Apr 2020
Two employees working at the Pick n Pay at Alex Mall have tested positive for Covid-19, centre management confirmed today. 20 Apr 2020
During a media briefing on Thursday, Minister of Trade and Industry, Ebrahim Patel responded to questions regarding the sale of cooked foods. He clarified that retailers are not supposed to sell hot prepared foods, and that businesses were told this at the start of the national lockdown. 20 Apr 2020
The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) has announced guidelines for participation in the Spaza Shops and General Dealers support scheme. The scheme, currently run in partnership with Nedbank, opened on Saturday, 18 April. 20 Apr 2020
According to a report from the International Institute for Sustainable Development, "the global market (retail) value of the coffee sector will experience a 5.5% compound annual growth rate from 2018 to 2023. "This from an industry, which Hivos.org states, was already valued at $200bn in 2018," says coffee equipment provider Coffeequip. 17 Apr 2020
South African meal kit delivery service UCook has launched its new Food Fund in partnership with FoodForward South Africa, the Philippi Economic Development Initiative (PEDI) and Ladles of Love. 17 Apr 2020
Under normal, (non-lockdown) circumstances, consumers choose shopping destinations based partly on their normal daily movements and convenience of proximity to work, schools or home. During lockdown, however, shopping behaviour has changed. 17 Apr 2020
Michelin has mobilised on all fronts to produce masks and visors as 10 European plants launch production in April 2020. 17 Apr 2020
Warning that job losses could total 75,000 as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown, the Franchise Association of South Africa (Fasa) has appealed to the government to provide urgent intervention to help sustain the country's hard-hit franchise industry. 17 Apr 2020
Spar has launched an initiative to feed hungry and vulnerable people during the extended Covid-19 lockdown period. 16 Apr 2020