The renewed prohibition of alcohol sales with immediate effect has led the South African alcohol industry to apply for a deferment of the payment of over R5bn in excise duties for July and August 2020. 20 Jul 2020
Both globally and locally, pet owners are finding novel ways to pamper their pets, as they are increasingly being considered as an important member of the family. These include treats such as ice cream, frozen yogurt and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as a variety of high-end services, such as luxury pet hotels and spa treatments. These unique treats are popular among pet owners, who continue to humanise their pets with luxury products and services that they themselves enjoy. 20 Jul 2020
The current economic conditions are a perfect breeding ground for an increase in get-rich-quick Ponzi and pyramid schemes, warns Mthunzi Mbali, vice-chairman of the Direct Selling Association of South Africa (DSA). 20 Jul 2020
Lorna Jane recently launched an "antiviral" line of its activewear, called "LJ Shield", generating significant backlash from medical professionals. 20 Jul 2020
In light of Plastic Free July, Woolworths has announced two new paper packaging trials and the start of the national rollout of the specially-designed paper bags for Fashion, Beauty and Homeware (FBH) purchases to 17 stores. 17 Jul 2020
Stakeholders in South Africa's alcohol industry are requesting the research data that informed the recent reinstatement of the ban on sales and distribution of alcohol during the Covid-19 lockdown. 17 Jul 2020
The Competition Commission has said that of the 1,600 complaints received under the excessive pricing and consumer protection regulations by the end of June 2020, 307 (or 19%) related to basic food products in retail stores. 17 Jul 2020
Amazon is rolling out smart shopping carts that automatically scan items as they're placed inside the trolley, allowing customers to skip the checkout line. 16 Jul 2020
President Ramaphosa's surprise reinstatement of South Africa's booze ban on Sunday night has been met with mixed emotions and debate around the timing and lack of notice for affected industries. 16 Jul 2020
Pick n Pay's Feed the Nation campaign will match all customer cash donations made at till points on Mandela Day, 18 July 2020, to help feed more people left vulnerable to hunger. The retailer is encouraging a donation of R21 - enough to help feed one person a meal every day for a week - but any amount is welcome. 16 Jul 2020
Tommy Hilfiger, owned by PVH Corp., is launching the People's Place Program, which aims to advance the representation of black, indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC) within the fashion and creative industries. The brand has announced an initial minimum commitment of $5m in annual funding towards the programme for the next three years. 15 Jul 2020
I have been watching the Clover blue milk bottle campaign and the outrage it is causing amongst civil society and environmental organisations, the professionals, activists and concerned citizens who are doing everything possible to educate and clean up the scourge of plastic pollution that is choking our rivers, wetlands and oceans. 15 Jul 2020
The latest product to come out of the Lego Group and Nintendo partnership is a brick-built Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and TV, complete with a mechanical scrolling Super Mario on the screen. Designed with adult fans in mind, builders will be able to recreate Super Mario Bros. gameplay and rekindle nostalgic NES memories. 15 Jul 2020
The worldwide pandemic has forced millions of people around the world to make dramatic changes to their lives. In South Africa, one of the major areas that have changed considerably is how people shop. But exactly how have our shopping behaviours changed? Data shows interesting trends and demographics that may predict the South African shopping landscape for the future. Let's explore this data to find out what South Africans are buying and how they are shopping during the lockdown. 15 Jul 2020
Image credit: Aubergine Specialty Foods
Nestlé has confirmed it will be discontinuing the production of Chocolate Log in South Africa from August 2020. Chocolate Log, with its creamy marshmallow on wafer covered in milk chocolate, has been a permanent fixture in local snack food aisles for over five decades. 15 Jul 2020
South African outdoor clothing brand K-Way has worked with international company Re:Down to create a small range of winter apparel that uses recycled down filling and energy-efficient production methods. 14 Jul 2020
While e-commerce has been with us for a considerable amount of time, the Covid-19 pandemic and the effects of lockdown protocols across the region have pushed its use to new heights. 14 Jul 2020
After a few months of beta testing, food delivery service Dryvar Foods has officially launched its cloud-based delivery application in the country. Initially launched in KwaZulu-Natal, the Durban-based startup plans to expand to additional provinces in the coming months. 13 Jul 2020
As the South African economy comes back to life after the lockdown necessitated by the tragedy that is Covid-19, e-commerce companies are racing to innovate and better serve customers. As supply chains slowly roll into action, a problem retailers and brands now face is how to quickly create the content required to market their goods. 13 Jul 2020
TFG has entered into an agreement to buy certain "commercially-viable stores and selected assets" of Jet from embattled Edcon for a cash purchase consideration of R480m. Edcon is currently in business rescue in terms of the Companies Act. 13 Jul 2020
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