South Africans have historically been cautious about shopping online, but faced with the realities of lockdown restrictions have turned to online shopping in unprecedented numbers since the start of 2020. 28 Jul 2020
Sneaker and apparel brand Converse has donated R50,000 to the Durban-based public benefit organisation (PBO) Surfers Not Street Children. 28 Jul 2020
Covid-19 lockdown regulations coupled with store closures have resulted in several consumers turning to online shopping for essential products and services. 28 Jul 2020
When non-essential retailers were forced to temporarily shut their doors during South Africa's strict Level 5 lockdown, Apollo Brands, the distributor of Under Armour in SA, put the time to good use and developed a host of new methods to help customers shop safely during the Covid-19 pandemic. 27 Jul 2020
Inner Secrets Lingerie was established in 2005 by mother and son team Penny and Dimitri Parolis, who over the years have carved a retail presence in the local market by selling global heritage brands of lingerie, shapewear and swimwear. 27 Jul 2020
The National Liquor Traders Council (NLTC) has announced a Tavern Relief Programme that seeks to raise R100m to support 34,500 taverns over a two to three-month period by providing food parcels and other necessary supplies. 27 Jul 2020
So you finally hit the shops and cafes after weeks of lockdown. After disinfecting your hands, following the arrows around the shop or to your table, taking care to avoid others where possible and, in some cases, providing your contact tracing details - how enjoyable was the experience, really? 24 Jul 2020
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the once booming coffee shop space. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of their safety and it's only natural for their preferences to change. But what does that mean for the barista at local coffee shops, restaurants and office canteens? 24 Jul 2020
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Stats SA reports that South African retail sales plunged by a record 50.4% in April and 12% in May. 24 Jul 2020
The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the precariousness of a solely bricks and mortar model. According to a recent report by McKinsey, consumers expect a relative shift to online shopping in most categories in the short term, driven primarily by a sharp decrease in in-store shopping. In the longer term, 40% of consumers plan to increase online shopping once the crisis is over. 23 Jul 2020
Personal protective equipment (PPE) has arguably become the most sought-after commodity in the world. The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a global shortage of this equipment. This has created an opportunity for garment factories across Asia, which have lots of spare capacity because their clothing is in much less demand than usual. 23 Jul 2020
Image credit: Retha Ferguson from Pexels
Prior to the pandemic, Africa was identified as one of the fastest-growing consumer markets in the world, with household consumption growing even faster than gross domestic product (GDP) in recent years and annual GDP growth consistently overtaking the global average. 23 Jul 2020
The franchise sector, which in South Africa is represented in around 14 different business sectors, represents the most diverse range of entrepreneurial endeavours and is the most suited to lead the post-Covid recovery, says the Franchise Association of South Africa (Fasa). 22 Jul 2020
First they came for the Tempo, and I did not speak out - because I wasn't crazy about Tempo.
Then they came for the Lay's Salt and Vinegar chips, and I did not speak out - because I was always more of a "Lightly Salted" man. Then they came for the alcohol, and I did not speak out - because I had stockpiled an impressive amount of single-malts, along with toilet paper and sanitary wipes. Then they came for Chocolate Log - and I was too drunk to speak. 22 Jul 2020
Industry bodies representing South Africa's alcohol and restaurant industries have shared the letter they sent to President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday night, which requests a meeting with him and for the sale of liquor to resume based on a set of conditions to be agreed by both parties at the proposed meeting. 22 Jul 2020
Recent research has shown that the average price of cigarettes has increased by nearly 250% compared to pre-lockdown levels. Based on a second online survey, conducted between 4 and 19 June 2020, researchers from the University of Cape Town (UCT) found that the average price per cigarette was R5.69, or R114 per pack of 20. 22 Jul 2020
In his keynote address during the Seamless Saudi Arabia virtual conference this month, Amazon veteran Paul Misener shared insight into how the e-commerce giant approaches innovation and the profound role a diverse workforce plays in this process. 21 Jul 2020
Over 75% of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) milk and juice bottles are recycled, according to recent research conducted by the Polyolefin Responsibility Organisation (Polyco), a not-for-profit industry body focused on reducing the amount of polyolefin waste going to landfill. 21 Jul 2020
As dawn broke into 2020, e-commerce was already storming the markets. But the global lockdown on business and trade stamped on that trajectory's accelerator. In three short months, the pivot from brick-and-mortar into the e-commerce universe has been dramatic. 21 Jul 2020
Pierre van Tonder, the long-serving chief executive officer of Spur Corporation, will retire on 31 December 2020 after 38 years of service. 21 Jul 2020
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