The world economy is offering up a mixed bag of successes and failures this week, with the African Development Bank having high hopes of East Africa's safe emergence from the global crisis, while Sony Ericsson and Nokia have reported big Q1 losses. Even the gaming industry, which has been sitting pretty for some time, wasn't able to escape the economic erosion this time around. South Africa can look forward to a boost though, with V&A Waterfront owner, Dubai World, saying it'll be forging ahead with some R13-billion worth of investment plans in the country. Even SA's ailing clothing and textile sector received some good news with the dti drawing up plans for a rescue package to save the industry. However, for those still struggling, Nedbank's analyst forum is emphasizing the importance of credit management to help tip the scales back into black. And while we're weathering the financial and seasonal storms, wine-lovers can look forward to celebrating 350 years of Cape winemaking with the Nederburg Auction, come springtime. Until then, pour yourself a warming glass of red, put your feet up, and enjoy. Cheers!

Shan Radcliffe, Retail editor retailnews@bizcommunity.com Responses to this column welcomed in our new online editor's column archive.