As we come to the end of this Noughtie decade, I can almost hear the collective sigh of relief from a country that has pulled through a long year of highs and lows... We've stared a recession in the face and, although some are still feeling the economic rift, we are on the rocky road to recovery. But before we rush head-long into the new year - one that is marked with high hopes as the final countdown to the 2010 FIFA World Cup really begins - let's take a little time to reflect on the past 12 months: What were your favourite www.bizcommunity.com reads and galleries, and what articles stirred discussion? Top three 'most read' retail articles 2009:

New shopping centre for Melrose Arch	11 Mar 2009
Ferrero's sweet SA expansion	12 Mar 2009
KFC to buy Nando's coop?	10 Mar 2009

The three 'most viewed' galleries:

Original Penguin Clothing Launch	21 Apr 2009
Revlon Realistic Diamonds and Dust Gala Event	08 Oct 2009
Two new culinary experiences for Camps Bay	06 Jan 2009

Top three articles to draw the most comment:

2010 bursary from Edgars	07 Oct 2009
Fresh look for Kellogg's Corn Flakes	22 May 2009
Pick n Pay voted world's best retailer	13 Jan 2009

This is our last newsletter for 2009, with our first 2010 editions to go out on 11 January 2010. Until then, to all our subscribers, clients, contributors, business partners and visitors, may you all have a safe and enjoyable year-end - whether you're going on holiday, taking some quiet time out at home or making up the bones of your office skeleton crew. Spread a little cheer and add your own message to our Festive Tribute 2009 page! Until next year, have a fabulous one.

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