More and more companies are joining the app world to engage their markets, making it easier for consumers to interact with their favourite brands. Two recent additions to this world come from Edcon and Standard Bank. I'm particularly excited by Edcon's SmartShop app: no more having to track down a shop assistant or stand in a queue to check prices, sizes and store availability. Once you have the app, just scan the barcode with your phone's camera and voila! Instant access to the stock info in real time. Other exciting news in the retail fashion world this week...

• Local online fashion store Indiemode.co.za is gearing up for its launch at the end of August and is inviting local designers who'd like an online sales presence to contact them.
• Finalists for the maiden Renault New Talent Search have been named, and will showcase their designs at SA Fashion Week in Johannesburg this September.
• Hip Hop's CSR competition will see one of Cape Town Design School's students winning the opportunity to develop a womenswear range for the company.

And in case you didn't know, Bizcommunity is celebrating 11 years since our very first newsletter was sent out in 2001. To share the birthday love, we're running two competitions and giving away some awesome prizes, namely: a Big Boy Scooter, R20 000 in cash and Apple products. For a chance to win these prizes:

1. Go to our Facebook Page and leave us a message or take a picture of yourself and post to our Facebook wall. Best messages and photos win prizes.
2. Go to Springleap for the Biz Bang t-shirt design competition and stand a chance to win your share of R20 000 for the best design.

Good luck!

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.
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