As we slide into the last few weeks of 2012 and business winds down for the year, as usual, the retail contingent are running full throttle for the busy season. And it certainly shows, with a number of new acquisitions and technology releases.
Redgwoods, the holding company of
Toys R Us and Reggie's, has been sold to Durban-based businessmen, Christian Larsen and Mohsin Mia, for an undisclosed amount; JD Group's Steinbuild has put in an
R88.8 million offer for Hardware Warehouse; and even Unilever is looking to
sell old Mrs Ball's Chutney brand to the Tiger for R475 million.
If they don't already know, Apple i-lovers will be ecstatic to learn that
iTunes is finally available in South Africa - do I hear an "about time"? After only a week, it's already opening loads of doors for local artists, according to
TIMES Live.
Standard Bank has just
launched its new contactless card system, allowing Gold and Titanium card holders to 'tap and go'.
While eBucks reckons
economic woes won't dampen the festive spirit, the
FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index points at subdued growth next year.
And, if at this late stage in the game, you're still running around like a headless reindeer trying to get your products noticed in the during the on-going onslaught of festive cheer, check out Natasha McClymont's
tips for sensible in-store marketing in the silly season.
Have a cheerful one!
PS: This is our last week of newsletters for the year - our final 2012 edition will go out on 18 December.
Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail
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