Autumn has arrived, and with it, the minefield of school and public holidays. Of course, this is usually a good thing as far as retail is concerned, but we'll have to wait and see which way this weather drives us - home or in-store. Meanwhile, the retail trade stats have come in for January, showing meagre growth month-on-month, but with a 6.8% increase year-on-year. On the subject of growth, Shoprite has stepped foot into northern Nigeria, Futurelife is expanding into the UAE, and Steinhoff has made an offer for the JD Group. For any retailer looking to invest in Africa, the African Retail Development Index shows the Rwanda is the place to go. Franchising in South Africa is continuing to prove its worth, so any entrepreneurs looking to start-up under an established brand should hop along to the International Franchise Expo in Sandton next month to see what opportunities await.
Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)
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