Time is a tickin' - 25 Nov 2013[Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)] I'm not entirely sure where the time went, but there's officially only one month of shopping days left before the festivities come to a head. read more Sales away - 18 Nov 2013[Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)] With September retail sales looking rather dismal, and October cash withdrawals similarly slow, retailers should be even more conscious of what they're doing with their festive season windfalls. SA's mobile handset market has some new competition in the form of Karbonn Mobiles, and Bevan Ducasse has three important lessons for mobile marketers. On a sombre note, Spar CEO Wayne Hook will be retiring in January, as his wife has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. read more Going beyond retail - 11 Nov 2013[Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)] The inaugural World Retail Congress Africa took place in Sandton last week, where the limited infrastructure and access to rural communities was highlighted as a key challenge of retailing in Africa. It was, however, pointed out that one of the continent's biggest advantages is its young population. read more Get a little, give a little - 4 Nov 2013[Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)] It's been a few months since I've been able to whinge about the petrol price. Although, I am glad to say that this month is no different, as the price per litre will be dropping by another 28c this Wednesday. The start of November edges us a little closer to the festive season, and while it's only been a week since I brought it up, just the word "November" sends that extra shiver of "I have to start shopping!" panic through me. read more 'Tis the season for security - 28 Oct 2013[Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)] With less than two months to go till Christmas, the festive madness is kicking into high gear. Ian Steyn advises that technology will give retailers the edge this holiday season. Peter Harvey outlines the differences retailers need to consider when launching into the African e-commerce market. read more All a-hum over design - 21 Oct 2013[Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)] If you haven't seen it on Facebook by now, where have you been? Cape Town artist, Euodia Roets has accused Woolworths of copying a design she originally submitted to them after the company approached her for some working samples. Woolies subsequently decided not to go ahead with producing her work on its cushion collection, but the designer now claims that her design has been used after all, although she goes as far as to admit the design has been "adapted". read more Adapt, connect, win - 14 Oct 2013[Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)] As e-commerce continues to grow amongst SA consumers, retailers need to improve and enhance their supply chains in order to keep up with demand, Kate Stubbs tell us this week. Meanwhile, Turkey's electronic industry is looking to connect with SA partners - see here for more information. A big congratulations to those winners of the 2013 Veritas Awards and the first Crowne Plaza Sleepwear Design Competition, and of course, to Shoprite Checkers' newest Boerewors Champion! Have a great week! read more What's your personality? - 7 Oct 2013[Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)] Do you know what your online shopping persona is? MasterCard has released the results of its new global study that looks at how consumers portray themselves online. It also gives you the opportunity to take the test and find out which category you fall into. Along the line of online shopper behaviour, BMi Research has noted that the 'spy before buy' trend is on the rise. Finally, we're going for a new look, so thanks to all who gave feedback during our client reader survey. read more Keep it simple, stupid - 30 Sep 2013[Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)] With the knock-on effects that are sure to come now the e-tolling bill has been signed into law, consumers are going to be searching for better value. read more Confidence and contracts - 23 Sep 2013[Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)] Consumer confidence is on the rise, but with the recent approval of credit amnesty, those indebted still need to know what they are responsible for. Clover has decided that it won't be renewing its service agreements with Danone SA, while M&L Distributors has just been awarded a contract by Mondelez SA. After 13 years at the helm of Wines of South Africa, Su Birch will be stepping down. read more Take the leap - 16 Sep 2013[Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)] Famous Brands is taking a giant leap into Africa with its big new acquisition in Nigeria's QSR market. read more Considering bricks and clicks - 9 Sep 2013[Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)] Spaza shops are receiving a much-needed leg-up into the 21st century with the availability of electronic POS terminals for those operating in rural areas. We see what it takes to make a successful online shopping site, while Charles Mburugu points out those things you should avoid in the e-commerce design process. Leron Varsha considers the key issues when investing in brands; and Mark Hiller advises us on how to simplify retail sales administration - it'll get those all-important sales people back on the floor and turning more profit. read more Grow forth - 2 Sep 2013[Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)] H&M is the latest to join the queue of European brands looking for retail space on South African shores. read more It's getting hot in here - 26 Aug 2013[Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)] The proposed new smoking bans have lit a fire under the Gauteng Liquor Forum, and could these regulations spell the end of cigarette vending machines? This week, Aki Kalliatakis gives us tips on how to keep customers in-store, not online; Gerard Eksteen shows us how to put the 'formal' in informal retailing; and Marcel Strauss shares the habits of highly successful franchisees. Go forth and prosper! read more Retailiation - 19 Aug 2013[Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)] As the Consumer Protection Act gains traction and consumers dig in their heels regarding defective purchases, an entirely new market is emerging. read more |
