| | | Terror? Panic? Where? | One of the aspects of newspapers that tend to get up my nose is the excessive use of adjectives that seem to imply people rushing down the streets, arms waving and screaming. I live in Fish Hoek and when we had the last shark attack, while it was bad news indeed for the victim, the headlines went on about "Terror stalks Fish Hoek” or something to that effect. Utter rubbish. I was never terrified, because I seldom go into the sea – anything over a metre and I am starting to wish I could swim better. In fact, the only sharks I worry about are the two-legged ones disguised as retailers and who operate along our main road – and I stay clear of some of them as well. The latest is the “Panic” that has gripped the nation as a result of the fuel-industry strike. Again, I am not panicking – and I have not seen or heard anyone yelling dementedly about the fact that they cannot fill up with 95-unleaded – nor have I seen anyone sobbing, slumped over their steering wheel, and bereft of hope now that they are down to half a tank. It's more a smile of “Oh well…” and off everyone goes to the next garage to see whether they'll have better luck there. "Panic”, “Terror” and similar words share the fate of other overworked adjectives… they come to be so over-used that when they actually are appropriate, they are ignored. Maybe a little less hyperbole is in order?
Rod Baker, Content Manager: Send your news to: retailnews@bizcommunity.com; or visit https://www.bizcommunity.com. Subscribe now!
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| | Headlines | Brazil – the land of soccer, samba, supermarkets and shanty towns
Teleseminar reveals 'new rules' for pursuing B2B sales
eBay sniping software wins People's Choice Award
Amazon offers taste of fresh grocery delivery
Hard-living, Harare-style
Toys recalled in lead paint scare
South African PIMPS to join retail sector
Your printer could be dangerous!
New food Act draft sparks debate
How parents can protect their children from online predators
Snacks alive!
Foundation moves against media merger
Global food additives market to reach US$25.3bn in 2007
A soft drink a day could kill you
Home drafts on-tap
Consumer considerations for buying cars online
Zimbabwe's battle of the brands
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Retail | | Amazon offers taste of fresh grocery delivery
AmazonFresh is Amazon.com's latest stab at yet another branch of retail: groceries. The service currently serves only the Seattle area and requires an invitation to use. The effort is similar to startups like Webvan.com and Kozmo.com, services that offered to deliver goods in urban areas. Both sank due to high operating costs.
Saying it with flowers – half a million times
 NetFlorist, one of South Africa's leading online gifting services, has just delivered its 500,000th floral arrangement amid a recent upsurge in internet–based orders for floral gifts.
Hard-living, Harare-style
The lifestyle normally associated with an urban society is fast disappearing from Zimbabwe's once bustling capital, Harare, where rural living standards now apply and the shelves are bare.
South African PIMPS to join retail sector
[Lavinia Mahlangu] Pimping, in the common use of the term, is not a profession traditionally linked with positive ideals, but a new variety of young PIMPs will join South Africa's formal retail sector and become empowered.
Is your company ready for CRM technologies?
[Glen Ansell] While many a customer may feel that the concept of customer relationship management (CRM) is nothing but an ironic joke, those businesses which are taking it seriously in South Africa are using tools and technologies to ensure that they treat their customers with respect, efficiency and accuracy.
Foundation moves against media merger
The Shuttleworth Foundation is intervening in the application for approval of a merger between two major publishing companies; the foundation believes the merger that would negatively influence education in South Africa.
Home drafts on-tap
[Roman Cylkowski] Strategic alliances can deliver true innovation, creating new categories, rejuvenating consumer interest and driving organic growth. Those alliances that are focused on powerfully branded, easy-to-experience innovations that are designed around the consumer allow for premium pricing and are drivers of growth. Being at the forefront of identifying shifts in consumer behaviour is essential to capitalising on that next great idea, selecting the right partner to turn that vision into value, as both Philips and Groupe SEB have done, joining forces with leading brewers to deliver the ideal home draft beer systems
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Brand news | | Reese Witherspoon becomes global ambassador
 Avon Products, Inc. has announced that it has signed Oscar-winning actress, Reese Witherspoon, as the company's first ever global ambassador. In this newly-established role, Witherspoon will serve as the Honorary Chairman of the Avon Foundation, focusing on breast cancer, domestic violence and emergency relief initiatives, and she will be the spokeswoman for Avon's beauty brands and sales representatives.
'Breath expert' launches 2-piece gum pack
 Clorets has introduced a new convenient 2-piece pack, aimed at making chewing gum more accessible and affordable for all South Africans.
Leading sports brand appoints new PR agency
Nike South Africa has appointed GGi Communications (GGi) as the company's public relations agency.
Snacks alive!
National Brands Limited, an AVI Ltd Group Company, has announced the completion of their internal restructuring for their Snacking Business Unit.
Sony signs Rockstar for PS3 exclusive
Sony is getting back together with its old friend Rockstar Games to produce a new franchise of titles that will only be available on the PlayStation 3. Rockstar is the company behind the controversial "Grand Theft Auto" series, which produced several of the hits the PlayStation 2 rode to its top-selling status years ago. Can the right series do the same for Sony's latest console?
New dawn for distiller
 Giorgio and George Dalla Cia, the passionate father-and-son wine and grappa-making duo, have realised a family dream with the opening of their third generation Dalla Cia grappa distillery.
Pink pashmina sales sponsor breast cancer research
 A global pashmina retailer has partnered with the International Breast Cancer Research Foundation to make a donation for every purchase in support of the Pink Ribbon campaign. To support the campaign for fundraising in the fight against breast cancer, part of the sale value for any order containing a pink pashmina will be given directly to cancer research.
Magicolor printer '2007 Pick of the Year'
Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA, Inc., a leading provider of advanced imaging and networking technologies, has announced that Buyers Laboratory, Inc. (BLI) has recognised the magicolor® 5550 as its 2007 'Pick of the Year' based upon its exceptional performance, diverse set of features and economic pricing.
Actively expanding in SA
Virgin Active recently announced plans to invest an R1.2 billion in its South African operations over the next five years. R750 million of this sum will go into the total upgrade of all existing facilities over the next 36 months, including the supply of brand new state-of-the-art equipment, and the balance will be spent on an extensive new build programme that will see around forty new clubs developed over the next five years.
Zimbabwe's battle of the brands
[Dumisani Ndlela] Zimbabwe's economy may be crumbling, but it's business as usual in the branding business.
A naturally light wine
The newly released Fleur du Cap Natural Light 2007, with its lower alcohol content of 9.5%, is a tantalizing blend of 90% Chenin Blanc and 10% White Muscadel. This slighty off-dry wine is packed with fruity aromas followed by just a touch of Muscat, whilst the lively palate pleases with fine, fresh acidity. The Fleur du Cap Natural Light 2007 retails at around R28 per 750ml bottle.
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Consumer research | | Foodservice magazine announces this year's 'QSR 50'
USA - QSR magazine, a publication for executives and operators in the foodservice industry, has announced the release the 2007 QSR 50. The report is available in the magazine's August issue and online at www.qsrmagazine.com.
New web site connects marketing research firms with potential clients
MarketConnect, a leading think tank in the marketing research professional services arena, have announced the launch of its MarketConnect web site; an industry portal to bring together marketing research providers with organisations that need to purchase marketing research services.
Consumer considerations for buying cars online
An exclusive BuyingAdvice.com survey found that just over half of online new car buyers said that the length of the auto manufacturer's warranty was a factor in their decision to buy a particular vehicle.
Kid Republic Conference: Finding balance within the ethics debate - Egg Marketing & Communications
 Marketing is a form of communication and, when implemented responsibly, has an important role to play within the family and children's market. One can, for example argue that the lack of effective marketing of health food products to kids, has had just as big an impact on obesity levels as the irresponsible marketing of ‘junk food'.
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Health & Safety | | Toys recalled in lead paint scare
An elevated level of lead found in the paint of children's toys made in China is forcing Fisher-Price to recall 1 million items.
Your printer could be dangerous!
An accidental discovery led to a study that found laser printers can release dangerous particles into the air, especially when the toner cartridge is new, or when printing graphics and images.
A soft drink a day could kill you
Aspartame Consumer Safety Network confirms results of the latest scientific study showing aspartame in diet soft drinks can trigger serious adverse reactions like heart attacks, strokes and diabetes.
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Merchandising | | Online video ads: ready for prime time?
The rise of online video has seeded the inevitable growth of online video advertising, a segment that 16% of advertisers intend to do business in this year, according to a recent report.
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Packaging | | New food label laws impact industry
Government's new label laws have significant impact for manufacturers and fast food chains. A major meeting with food producers and the Consumer Goods Council of SA will take place on Friday, 3 August 2007, to discuss the new draft regulations.
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Promotions | | Top SA celebrities battle it out in anti-ageing contest
South African celebrities have embarked on a journey to discover the secrets to anti-ageing in the Aqua Bimini Lifestyle Challenge, a web-based reality-style contest (http://www.health24.com).
Showcasing sassy Sauvignons
Wine Concepts will host their fifth exclusive Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon festival at The Vineyard Hotel and Spa, on Friday, 24 August 2007. This yearly festival gives wine lovers the opportunity to taste and compare over 50 of the new 2007 vintage Sauvignon Blancs. Big brother Cabernet Sauvignon will also put in an appearance with over 40 new vintage releases. Attendees will have the opportunity to buy the showcased wines at special prices for the duration of the show. Tickets cost R50 per person, and can be purchased at the door or from any of the Wine Concepts shops. For more information, contact Wine Concepts at newlandshop@wineconcepts.co.za, or visit http://www.wineconcepts.co.za/.
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Regulatory | | US Feds bust 18 in fraudulent online pharmaceutical sales
Eighteen people involved in an Internet pharmacy could face between three and 20 years in prison for each of the many charges against them, along with millions of dollars in fines, for the illegal sale of prescription drugs. A federal grand jury in San Diego has indicted these individuals, who were involved with Affpower, an online pharmaceutical distribution network.
Pasteurised almonds to affect raw foodists
As of 1 September 2007, all almonds produced in California will be required to undergo pasteurisation, or at least that is the ruling passed by the Almond Board of California with the backing of the USDA. Raw foodists around the world depend on a reversal of this ruling and followers of the Essene teachings may face giving up one of their staples.
New food Act draft sparks debate
Cereal's giant comments on the draft regulations relating to the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics & Disinfectants Act.
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Security | | Safety tips for buying online
Internet fraud is a growing threat as more and more consumers go online to buy everything from flowers to furniture. Internet bedroom furniture leader, Home-and-Bedroom.com, offers ten practical tips to ensure that your online furniture transactions are safe ones.
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Supply chain | | Brazil – the land of soccer, samba, supermarkets and shanty towns
 Earlier this year Pedro de Gouveia, GM, Salient Strategic Advertising and Design, flew to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil to attend the city's world-renowned Carnival festivities. This is what he found.
Global food additives market to reach US$25.3bn in 2007
According to the leading online food industry website www.just-food.com, the global food additive market will reach US$25.3bn in 2007.
HIATLANTIS 3.1 CRM/Supply Chain Management application now available
Technalign has announced the launch of version 3.1 of it's CRM/Supply Chain Management application and is now available for download on a 30 day trial. The CRM provides on demand, real time statistics of the sales force, credit, and support teams. The new release includes many new functions including consignment orders, credit processing, and full invoicing capabilities.
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Technology | | eBay sniping software wins People's Choice Award
USA - Auction Sentry Software joined the ranks of Microsoft, Adobe and Corel when it was awarded the People's Choice Award 2007 at the Software Industry Conference in Denver, Colorado. The flagship eBay sniping software product, Auction Sentry Deluxe, was voted Best Vertical Market Program or Utility. Users around the world cast votes for the People's Choice Awards on web sites such Download.com, PC World and Tucows.
AdAuthority launches new Internet search technology
USA - Internet marketing firm, AdAuthority, has launched AVIA (Advanced Verification & Integrity Analysis). Utilising a combination of data cross referencing and patented algorithms, it determines consumer demographics and behavior markers for integrity of incoming marketing data.
Web services security: beauty and the beast
As Web services applications began to be developed, vendors tried to outline ways to secure information at the application level. "Vendors have developed a broad suite of standards to protect Web services transactions," said Randy Heffner, an analyst with Forrester Research.
Gphone: Google's latest play for global domination?
Google's mysterious poking around in the wireless communications space is spawning rumors of an advertising-supported smartphone carrying the Google brand.
Reducing call center waiting with SIP
With session initiation protocol, or SIP, instantaneous collaboration using any device is automatic and device-independent, so call center operators don't have to worry about how their customers and employees connect. Need to move from a phone call to an interactive video? It's effortless, because SIP lets you adapt dynamically.
Firefox furnishes further flaw fixes
Following its July 18 remedy to the security hole created between the Firefox and Internet Explorer Web browsers, Mozilla on Monday released a new version of Firefox. Version 2.0.0.6 takes further steps in resolving the vulnerability presented when a user surfs a malicious Web page on Microsoft's Internet Explorer when Firefox is also installed on the system.
Now KwaZulu-Natal can have their bite of the apple
Apple IMC Southern Africa is opening of its first iStore in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday, 4 August.
How parents can protect their children from online predators
"Parents should use URL filtering software to control their children's Web surfing. These solutions allow parents to block Web sites that are inappropriate for children," Lawrence Orans, research director at Gartner, told TechNewsWorld.
Facebook wine application released
Wine recommendation engine, Snooth, releases Facebook wine application, backed by world's largest wine database.
Real rules for virtual worlds
IBM, whose 20th century employees were parodied as corporate cogs in matching navy suits, doesn't have an avatar dress code. However, guidelines suggest being "especially sensitive to the appropriateness of your avatar or persona's appearance when you are meeting with IBM clients or conducting IBM business."
Openads CEO James Bilefield: Publishers need independent solutions
Openads has developed an open source adserver now used by over 20,000 publishers.
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Training | | Teleseminar reveals 'new rules' for pursuing B2B sales
In what may be a trend among authors who wish to stay close to their readers, Bill Caskey, author of Same Game New Rules and many other sales training products, is presenting a one-hour complimentary teleseminar called 'The New Rules Workshop' on 10 August 2007, from 9 - 10am EST.
Be a top sales dog
 Top Dog Sales Secrets is a new book that teaches anyone who sells vital new skills. Edited by SalesDog.com founder Michael Dalton Johnson, Top Dog Sales Secrets serves up the selling secrets of 50 renowned sales wizards in doggie-treat-sized bites designed to supercharge sales performance.
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Wholesalers | | Wholesale info website partners with trade show host
TopTenWholesale, the information superhighway for wholesale suppliers and distributors, have announced the formation of a strategic media partnership with Nielsen Business Media for its upcoming wholesale exhibition.
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| | Business | | Talent spotter makes a new connection
Having placed some of the country's best creative people during the 17 years she was head of human resources and talent management at Ogilvy, Alex Leontsinis has developed and honed a talent for spotting talent. [Management] | New board member for South African Tourism
Cabinet has approved the appointment of Sizakele Mzimela as a Board Member of the destination marketing organisation, South African Tourism. [Business travel] | Data liability, Part 2: Name-brand trouble
"If I'm a bad guy, I don't want one customer's credit card information - I want lots of people's information," said Mark Rasch, former head of the Justice Department's computer crime unit and managing director of technology for FTI Consulting. "The bad guys really want to go after the companies with the most data." [Management] | Filtering software makes YouTube copyright cop
YouTube plans to use video fingerprinting software to identify postings that might be protected by copyright. [Management] |
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| | Quotes | | | "A bargain is something you can't use at a price you can't resist." - Franklin P. Jones | | "Modern man is frantically trying to earn enough to buy things he's too busy to enjoy." - Frank Clark | | "Nature provides a free lunch, but only if we control our appetites." - William Ruckelshaus | | "A brand for a company is like a reputation for a person. You earn reputation by trying to do hard things well." - Jeff Bezos | | "The secret of man's success resides in his insight into the moods of people, and his tact in dealing with them." - J. G. Holland | | More... Submit a Quote | | |
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