| | | Let’s Face it... | I picked up a news item the other day regarding Facebook and the fact that more and more Australian companies appear to be clamping down on their employees' use of Facebook at work because it's costing them (the employers) huge amounts of money. But it's been like that with everything, hasn't it? Some years back there was a report to the effect that out of every 10 or so photocopies made in the office, the official ones were in the minority… private documents accounted for some, recipes and cartoons and other bits and pieces for the others, and the lone two or three official company-related copies accounted for the balance. In similar vein, if your email inbox is anything like mine then some are business-related, and the balance are invitations to buy products that will apparently enhance areas of my somewhat dissipated body to the extent that top models will fall over themselves to share my life – well, love life (I trust they wear dark glasses and have a guide dog). And I get a lot of jokes as well. Other messages allude to someone in Nigeria who is second cousin to the widow of the late minister of Trade who somehow or other forgot US$20 million in an account, and if I just help one teensy bit, I'll get half of the cash for my troubles. So it's no wonder that in this age of instant communication, we are assailed from all sides by the good, the bad and the ugly – and I can understand how Australian business leaders feel when they see their employees spending far too much time on Facebook. I wonder how long it will be before employers here is South Africa also begin to take a long hard look at FB and programs like it. Weeding out the trash in the inbox takes more than enough time as it is!
Rod Baker, Content Manager: Send your news to: retailnews@bizcommunity.com; or visit https://www.bizcommunity.com.
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| | Headlines | South Africa ranked 35th in e-readiness
Johnson & Johnson sues American Red Cross
Doing Business Report 2007 - Africa among top three reforming regions
Customer-driven business intelligence key to retailers' success
Townships: their promise, their potential, their challenges
Zimbabwe: Relaxing price controls "too little, too late"
Woolies, Netcare launch in-store pharmacy
Report reveals top CRM vendors
Branding for the environment: the extent of the problem
Australian Facebookers cost employers plenty
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Retail | | Hardware exhibition becomes more international than ever
International exhibitors from eight countries will add even more spice and variety to Hardex 2007, the only trade show geared exclusively for the hardware and allied products industry.
Zimbabwe: Relaxing price controls "too little, too late"
 Businesses say the Zimbabwean government's about-turn on price controls this week, allowing manufacturers and retailers to increase the prices of basic commodities, is a classic case of "too little, too late", and most are sceptical about whether the decision will restore a normal flow of goods onto the market.
Woolies, Netcare launch in-store pharmacy
In partnership with the Netcare group, Woolworths launched its first in-store pharmacy this month in the Woolworths Foodmarket at the Lifestyle Centre in Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town. The Kloof Street pharmacy is part of a trial which will test the viability of the initiative, and a second pharmacy is scheduled to open shortly.
US employers slamming the door on Facebook
Social networking site Facebook has become so popular in the US that it's catching the attention of employers. A growing number are blocking their employees from accessing the site, reports security firm Sophos, due to concerns over lost productivity and threats to security and privacy. Will South African employers react the same way?
Advertising invades YouTube videos
Viewers might notice something a little different at the bottom of the YouTube video they're watching: a translucent advertising banner.
New initiative pushes the ‘Buy South African' message
A new initiative to encourage government and business to “buy South African” more actively has been launched.
MOM's the word, or perhaps not... acronym ambiguity in the marketing automation space
There used to be only two things that were certain in life: death and taxes. Recently, at least in the world of business, a third undeniable truth has crept into our everyday existence: acronyms.
A dim future for terrestrial radio?
An entrepreneur in terrestrial radio says it will be almost wiped out by 2020 as exponential growth in WiFi lets listeners enjoy Internet stations anytime, anywhere from their mobile phones.
Win a passport to success with a new generation
 Unilever, in collaboration with members of Generations TV series, has launched Pond's Passport to Success campaign; a competition offering a mentorship programme to four young women looking to kick start their careers in one of the chosen fields of acting, directing, public relations or wardrobe assistance. The 10-day mentorship prize will be conducted by Connie Masilo (actress), Natalie Lundon (wardrobe), Constance Mokhoantle (PR) and Wani Nevhutalu (director); and the winners will get to see them in action on the Generations set, ask them questions and gain invaluable advice. The competition kicks off on Monday, 27 August and closes on 14 September 2007, with entry details available on Pond's packaging.
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Banking & Finance | | Introducing free online payment gateway
CDGcommerce, Internet merchant credit card processor, has announced the release of its free online payment gateway program, powered by the Quantum Payment Gateway. The new program relieves merchants accepting credit cards online of all gateway and gateway per transaction fees.
Rising debt pushes up distress levels
South Africans are not the only ones feeling the pressure of increased inflation - with UK interest rates approaching a 14 year high, and debt resolution frustratingly difficult to secure, debt distress in on the rise.
Introducing Forex for 'dummies'
GAIN Capital Group, LLC, Foreign Exchange (Forex) trading and services provider for institutional and individual investors, has announced the release of Currency Trading For Dummies; a new book that blends the basics of the Forex market with tactical trading and risk management techniques for the growing number of individual investors interested in trading the global Forex market.
SA bank in Nigerian merger
It's a new era for banking in Nigeria as Stanbic Bank and IBTC Chartered Bank go ahead with merger.
South Africa takes a chunk of US$1 billion global outsourcing market
South Africa is slowly taking a significant share of the global shared services and outsourcing (SSO) market, worth US$980 billion last year and expected to grow to US$1,430 billion by the end of 2009 at a compound annual growth rate of 15%, global growth consultancy firm, Frost & Sullivan revealed.
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Brand news | | MTN re-brands Areeba in Ghana
[Emily Nyarko] MTN, one of Africa's biggest mobile telephone operators is the latest entrant into Ghana's telecommunications industry.
Shoprite still at home with Primedia
After a four-year partnership, national shopping chain Shoprite Checkers announced yesterday, Thursday, 23 August 2007, that it has inked a three-year contract with Primedia @ Home to continue building awareness and promoting sales of its stores in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, and Gauteng.
Fleur flies to the stars
 Fleur du Cap Noble Late Harvest 2006 has joined the select group of elite wines to be capped with five stars by the prestigious John Platter Guide - South Africa's definitive wine directory.
Plastics manufacturer launches new global site
 JSP, a leading supplier of ARPRO® and other innovative engineered expanded foam materials, unveils its newly updated website; featuring detailed product information, application insights and technical services.
SA distiller grows revenues in tough markets
The focus by Distell, a major South African distiller, on achieving profitable sales growth in increasingly competitive local and global markets saw the company grow revenue 18,4% to R8 billion on a sales volume increase of 14,4%.
Mobile giant tops survey
 According to Markinor's top brands survey, Vodacom up at the top in a number of areas of brand recognition and standing.
New look makes selection easy
Mandy's, the range of hair removal products, has a fresh, modern new look.
Branding for the environment: the extent of the problem
[Pierre Mare] The recent reports on climate change, although heavily negotiated, make for extremely bleak reading.
A festive treat for lovers of sparkling wine
 Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel lends grandeur to the Festive Season with South Africa's king of Cap Classiques available in a bold Magnum style that comes with an exclusive, stylish gift box.
Sweet heat without additives
 Nando's recently launched an additive-free Peri-Peri sauce variant, Sweet Chilli, available in a 375ml bottle at all major retailers nation-wide for R14.99. An exotic blend of fresh lemons, garlic, red bell peppers and a lime, Nando's Sweet Chilli is enhanced with an extra mild dose of Nando's signature peri-peri. Comments Nando's Grocery brand manager, Teresa Mordoh, “We are confident that this product will resonate with moms who share our concerns about artificial additives in food products consumed by children and are delighted that we are able to offer this delicious NO heat healthier alternative.”
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Consumer research | | Customer-driven business intelligence key to retailers' success
Retail Systems Research (RSR) latest report, The Next Generation of Business Intelligence: Driving Customer Insights across the Retail Enterprise has found that although retailers have been collecting consumer data for years, the data has historically been unavailable to the enterprise. The research confirms that using customer-driven business intelligence to inform assortment and space planning processes are key components of retail success.
The TV is dead, long live the Web?
Nineteen percent of consumers polled in a recent IBM survey said they spend six or more hours a day online; 9 percent of those surveyed spend a like amount of time watching television. Twenty-three percent of respondents reported using a portable music service such as iTunes and 18 percent have an online newspaper subscription.
Townships: their promise, their potential, their challenges
Research conducted by Infusion over the last two years reveals opportunities and challenges of uneven development in various townships.
Survey finds consumers prefer Apples
 In June, a ChangeWave consumer survey saw an Apple 'halo effect' emerging for Mac computer sales, due in part to hype surrounding the release of the iPhone. At that time, it appeared as though a transformational shift was taking place in the consumer PC marketplace. According to ChangeWave's latest consumer PC survey, the impact of this shift is now clear, and the news is great for Apple but ominous for Dell.
Study finds web users read more than e-mail
In 2003, Internet users were spending about one-third of their time viewing content. Now, researchers say users spend about half of their Web time reading information, according to a study by the Online Publishers Association. Taking the backseat is e-mailing, to which users are devoting one-third of their Internet minutes.
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Franchising | | Franchise uses a good finish to build success
 Pick & Build, a national franchise company targeting the building supply and construction market, offers a lucrative and sustainable business opportunity for entrepreneurs.
Buy a franchise at the FBOE
The Gauteng leg of the Franchise & Business Opportunities Expo takes place from 7 – 9 September 2007 at Gallagher Estate in Midrand.
Floyd's gets Cross
Agency Cross Colours has been elected to partner Floyd's Barbershop with its entry into the South African market and is handling all the design and advertising on the account.
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Import/Export | | Green light for Durban's trade port
[Themba Gadebe] The development of a trade port at La Mercy, north of Durban, including the King Shaka International Airport has been approved by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism.
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Merchandising | | Carbon neutral clothing goes high fashion
 A partnership with Rene Geneva Design, LLC leads to the first eco-chic luxury fashions to be certified "carbon neutral".
Is 'personalized merchandising' becoming an e-commerce reality?
While a dynamic, personalized storefront will automate some aspects of the online merchandising process, the role of the online merchandiser will become even more critical. There will always be a need to overlay the right set of business rules to align personalization with the key needs of the retailer.
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Packaging | | Johnson & Johnson sues American Red Cross
The world's largest for-profit healthcare products conglomerate, Johnson & Johnson (J&J), is suing the American Red Cross (ARC) over its use of the life-saving emblem - the red cross on a white background.
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Promotions | | Buy local and be a proud supporter of the Nca!tion
Proudly SA Week, which will run from 17 to 22 September 2007, is a time for all South Africans to take stock of our accomplishments as a nation, and to stand up for our country. There is abundant positive evidence for being Proudly South African and for supporting quality Proudly South African products and services.
Inspiring stories, inspiring men
 Castle Milk Stout kicks-off their Thola Inkunz' Emnyama promotion.
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Regulatory | | Doing Business Report 2007 - Africa among top three reforming regions
Tanzania, Ghana are two of the top 10 global reformers for 2005-2006 and the continent as an entity moved up the rankings.
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Retail services | | Value cards open for SMEs
SmartClixx®, LLC, provider of self-hosted closed loop stored value card software, has announced the Platinum Partner Program, its globalised web-based application available to distribution channel partners wanting to "host" small and medium-sized merchants.
Report reveals top CRM vendors
LONDON: Independent market analyst Datamonitor's newly released report ‘Decision Matrix: Selecting a CRM Vendor' assesses the strengths and weaknesses of leading CRM vendors and suggests that despite numerous players operating in this highly competitive space, just two names should be on IT decision makers' shortlists.
Ugandan online store and info service launches
[David Muwanga] I Know Information Services LTD, an information and communication technology (ICT) company in Uganda has launched two websites www.icareug.com and www.iknowuganda.com to provide on-line shopping and information services to Ugandans.
Denmark's masters of e-mail marketing
While Come&Stay is a major player in northern Europe, globally it's still a dwarf compared with Mountain View, California-based DoubleClick, the digital advertising company acquired by Google in April for US$3.1 billion. Unlike DoubleClick, Come&Stay, with operations already in 14 countries, is focused solely on e-mail advertising.
Kenyan firm makes online shopping a reality
[Joyce Joan Wangui] A quick solution for Kenyan shoppers is in the offing, courtesy of a Nairobi-based firm that will save hundreds of time-constrained individuals by offering online shopping services.
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Security | | Technology drives security advances
Convergence is ensuring that advances in information technology (IT) and networking drive new and improved security solutions.
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Technology | | South Africa ranked 35th in e-readiness
[Remmy Nweke] South Africa has been ranked 35th in a global electronic readiness (e-Readiness) survey, thus leading the continent in the 2007 edition as announced by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) at this year's eNNOVATE expo in Lagos.
New knitting machine launches at international textiles expo
 Pai Lung, manufacturer of the Kintel series knitting machines, will be showcasing its upgraded Knitel series and brand new 'A series' machines at the International Exhibition of Textile Machinery (ITMA) to be held in Munich, Germany in September 2007.
Starting small with the big picture vision is key to BI success
Despite the wave of excitement around business intelligence (BI) in corporate South Africa, many companies that have adopted BI technology are still struggling to implement their tools and get the level of access to information that they were aiming for.
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Training | | Transforming sales from art to science
The birth of sales force automation introduced science to the industry. SFA, marketing and other related operations have become a standard part of CRM systems. The problem is that these applications do not offer help for regular salespeople working to make quota.
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| | Business | | Australian Facebookers cost employers plenty
This article is based on the Australian experience, but that could well be repeated here in South Africa – if it's not already being repeated, that is... [Management] |
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| | People on the move | | | David Hood has been appointed Managing Director: SnackWorx of National Brands Limited (NBL). | | More... Submit a Person | | | | |
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