Baileys launches guerrilla store for fashion weekend
Baileys cream liqueur has partnered with The Runway and personal stylist Robyn Cooke to become the headline sponsor of The Baileys Fashion Weekend, a first-of-its-kind fashion event taking place on 16 - 17 August 2008.

Record wine sales at 2008 Stellenbosch Wine Festival
Bumper attendance and record wine sales in excess of R400,000 herald the 6th Stellenbosch Wine Festival as the most successful ever.


Vintage whites bring vibrance to Nederburg Auction
Monika Christmann, a top German oenologist who will address this year's Nederburg Auction in September, recently commented on how a clear South African wine style has evolved over the past decade. She noted the role of Sauvignon Blanc in helping the country to achieve a unique and distinctive identity.

Ellerines employees to get discount in shares
[Zweli Mokgata] African Bank Limited (Abil) launched its BEE public offering this week with special emphasis on creating value for employees of recently acquired furniture retailer Ellerines.

Cullinan awards for the wine connoisseur
The Juliet Cullinan Wine Connoisseur's Awards, established in 2000, evaluates and highlights the leaders of each Cape vintage. The 2008 Awards will be run in association with The Collection by Liz McGrath, which includes the three five star Relais & Chateaux hotels: The Cellars-Hohenort in Constantia, The Marine in Hermanus and The Plettenberg in Plettenberg Bay.


July house price growth lowest in nine years
The Absa house price index shows that July saw the lowest house price growth in almost nine years, which was attributed to deteriorating market conditions on the back of rising inflation and interest rates, which adversely affected household finances and the affordability of housing.

Zoning in on Rosebank for an extra boost
Developments in the business precinct of Rosebank, Johannesburg, are set for a further boost, with work set to start soon on a R170 million project by Old Mutual Investment Group Property Investments (OMIGPI). The project, which will see an Edgars store opening in Rosebank for the first time, will reportedly bring the value of OMIGPI developments in the precinct to almost R800 million.

Saccawu, Pick n Pay dispute for CCMA
A wage dispute between the SA Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (Saccawu) and retail giant Pick n Pay is to be heard by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, the company said on Monday.

New life for Nike Sportswear
[Tshepiso Seopa] The Sky-rink at the Carlton Centre in Johannesburg - a place that was once popular for ice skating way back when - was revamped to host the Nike Sportswear launch on Friday, 8 August 2008. The reintroduction of the sportswear coincided with the opening of the Olympic Games in Beijing.


Connie Ferguson launches first SA celebrity fragrance
Actress, model, presenter, producer and philanthropist, Connie Ferguson, is making local history by being the first South African woman to launch her own celebrity fragrance, which has been named ‘True Self'.


Clicks offers support for women this Women's Day
In support of Women's Day, 9 August 2008, Clicks is offering health and well-being specials and clinic services to all women, as well as providing some useful advice to ensure that they maintain optimal health in order to successfully raise and nurture our next generation.

Scalini steps into Cape Town with style
High fashion and elegance will be in evidence when the new Scalini boutique opens its doors in the heart of the trendy Cape Quarter this month. The bespoke new clothing gallery is home to selected luxury European clothing and footwear brands, including Sergio Rossi, Fratelli Rossetti, Eres swimwear and Penny Black by Maxmara, to name a few.


Coke's biggest new brand launch in 20 years
Coca-Cola South Africa has launched Coca-Cola Zero in what is the Coca-Cola Company's biggest global product launch in 20 years. The global launch strategy will include TV, Outdoor, Radio, digital, PR and sampling for over half a million consumers.


Get a shot of James Bond's limited edition mobile
Sony Ericsson, in an exclusive partnership between Sony Ericsson and MGM Pictures/Columbia Pictures, is launching a limited edition Titanium silver C902 Cyber-shot phone as used by James Bond in the eagerly awaited Quantum of Solace. The new mobile phone will make sure users are ready for any challenge, immersing them into the world of a secret agent with interactive 007 content and a spy-style game.

Simba names first woman CEO
Lauren Siebrits has recently been appointed as the new CEO of Simba, making her the first woman and South African to lead the Simba snacks business, says Arnold Veraart, the outgoing Sub-Saharan Africa GM. Simba has been wholly owned by US company PepsiCo since 1999.


Apple, AT&T and the iPhone's risky new plan
[Leslie Cauley] USA - Wonder why the smoking-hot 3G Apple iPhone only costs US$199, less than half the price of the original? Here's a two-word hint: Randall Stephenson. Stephenson, who became AT&T's chairman and CEO a year ago, championed the idea of paying Apple about $300 per device, analysts estimate, to help hold down the retail cost.

South Africans becoming naughtier - Sexpo survey
We're getting naughtier; that's the verdict from this year's annual Sexpo Sex Survey after interviewing 1000 South African men and women between the ages of 24 and 35 during May and June 2008. The survey, a yardstick that establishes some of the more saucy aspects of adult sexual behaviour, indicates a marked upward curve in some of the naughtier aspects of adult lifestyle, while at the same time noting a desire for escapism during tougher times.

Think inside the cask: Premium wine trend withstands cooling economy
As the economy weathers day after day of choppy economic news, consumers are cutting back on away-from-home consumption of wine, beer and spirits. New research from The Nielsen Company and Bevinco reveals that on-premise sales of alcoholic beverages have been considerably impacted by the declining economy.


EcoUnit releases "Consumer Awareness" survey results
EcoUnit's recent survey results show that there are still significant gaps in consumer awareness regarding important environmental issues, and these gaps are likely at the root of the US's thorniest environmental challenges. At the same time, there are key opportunities for leading companies to connect with their customer base by partnering for a better environment.

Restaurants, clothing bear brunt of consumer angst
Restaurants and clothing stores will bear the brunt of consumer angst, a survey by Virgin Mobile has revealed.

Added incentive to annual ‘Devoted to Caring' campaign
For the last 16 years, 10c from each Elizabeth Anne's product sold from June to September has been donated to the Avril Elizabeth Home; a regular donation that has become a support mechanism on which the facility has come to rely in its bid to provide a high level of care 24 hours a day for those who are unable to care for themselves. However, while the rising cost of living continues to impact on the lives of ordinary South Africans, such non-profit organisations have been struggling to cover operating costs and are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet.

The online social 'shop till you drop' party
It's no fun shopping alone. That's the theory behind social shopping, a trend that combines social networking with e-commerce. It's a trend that's coming into its own as increasing numbers of online shoppers turn to the sites for fun, companionship, and camaraderie with other shoppers.

Elle's new talent to open Sanlam SA Fashion Week
Elle New Talent Awards six finalists are set to open the Sanlam SA Fashion Week's Spring/Summer Collections 2008/2009 in Sandton on Wednesday, 27 August 2008. The finalists will showcase six of their designs entered for the Awards under the theme 'New Romance'.


Expo to promote Indigenous Knowledge System
[Nthambeleni Gabara] A week-long expo to promote Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) kicked off in Pretoria on Monday, 5 August 2008.

Something for everyone... at the Durban Good Food & Wine Show - Cape Gourmet Wine Show
Durban's first ever Good Food & Wine Show will have something for everyone when the doors open at 10:00 on Thursday 14 August at the Durban Exhibition Centre. From fanatical foodies, to style gurus; from gourmets and gourmands, to wine connoisseurs, sports lovers and even something for the Kids. The food, wine and lifestyle extravaganza of the year, will appeal to the whole family.

Flair for bartending? The SKYY's the limit
The search is on for a local contender to represent South Africa in the second SKYY Flair Global Challenge for bartending in Monte Carlo in November 2008. The sky is literally the limit for contestants as the local finalist will be jetting off to pitch his skills against the best of the world.


Juicing up Menlyn Mall
Juicy Lucy Menlyn is the latest addition to the 28 strong Juicy Lucy family and is the flagship store when it comes to the brand's vibrant new look.

SA, Namibia to review strategic projects
President Thabo Mbeki is departing for Namibia today, Tuesday, to meet with his counterpart in the Namib to evaluate and review progress made on existing bilateral strategic projects.

Villager lands 2010 FIFA World Cup commission
[Anna Makhubele] When Kenneth Dube, 35, started making electric bedside lamps using wood and animal horns, he never imagined he would one day receive an order for a 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup tourism project.

Store brands gaining popularity … even among well-to-do shoppers
Americans are increasingly favouring store-brand products over big brand names, according to a leading food-industry trade association. And as the US economy softens, many of the gains in store-brand sales have been among higher income shoppers.

Go green and get your free lemon tree
To ensure there'll always be an unlimited supply of lemons available, Savanna is giving away a free lemon tree this year to celebrate Arbor Week, which runs from 1 - 7 September. Consumers can simply buy a case of Savanna Dry or Light from their nearest Makro to receive a free tree. The promotion will run on 6 September 2008 from 10am - 2pm at the 13 Makro stores found nationwide. Trees are limited to one per customer and will only be available whilst stocks last, so be sure to head to Makro early to avoid disappointment. Apart from always having enough lemons to enjoy with an ice cold Savanna, be environmentally savvy and help support the Earth by planting a tree.

Pepsi cuts down cans; Madge accused of price fixing
NEWSWATCH: Pepsi Cola is looking to cut down the size of its canned drinks in China from 355ml to 330ml to combat the inflationary pressures of rising aluminium costs - Packaging Digest reports. Meanwhile, Madonna and Guy Ritchie could be in trouble after reports have surfaced of alleged price fixing at their pub in London - Tonight.

Marketing is under threat
[Prof Roger Sinclair] Marketing is under threat. First it was tobacco, now it is alcohol and food, next it will be motor vehicles, carbonated beverages and fast food restaurants. It is not the damage that these products are capable of that worries me; it is the attack on marketing as the cause that should concern the industry.

Unified communications: Lifeblood of the contact centre
[Steve Lawrence] Nearly one quarter of organisations polled in recent research have implemented unified communications in the contact centre. Unified communications - the convergence of technologies like instant messaging, e-mail, VoIP and e-commerce in or near real-time - has moved beyond the headquarters. What's its impact in the contact centre?

Nando's speeds up mobile takeout
DigitalMobile recently worked with Nando's to drive customer innovation through the use of mobile marketing. In a collaborative effort, DigitalMobile created an application that allows Nando's customers to interact and gain up-to-date content on the chicken quick service restaurant via their mobile phones.

Retail-marketing company buys plastics factory
Todwil Retail Solutions, a privately owned Cape-based retail-marketing company recently acquired Cape Tech Plastics, a specialist injection moulding company, for an undisclosed sum.

Sustainability and CRM
[Denis Pombriant] The notion of sustainability as it relates to CRM is worth some thought. CRM is used to accelerate the closing of a deal. But when you accelerate a close, especially with some sort of incentive like a discount, what you're really doing is stealing from the future, and that's not sustainable.

Treinen to tell of Target's appeal
[ActivRetail] Betsy Treinen, the Director of Strategy and Client Services at Catalyst Studios, has confirmed her attendance as a guest speaker at the Retail Advertising Conference, RAC Lite, next week. Her eight-year hold of the Target brand relationship saw the bulls eye soar from being barely-on-the-map, to one of the most recognisable icons in the United States.

Message for electronics retailers: Customer service sells
[Jayne O'Donnell] For all that they have in common, major electronics retailers such as Best Buy, Circuit City, Wal-Mart and Target differ in one important - even critical - way. Circuit City, in particular, has cut customer service in order to cut costs, and it has seen sales dive. Best Buy has amped up its customer service, and the chain is flourishing.

10 ways to lose customers and alienate people
[Michael Bergdahl] Isn't it ironic that it takes years to build a great customer relationship but only moments to tear one apart? There are so many ways to lose your existing customers, if you aren't careful in your dealings every day. Here are 10 ways to lose your customers, but this is by no means the exclusive list.

Richemont acquires 60% interest in Roger Dubuis
Swiss-based luxury goods group Richemont announced today it had acquired a controlling interest in the Geneva watch company, Manufacture Roger Dubuis SA in a private transaction with Carlos Dias, one of the founding shareholders.

Musica gets blasted
NEWSWATCH: Music, DVD and games retailer, Musica, is being fined R170,000 after the Pretoria specialised commercial crimes court, on Wednesday, found the company guilty of contravening the Counterfeit Goods Act - IOL reports.

Brushoff for Moody's
Moody's did not lower Edcon's credit rating, but did raise questions about the risk it faces in relation to debt.

Consumers should set online privacy ground rules
Finding the right balance between privacy and convenience online is best left to individual consumers; they are more vested than anyone in protecting their personal information. More control will enable them to decide what information they want to share and how they want to share it.

Feds throw book at 11 customer data theft suspects
USA - The Department of Justice has charged 11 people with the theft of millions of account numbers from a long list of US big box retailers including TJ Maxx, OfficeMax, Barnes & Noble, Boston Market, BJ's Wholesale Club, Forever 21, DSW, Dave & Buster's and Sports Authority.

Johnnie Walker set to collar fraudsters
Diageo, owner of Johnnie Walker, one of the world's best-selling Scotches, has developed new technology to crack down on whisky counterfeiters.

Dealing with the global downturn
[John van Wyk] Where are the opportunities that always lie in times of economic change? What should the owners of and participants in global supply chains be doing to maintain or extend their competitive advantage in this global economic downturn?

High food prices has left rural communities vulnerable
[Nthambeleni Gabara] Poor people, especially in the rural areas, are finding it difficult to cope with the rocketing high food prices on their thin wages or social grants.

Govt to give more support to emerging farmers
[Michael Appel] Government is to intensify the support it provides to emerging farmers to increase local production as part of efforts to combat rising food prices and decrease its reliance on imports.

The incredible shrinking desktop
[Brier Dudley] The desktop computer is getting smaller. Sure, you can still find the bulky towers most often associated with the category. Those are fine for people concerned about customisation. However, some people want a small, low-cost, energy-sipping PC that isn't a notebook. Computer makers are responding with tiny desktops - some as small as paperback books.

HomeChoice 'saves 50% on call costs'
SA home shopping giant HomeChoice says that it has implemented a VoIP solution from Orion Telecom. VoIP technology converts voice calls from analogue to digital to be sent over digital data networks.

'GTA IV' to move in on PC's turf
[Walaika Haskins] PC gamers will see the release of 'Grand Theft Auto IV' (GTA IV) for their platform of choice this fall. Game developer Rockstar Games and parent company Take-Two announced Wednesday that the popular title will hit store shelves on 18 November 2008.

Making mobile networks cheap and green
[Jennifer L. Schenker] It has taken 21 years to get mobile phones into the hands of 3 billion people around the world. Reaching the next 1.5 billion, who live in the world's poorest and most remote corners, is expected to take a lot less time but will pose much tougher challenges.

NMMU leads the way with new technology for repelling bugs
[Sipho Masondo] The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) has pioneered a range of ground-breaking insect repelling products which have now been patented in over 40 countries.

Gloria Jean's Coffees announces launch of new online training programme - Gloria Jean's Coffees
As a rapidly growing global brand whose constant challenge is to continuously ensure consistency of its gourmet coffee product, Gloria Jean's Coffees has unveiled its innovative online training and development programme, aptly named ‘GLORIA'.