 31 Aug 2009 |
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When will it end?
It's not right, finish and klaar - but perhaps there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It seems big business was taken by surprise at the weekend when the Competition Amendment Bill was signed into law. Rod Baker, guest columnist retailnews@bizcommunity.com Responses to this column welcomed in our new online editor's column archive. Top stories
RetailRetail sales in test is next year[Sasha Planting] While national retail sales continue to decline year-on-year, SA's most consistent retailer, Truworths, has delivered another solid performance, growing turnover by 11% and after-tax profit by 12%. Read more >>Advertisement:  Petrol price to increase by 36cMotorists, who are already struggling with the high cost of fuel, will have to fork out an additional 36 cents a litre for fuel, as from next Wednesday, 2 September 2009. Read more >>Don't rely on shoppers[Sasha Planting] When SA hit its peak of 6.6% annual GDP growth in the fourth quarter of 2006, consumer spending was at full throttle. Retail growth between 2005 and 2006 averaged 10% on a constant basis. Read more >>Reminder to enter t-shirt design competition The deadline for entering the Big Blue Makhulu Polane t-shirt design competition is 15 September 2009. The theme for this year's competition is Love-Africa, and entrants stand to win R20 000 in cash. Read more >>Economists predict lower CPIEconomists are expecting the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figure, the official measure of inflation in South Africa, to continue its downward trend when it is released later this week. Read more >>R120 million makeover for Balfour Park Balfour Park Shopping Centre has been given a new look with a R120 million refurbishment, which was undertaken to meet the modern lifestyle needs of its shoppers. Both interior and exterior have been rejuvenated. Read more >>Banking & FinanceConsumer credit downConsumer credit continued to slow in the closing quarter of 2008, the National Credit Regulator (NCR) said in its second Consumer Credit Report released on Wednesday, 26 August 2009. Read more >>Consumers could cut bank fees 60%[Edward West] The average South African could save up to 60% of their bank charges without switching debit orders or account payments, the online independent financial comparison website ThinkMoney.co.za claims. Read more >>Brand newsNew wine from Simonsig at Woolworths Woolworths will launch on 28 September 2009, a unique new blend of red and white grape varietals, Simonsig's first Chenin Blanc Pinotage. A 60% Chenin Blanc, the wine exudes a fresh berry flavour and tropical zest on the nose. Read more >>ghd to host fashion revelation, launches microsite International hair beauty brand, ghd, is launching ghd Revelations, a promenade fashion event spread across a historic Cape Town building. Read more >>Top brands of FHM style and grooming awards The winners of the 8th FHM Style and Grooming Awards were announced at an event held at the new Signature restaurant in Morningside Shopping Centre in Johannesburg recently. Read more >>Hisense builds sales in Africa[Hopewell Radebe] China's expansion programme into the African market is helping its companies grow their presence on the continent. Read more >>Green products from Wellness Water Wellness Water is offering a wide variety of filtration products, from water bottles to shower systems, that aim to reduce the amount of chemicals in household tap water, as well as cutting down on carbon emissions and excess plastic. Read more >>“Chew Life” winner announced Jonathan Bodibe is the winner of R15 000, courtesy of Stimorol's latest promotion, “Chew Life”, which ran in the Daily Sun and the Sunday Sun. Read more >>Commercial propertyJoburg CBD's new commercial nodes offer positive property opportunity“Amid turbulent times for the property market, the commercial sector of the market, while not unscathed, has held its own over the past year and retained its investor appeal, particularly among cash investors seeking the right yields,” said Dr Andrew Golding, CE of the Pam Golding Property group, at an acquisition event late last week. Read more >>SAPOA website offers research and events The South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) has launched its new website for members last week, offering latest industry research, reviews, news and the opportunity to register online for upcoming courses and events. Read more >>New mixed use, town centre development for Bridge City A 40 000sqm shopping centre will open at the 48 hectare Bridge City, north-west of Durban, on 29 October 2009. Additionally, 300 domestic residences and a major tertiary education institution are under negotiation. Read more >>Corporate Social InvestmentEdcon selling Casual Day stickers to public In support of Casual Day, Friday 4 September 2009, Edcon will be selling R10 Casual Day stickers directly to the public via all its retail outlets including Boardmans, CNA, Edgars, Discom, Jet, Jet Mart, Jet Shoes, Legit, Prato, Red Square and Temptation stores. Read more >>DistributionSouth Africa wins Distributor of the Year from US giant Gary Scarafile, the regional sales director of the US$12 billion Nebraska-based conglomerate ConAgra, flew into Cape Town, on Tuesday 25 August 2009, to present the award of Distributor of the Year for Europe, Middle East and Africa to JMC. Read more >>ExhibitionsBarbie nurtures local talent at SSAFW Sanlam SA Fashion Week (SSAFW) opens on Wednesday ,16 September 2009, and the last show on opening night is the South African celebration of the Barbie 50th anniversary at the De Beers Shining Light Southern African Collection at the Designer Inspired Runway Show. Read more >>Cape Town Fashion Week goes to the dogs The second day of Cape Town Fashion Week, held at the CT International Convention Centre on Friday, 21 August 2009, offered guests a glamorous surprise as Craig Port added an unusual yet entirely appropriate element to his theme of Faith Hope Love - canine couture. Read more >>Taste Cape wines in Sandton The 2009 Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction Showcase, to be held on Thursday, 27 August at The Atrium, Nedbank Sandton, will give you the opportunity to taste exceptional wines, meet top South African winemakers and bid on rare and exclusive collector's wines. Read more >>‘Tabling the label' at Arise CT Fashion Week 09 [Sindy Peters] The 2009 Arise Cape Town Fashion Week went off well, without a glitch. While it may have been smaller than last year's event, it still maintained its glamour. From the mature, sophisticated designs of Doreen Southwood to the sexy swimwear by Lovewaterlove and the classic suave-look that has become synonymous with Fabiani - there was a little something for everyone. Read more >>FranchisingPick n Pay takes trade to townships[Kgomotso Mathe] Pick n Pay's franchising strategy could prove to be a winning formula for the food retailer in its effort to penetrate mass markets, particularly the Soweto market where its competitor, Shoprite, has been operating since 2000. Read more >>Green sustainabilityClimate change: a risky business Does climate change, or global warming, as it is more commonly known, pose a legitimate threat to South African businesses? The answer, in a nutshell, is yes - climate change and its knock-on effects will most definitely impact on local business. Read more >>Health & SafetySA baby formula 'safe'The manufacturer of popular infant milk formula S-26 said yesterday, 30 August 2009, that the product on South African shelves had been thoroughly tested and is “safe for infant consumption”. Read more >>HospitalityOnline meals free up Mom The trend to quality, nutritional online cuisine has been successfully developed by Chef Direct, a Northriding business that serves Greater Johannesburg and Centurion. The company spent 18 months planning and investing before launching the online ordering model a year ago. Read more >>Grand cook off for Sunday Times Food AwardsSunday Times Food Awards, in association with Foodcorp, earlier this week announced the finalists for the 2009 awards in the three categories, Chef of the Year, Young Chef of the Year and Chef School Challenge. Read more >>Waterkloof's new 'theatre' of wine-making A new tasting lounge at Waterkloof in the Helderberg winelands provides not only stunning views for visitors, but crowns a state-of-the-art 'theatre' of wine production. Read more >>Import/ExportBrasil Trade Mission comes to Africa Apex-Brasil, a Brazilian trade and investment promotion agency, will host a trade mission to Africa from 1 - 3 September 2009 in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa. Apex-Brasil president, Alessandro Teixeira, will be in attendance. Read more >>LogisticsTransnet top man's future uncertain[Artwell Dlamini] The future of Transnet top executive Siyabonga Gama hangs in the balance following the decision by the state logistics utility to institute disciplinary action over allegations of breaches in procurement contracts. Read more >>ManufacturingDark days indeed[Larry Claasen] Manufacturers expected 2009 to be a bad year. So far it has lived up to the worst of their predictions. Read more >>Unions ask FIFA to reveal all sources of clothing Trade unions have called on FIFA and the 2010 Soccer World Cup's local organising committee (LOC) to ensure that clothing made for next year's tournament does not come from sweatshops. Read more >>PPI falls to 3.8%The Producer Price Index (PPI) fell by 3.8% year-on-year, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reported on Thursday, 27 August 2009. Read more >>Sactwu wage talks in deadlockThe Southern African Clothing & Textile Workers' Union (Sactwu) and clothing manufacturing employers on Wednesday, 26 August 2009, failed to reach a settlement in an ongoing wage dispute, following a combined leadership meeting of their respective wage negotiating teams. Read more >>Textile strike looms[Anna Majavu] About 60 000 clothing workers could begin a national strike in two weeks if last-ditch talks with the clothing manufacturers industry tomorrow, 26 August 2009, fail to secure a pay rise of R70 a week. Read more >>RegulatoryCommission calms fears of associations[Hilary Joffe] Competition commissioner Shan Ramburuth has moved to allay fears that industry associations could contravene the anticollusion provisions of competition legislation, saying the law on collusion is clear and the authorities have no problem if companies work together for legitimate industry association purposes. Read more >>JSE to delist Country FoodsCountry Foods said on Friday, 28 August 2009, it has decided not to appeal against the JSE's decision to delist the company on 14 September 2009. Read more >>Probe into dairy industry to continue The probe into possible anti-competitive activity in the dairy industry by the Competition Commission will continue. Read more >>ResearchParticipate in online ecommerce survey now Jump.co.za is conducting an Ecommerce survey, similar to its 2007 survey, with over 900 South African online storeowners or operators. To participate in the anonymous survey, go online until 10 September 2009 to bit.ly/1omTvp. Results will be available as a free download by 21 September. Read more >>Retail marketingBearing gifts for friendship month Teddy bears have often been referred to as the best friend a human can have because they possess all the qualities that pertain to friendship. They trust you, they are loyal, and they will never reveal your secrets. Build-A-Bear Workshop will be cele-bear-ating this friendship at all of its stores during September. Read more >>Darsot heads outdoors
Retail servicesSales evolution in a high-risk economy[Paul Staelin] In an economic climate like this, it may be tempting to just hunker down and focus solely on survival. That approach, however, ignores the opportunities such a situation presents to sharpen your sales strategies. Now is the time to realign key priorities. Read more >>A small business guide to SaaS[Charles Pittaway] Software as a Service (SaaS) is this year's big technology buzzword - and the good news for small and medium-sized companies is that this is one tech trend that really offers them business benefits. Read more >>RetailersMr Price total sales up 11.9%Retailer Mr Price on Thursday, 27 August 2009, reported that total sales grew by 11.9% and comparable sales grew by 9.2% for the first four months of the current financial year ending March 2010. Read more >>Woolworths full year turnover up 7.2%Retailer Woolworths reported on Wednesday, 26 August 2009, that its adjusted diluted headline earnings per share for the full year ended 30 June had lifted to 123.7 cents from 114.3 cents before. Read more >>We won't pursue 'unprofitable market share' - ShopriteShoprite will not pursue an unprofitable market share growth, chief executive Whitey Basson said. Read more >>Shoprite final dividend up 29% to 130.0cRetailer Shoprite on Tuesday, 25 August 2009, reported that its diluted headline earnings per share for the 12 months ended June 2009 were at 390.8 cents, up 30.9% from the previous years 298.6 cents. Read more >>Conference likely to debate criticism of shopping centresWith some shopping centres increasingly being criticised by investors, vigorous debate is expected to feature at the 13th African Congress of Shopping Centres next month. Read more >>Colourful new retail experience Alison McCutcheon saw a gap in the market for a destination store that showcased the resourcefulness and creativity of South Africans. The result is The Rainbow Experience at Mandela Rhodes Place in Church Street, Cape Town. Read more >>SecurityRegister for first Africa Fraud ConferenceThe inaugural Africa Fraud Conference and Exhibition takes place at Sandton International Convention Centre on 17-19 September 2009 and bookings close on 12 September. It is hosted by Association of Certified Fraud Examiners SA (ACFE SA), as part of its 10th anniversary. Read more >>Supply chainFruit farmers' BEE plan kicks off in Ceres[Janine Oelofse] The deciduous fruit industry's R64-million black economic empowerment plan, which will later include farms in the Southern Cape, kicked off in Ceres on Tuesday, 25 August 2009. Read more >>TechnologyBlue Label brings basic phones online[Lesley Stones] Blue Label Telecoms is touting its partnership with Microsoft as a potentially lucrative source of income, with them jointly launching a service that lets people with low-end cellphones use internet applications on the small screen. Read more >>Sony unveils new e-reader in Kindle challengeWASHINGTON, USA: Japan's Sony Corp. has unveiled an electronic reader featuring a touchscreen and wireless connectivity in a bid to challenge Amazon's popular Kindle. Read more >>Mobile marketing: future's road most travelled?[Issa Sikiti da Silva] Global mobile advertising revenues are set to total US$24 billion by 2013, according to ABI Research. A recent Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Council survey conducted by Epsilon has revealed that 63% of marketers plan on increasing their mobile marketing budget in 2009. Read more >>Optimising mobile marketing and building quality leads?[Issa Sikiti da Silva] Mobile marketing connects businesses and customers during the right time at the right place with the right message. Optimised mobile marketing forms part of one's overall marketing strategy and objectives, and requires the customer's explicit permission and active interaction, according to Alexander Gregori, of myMobworld. Read more >>TrainingAdvanced wine course for hotel students The Eastern Cape's drive to be a centre of excellence for the international hotel industry has received another boost with the addition of an advanced wine course. Read more >>
Brand newsThe perfect summer snack - Fore Good Investments Pringles Rice Infusions are thin, crispy and light and have all the much loved characteristics of original Pringles such as the unique Pringles shape, iconic tube, irresistible flavours and great taste. Read more >>Retail marketing3D packshots - the cost-effective option in TVC production - Sphere Animation Studio With the present economic downturn TV producers throughout South Africa are seeking cost-effective alternatives for production of adverts and documentaries and in the packshot arena, 3D is becoming increasingly popular in meeting this criteria. Read more >>
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