 12 Oct 2009 |
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Awards and awareness The winners of Times, Sowetan Retailer Awards were announced at a ceremony of cool sophistication held on the Northgate Ice Rink in Johannesburg last week. KFC flew ahead of the flock to take home the overall Grand Prix award, with Pick 'n Pay placing first as Best Overall Grocery Store, and Edgars being named favourite clothing chain. Despite the issues arising over the viability of the two-year-old Maponya Mall, the centre slid into third place for Best Gauteng Shopping Centre. October marks the month of breast cancer awareness, and African Fashion International will be showing its commitment by hosting its second annual Design for Life fundraiser. Back from his New York Fashion Week debut, local designer David Tlale is also showing his support by designing the limited edition T-shirt for the initiative - the sales of which will go to three cancer research and educational charities. There's only 900 T-shirts available, so if you want to show you care, you better move fast! Shan Radcliffe, Retail editor retailnews@bizcommunity.com Responses to this column welcomed in our new online editor's column archive. Image: The AFI limited edition breast cancer awareness T-shirt, designed by David Tlale. Top stories
RetailConsumer goods far horizons[Sasha Planting] Whether the fast-growing economies of India, China and Brazil can help pull the world out of the current recession is a matter of debate. But to fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) giant Unilever, which earns 50% of its revenues in the developing world, the question is academic. Read more >>Times, Sowetan 2009 Retail Awards click The 2009 Times and Sowetan Retail Awards were held late last week at the Northgate Ice Rink in Johannesburg. The awards were based on the results of a commissioned survey, by newspapers, of 3500 adults in metro and non-metro areas about their shopping preferences. Read more >>Best month for extra heavy commercial vehiclesAccording to total retail sales volume of 1467 units reported to National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), September showed an improvement of 7.3% over the final audited return for August and drew its momentum from an encouraging revival in extra heavy commercial vehicle sales, the best month this year. Read more >>Wool prices see new seasonal high The wool market delivered another strong performance with the Cape Wools Merino indicator increasing by 2.6% to a new seasonal high of R57.46/kg (clean). Read more >>Downturn poses challenge in implementing NCAIt has been tough implementing the National Credit Act under the current economic climate, says the National Credit Regulator (NCR). Read more >>Unilever at Brands & Branding for Good [ActivRetail] Brands & Branding for Good, South Africa's first conference to include a focus on sustainable branding, takes place on 20-21 October 2009 at Midrand and will include the chair of Unilever South Africa, Gail Klintworth. Read more >>Banking & FinanceCellphone banking drives mobile data growth Mobile network operators in South Africa have seen a significant evolution and growth in mobile data usage over the past two years driven primarily by services such as mobile Internet and other multimedia services. Read more >>EAPs can improve bottom line[Chris van Rensburg] As the grip of the credit crunch continues to tighten purse strings worldwide, more and more consumers are experiencing financial stress. This is particularly true for those consumers who engaged in routinely poor credit management practices in the past - e.g. paying late, skipping payments or exceeding credit card limits. The impact of this type of behaviour is amplified in today's economy where escalating debt and unfavourable credit ratings make accessing loans and credit an elusive prospect. Read more >>Bankserv introduces global standard messagingBankserv has introduced a new XML (extensible mark-up language) format, to be known as Extended Funds Transfer Messaging, for EFT payments enabling direct debits and credit transfers to be delivered in message formats aligned to international standards. Read more >>Independent ATMs growIn developed countries, such as Australia, Canada, US and UK, independent ATMs now deliver over 60% of cash dispending services in each country. In South Africa, the demand has grown rapidly through tangible benefits for both the consumer and vendor and independent ATMs now represent over 15% of the market. Read more >>Credit bureaus report increase in bad debtThe National Credit Regulator (NCR) regulates and monitors registered credit bureaus and the quality of the data they create, based on credit information received from credit providers on a monthly basis. Read more >>African Banker Awards 2009 winners announced The African Banker Awards 2009 took place yesterday, Tuesday, 6 October 2009, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey, to recognise the continent's successes in banking at an awards ceremony and gala dinner. A total of 14 awards were presented during the ceremony. Read more >>Brand newsLocal liqueur goes gold with FIFA
Sonja Shear, market unit head for Sony EricssonSony Ericsson South Africa announced on 7 October 2009 that it has appointed Sonja Shear as market unit head for South Africa, succeeding Martijn Lutgerink, who returns to Germany after his two-year tenure to establish and grow a local team. Shear, who has been with the company for three years, was previously with Ster-Kinekor as marketing director for the home entertainment division. She brings a wealth of experience and an ability to lead her team with motivation and passion.Mardi Gras comes to SA via Southern Comfort Southern Comfort's Mardi Gras promotion will be a road trip around SA, bringing jazzy, vibrant New Orleans to South Africa from 10 October 2009. Read more >>Pampers launch new range Pampers has created New Pampers Premium Care, a nappy that combines a ‘soft like cotton' touch with 'absorbaway' technology for premium skin protection. It not only absorbs wetness but also runny and pasty mess away from baby's skin, whilst five aloe lotion strips provide natural protection and comfort for baby. The nappy adjusts to the unique shape of baby's body. Read more >>Same Verwöhnaroma, new milder taste
Silver moment at Saxenburg The Saxenburg Wine Estate celebrated its 25th vintage with a superb ‘Silver Chilled Dinner' held at the estate on the hills overlooking Kuils River near Stellenbosch on Tuesday 29 September 2009. Read more >>Coffee pinotage bursts with flavour
New man in Sarie's kitchen [ActivRetail] Sarie, one of the country's biggest-selling women's glossy, has appointed a talented young man to wear the apron as its new food editor. Herman Lensing is taking over from Barbara Joubert, who in turn will focus on Sarie Kos, the food brand extension launched in September 2007. Read more >>Nu-World expects lower earningsRetail group Nu-World Holdings on Monday advised that it expected a decline in headline earnings per share of between 25% and 35% and a decline in earnings per share of between 35% and 45% for the year ended August 31, compared to the previous period. Read more >>Commercial propertyDry areas attract farmers, investorsAccording to Wayne Rubidge, manager for Pam Golding Properties, the extensive nature of Karoo and Kalahari farms, low population density of these areas, coupled with limited crime and political involvement in farms, low capital inputs and a highly desirable lifestyle, is placing them high on buyers' priority lists. Read more >>Corporate Social InvestmentDesigner T-shirt supports Breast Cancer Month October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and to highlight the prevalence of the most common cancer in women around the world African Fashion International (AFI) is running the second annual Design for Life fundraiser that employs fashion for a greater purpose. Read more >>EABL to launch CSI program[Carole Kimutai] East Africa Breweries (EABL), through its corporate social investment division - EABL Foundation, has confirmed plans to step up environmental promotion and awareness programs in four East African countries. Read more >>Caring through bidorbuyThe bidorbuy website is currently hosting listings created by Bird Life South Africa (BLSA), and Books Etc, two non-profit organisations. Read more >>2010 bursary from Edgars Edgars launched a new initiative aimed at the improvement of education via a holistic bursary programme in September 2009. Although the programme was initiated in celebration of Edgars' 80th birthday, the bursary programme will only officially commence in 2010 as part of a five-year programme that is strongly aligned with Edcon's CSI strategy of investing in the communities in which it operates and it contributes towards Edcon's BBBEE programme. Read more >>Softline gives Life College R100 000 Life College in Randburg offers entrepreneurship and leadership programmes to public school learners. Its 2010 Xchange programme has received R100 000 from Softline, following the success of this year's similar donation which saw 71 ‘Life Contenders' successfully complete a formal curriculum on entrepreneurship. Read more >>DistributionRock legend launches at AVA ExpoThis year's AVA Expo, taking place from 29 October - 1 November 2009 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, will see the South African launch of the world-famous Schecter guitar. Read more >>ExhibitionsTop AV, appliance expo Audio Video Appliance (AVA) Expo, considered Gauteng's premier hi-tech electronics exhibition, takes place from 29 October to 1 November 2009 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Visitors will see the latest brands, get exhibition specials and participate in a variety of competitions during the four days of the show. Read more >>Propak Africa 2009, bigger... better... Premier packaging exhibition Propak Africa 2009 takes place at the MTN Expo Centre Nasrec from 20 - 23 October 2009 and includes four other trade exhibitions. Due to the synergy between packaging, printing, plastics, labelling and food-processing sectors of industry, Print Expo, Pro-Plas Africa Expo, Pro-Label Africa and FoodPro will share the stage offering visitors additional value-add. Read more >>Uncorked this weekend for R60 The annual Franschhoek Uncorked festival, running this weekend (10 - 11 October 2009) offers unlimited wine tastings at 24 participating wineries with a R60 access card. Also famous for its food, the festival will offer treats to tantalize the taste buds. Read more >>Green sustainabilityEnviropaedia leads greens The Enviropaedia (Environmental Encyclopaedia and Directory) website provides insights into ‘eco-logical thinking' and is filled with practical information and tips on how people can play an effective role in protecting earth's eco-systems and thus preserve their future quality of living. Read more >>HospitalityProtea's Fire & Ice coming to Joburg Following the success of the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! in Cape Town, the hotel group will be launching the second in this line of contemporary offerings in Gauteng. Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! - Melrose Arch will open its doors to the public in the first quarter of 2010. Read more >>Winner of LG Life is Good cooking competitionThe 2009 LG Life Is Good cooking competition held at Sandton City Fountain Court on 26-27 September 2009 was won by Rhoda van Schalkwyk with her mushroom and avocado skewers on garlic and aubergine mash with blueberry and chilli sauce. She wins a trip to Dubai, R15 000 in cash and a state-of-the-art LG SolarDOM.Online cuisine service launches catering division Chef Direct, one of the fastest-growing online kitchen and fresh meal delivery services, will formally launch its catering division on Thursday, 8 October 2009, at its Northriding premises. This division aims to supply event companies, corporate clients and high-profile customers, including TV celebrities. Read more >>Heinz top teen chef sought On Saturday, 10 October 2009, some of Gauteng's best young chefs will be competing for the title Heinz Junior Chef of the Year at the Pro Arte campus in Alphen Park, Tshwane. The cook-off will have high school learners from Pretoria, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni pitting their skills against one another at the Pro Arte campus, in a bid to discover the next Nigella, Jamie or Gordon. Read more >>Import/ExportSA explores trading opportunities with south countriesPresident Jacob Zuma says South Africa, and other African countries, have begun exploring more trading and export opportunities with countries in the South. Read more >>In Russia, bananas stay firm The economic crisis in Russia has caused a sharp cutback in imports from SA, especially our biggest seller, fruit. Read more >>LogisticsImperial to bide its time before trying takeover trail[Artwell Dlamini] Imperial Holdings, which has an annual turnover of about R52bn, says it is still difficult to value potential acquisition targets even though earnings visibility was improving. Read more >>ManufacturingSactwu partially suspends last of wage strikeThe Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers' Union (Sactwu) on Thursday, 8 October 2009, announced that the clothing workers' strike in QwaQwa had been partially suspended. Read more >>Manufacturing falls by 15%The estimated manufacturing production for August 2009 is 15% lower than in August 2008, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reported on Thursday, 8 October 2009. Read more >>US still biggest manufacturerWASHINGTON, USA: The United States remains the world's largest manufacturing nation even as China gains ground, according to a new study. Read more >>Asian textiles industry shows growthSINGAPORE: Asian textiles, once considered a fading industry, are now showing strong growth prospects thanks to technology and demand from expanding middle classes, a leading industry player said. Read more >>PackagingNampak chairman to step down in 2010Packaging group Nampak on Wednesday, 7 October 2009, announced that its non-executive chairman, Trevor Evans, had decided to step down as chairman and director of the company in 2010. Read more >>Apple in logo row with supermarket SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: Australian supermarket chain Woolworths on Tuesday, 6 October 2009, said it was being challenged by US-based technology giant Apple over the use of a logo the computer company claims resembles its own. Read more >>RegulatoryCape Town cracks down on trailer adsCity of Cape Town authorities are getting tough on illegal A-frame advertising trailers, the sort that are parked at the side of the road. Read more >>Unqualified audit report for NCRThe National Credit Regulator's (NCR) annual report for the year ended 31 March 2009 has been tabled in Parliament. CEO, Gabriel Davel notes that, once again, the NCR received an unqualified audit report on its annual financial statements, confirming that the NCR implemented effective internal controls and reporting standards. The NCR's total operational expenditure for the past year was R52.8 million and it has a complement of 86 staff members. Read more >>ResearchRetail data likely to show bigger dropRetail sales are likely to have contracted in August as consumers remained under pressure from high debt, stubborn inflation and mounting job cuts. Read more >>Retail marketingWomen get power package Women Incorporated (WINC), launched in Johannesburg on Wednesday 7 October 2009 by Cell C, has been created to meet the unique but shared needs of women across a broad spectrum of society. Read more >>Doritos South African music competitionThe Doritos Be Heard competition, from 5 - 31 October 2009, is searching for original South African young musicians. Entries may be from vocalists, drummers and keyboardists to guitars and players of traditional instruments, playing in a style or genre of their choice but the songs must be their own original compositions. The winner receives R200 000 and runner-up receives R100 000. Read more >>Retail servicesInk buys airline retail mediaInk, reputed to produce more in-flight magazines for more airlines than any other company in the world, has purchased the rights to the Airline Retail Conference (ARC) and Airline Retail News (ARN) magazine, it announced late last week. Read more >>RetailersThe high price to pay for a spud [Shaanaaz de Jager] Prices for the humble potato are at an all-time high, with some shops charging as much as R82 for a 10kg pocket, more than triple the average price charged this time last year. Read more >>Western Cape gets wired The first DionWired store in the Western Cape opened in Somerset Mall on 24 September 2009. It is its eighth consumer electronics and appliances concept store to open in South Africa. Read more >>SecurityBuyers beware on great car dealsDarryl Jacobson, managing director of Burchmore's, warns buyers that “unbelievably good deals” on second-hand cars need to be scrutinised carefully as criminals are getting smarter in their frauds. “If you're about to buy a used car at a ridiculously low price ask yourself, why are you so lucky? Chances are excellent that you're about to be scammed,” he warns. Read more >>Supply chainAccess suppliers through retail portal Finding suppliers can be time-consuming and frustrating, however Reach Retail the latest internet portal for retail in South Africa plans to make this a simple click exercise. The site offers retailers free access to daily industry news, supplier search by name, supplier search by area, category and sub-category, industry events and a favourites management functionality. Read more >>TechnologyAmazon Kindle goes international CALIFORNIA, USA: Amazon.com on Tuesday, 6 October 2009, announced it is releasing an international version of the Kindle and trimming prices of the coveted electronic book readers. Read more >>Samsung sees record operating profitSouth Korea's Samsung Electronics on Tuesday, 6 October 2009, estimated it made a record quarterly operating profit of US$3.5bn in July-September. Read more >>
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