 23 Nov 2009 |
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Big Brother Mobile In a world where access to communication is not just a privilege but a necessity, SA's new regulation act is doing a fine job of crippling the growth of the mobile industry. The Regulation of Interception of Communications Act (Rica) - could there be a name that more blatantly smiles in the face of so-called protection while pulling the rug out from under the feet of the right to individual privacy? Why not just call it Big Brother Mobile? Retail group Edcon has just joined Foschini in blaming Rica for the drop in cellular department sales, and it's not hard to understand why. A few weeks ago I tried to activate a prepaid SIM card I'd received with a new phone I'd bought. There was airtime on the card that I didn't want to go to waste, but I was stymied by the automated voice on the other side, which said the card would not be activated unless registered with Rica. This could only be done with prood of ID and residence. This puts an instant block on anyone under the age of 16, not to mention all those poor souls who have spent years trying to wangle an ID out of Home Affairs - with some resorting to hostage situations and suicide because of lax procedures. Everyone knows you can't get a job or a bank account in this country without an ID. Now you have to give just about everything but a DNA sample just to call your mother. So as it stands, fewer active cellphones and SIM cards means a drop in airtime sales. As for government citing the Act's implementation on grounds of safety - just who exactly are they kidding? As far as I'm concerned, this is just another half-witted attempt to crack the whip on law-abiding citizens while giving the criminal underworld a new playground on which to run riot. As if the current cellphone and identity theft wasn't bad enough, now there will be a market for hacked and cracked SIM cards and bogus account statements. And what's next - pay-phone retina scans? Till then, happy talking. But remember, somebody's watching and they know who you are. Shan Radcliffe, Retail editor Please send retail news to: retailnews@bizcommunity.com Responses to this column welcomed in our new online editor's column archive. Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net. Top stories
RetailCellphone laws hurting Edcon sales [Kgomotso Mathe] Clothing group Edcon is the latest retailer to say that new cellphone regulations were hurting sales. Read more >>Another closure at Gonubie mall[Asa Sokopo] Gonubie's beleaguered King's Mall has suffered another blow with the liquidation and subsequent closure of the Dros restaurant. Read more >>News Café search for new face Entries for the Cointreau Face of News Cafe 2010 title opened this week at a fashion show and cocktail party, which included supporting competition sponsors, Cointreau; True Religion; Wonderbra; Pure Police DNA, Maybelline NY Cosmetics and Elchim SA. Read more >>Trade conditions remain positive in OctoberSouth Africa's trade conditions in October remained positive, the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) said on Wednesday, 18 November 2009. Read more >>Retail trade sales continue slumpRetail trade sales continued their downward trend in September falling 5.1% year-on-year. Read more >>Retailer faces the mother of lawsuits[Monica Laganparsad] South Africa's biggest supermarket chain faces a multimillion-rand damages claim following allegations that the company has ditched its most important client — the South African mother. Read more >>Banking & FinanceRepo rate remains unchanged in Marcus' first meeting The Reserve Bank's new governor, Gill Marcus, has delivered her first Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision on the repo rate, putting her unique stamp on the regular briefing. Read more >>Disappointment in rate retentionAccording to Dr Andrew Golding, CE of the Pam Golding Property group, “Tuesday's decision to keep the repo rate steady is disappointing, as there is concerted opinion that this would have been a positive move towards helping boost the South African economy and good news for cash-strapped consumers, including home buyers and existing home owners, plus a welcome year-end boost." Read more >>Brand newsSAB's performance in line with expectations The South African Breweries Limited, SABMiller plc's local operation, on Thursday, 19 November 2009, announced a solid performance with a volume trend in line with expectations for the first half of the financial year. Read more >>Ferrero mulling Cadbury offer - I-Net Bridge and AFP LONDON, UK: Italian chocolate maker Ferrero said on Wednesday, 18 November 2009, that it was mulling options on a possible counter-bid for British confectioner Cadbury, whose board rejected a hostile takeover offer by Kraft Foods. "Ferrero notes the recent press speculation regarding a potential offer for Cadbury... Ferrero confirms it is in the preliminary stages of evaluating its options in respect of Cadbury," the group said in a brief statement.'Healthier' tacos shells Old El Paso taco shells now contain sunflower oil, making them a 'healthier' option. They will also have lower salt and cholesterol, with no compromise to taste. Read more >>Marks & Spencer appoints Marc Bolland as CELONDON, UK: British clothes-to-food retailer Marks & Spencer on Wednesday, 18 November 2009, announced the appointment of Dutch supermarket boss Marc Bolland as its new chief executive. Read more >>Zonnebloem releases limited edition wines Zonnebloem has released its selection of limited edition wines; the 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, which won a gold medal at this year's Veritas Awards, Chenin Blanc 2009 and Shiraz 2007, also medal contenders have been released. Read more >>Bronx reveals its stiletto Bronx Ladies footwear has recently revealed The Hazel, a “statement shoe” that is a multi-strapped caged-style stiletto with an angular design. Read more >>New coffee from Lavazza Ciro Beverage Solutions, which brings the Lavazza brand to South Africa, has announced a new offering, known as i Piaceri del Caffe or ‘the pleasures of coffee'. This collection of specialty espresso-based gourmet coffees will be available at leading coffee shops from November 2009. Read more >>Woolworths launches animated kids range Woolworths will launch an exclusive range of ‘Jungle Beat' children's clothing and accessories in December 2009. Based on the internationally acclaimed, South African-produced animated series of the same name, it is targeted at the 2-6 year-old range. Read more >>Clothing & TextilesModels, designers turn up fashion heat[Amy Shelver] The Weekend Post J&B Fashion Challenge designers and models were up to their ears in fabric, measuring tape and creative conundrums this week as the heat just got turned up for the challenge. Read more >>No takers for Christian LacroixPARIS, FRANCE: The outlook for lavish French couture house Christian Lacroix looked increasingly bleak on Tuesday, 17 November 2009, as a French tribunal adjourned bankruptcy hearings with no fresh news of a buyer. Read more >>Fashion college graduates find employment Linea Academy, a Durban-based fashion college, is delighted that over 90% of its 2009 graduate students have already found positions within the local apparel and fashion sector. According to Renato Palmi, the college's marketing and strategic director, the uptake of graduates proves that there are companies doing well and that a fashion career complemented with a degree in fashion studies is a good choice. Read more >>Commercial propertyBoschendal on auction in December The Boschendal property of four founder estates, including two heritage founder estates, with large tracts of winelands and a working farm will go on auction on site at 12 noon on Monday 7 December 2009. Read more >>Commercial property gold rushCommercial property in SA's central business districts is booming, Alliance Group says. Read more >>Bellville goes big The R3-billion development of the Bellville Velodrome Precinct has been awarded by the City of Cape Town, after a two-year bidding process. Read more >>Corporate Social InvestmentR2 million for HIV clinic Standard Bank has assisted the Durban Christian Centre by contributing R2 million this week towards its peer education training and the development of the HIV/AIDS enhancement management programme. Read more >>CRMTalk CRM in language users can understand[Christopher J. Bucholtz] Those of us immersed in CRM take it for granted that people understand what the acronym stands for and what it really means - the technology, people and processes that go into building stronger relationships with customers, or customer relationship management. Quite naturally, the people who sell, support and comment on CRM understand all of that. But do the intended users? Read more >>Creating exceptional customer experiences, both coming and going[Kristin Hambelton] While technology will never be able to replace the experience of in-person interaction with customers, marketing automation solutions have the ability to make inbound marketing an integral part of campaigns and can support the flexibility to react immediately to a customer's latest action, regardless of the channel. Read more >>DistributionSunglass Hut in-store at Edgars Sunglass Hut, the international sunglass retail division of Milan and New York's listed Luxottica Group, has partnered with Edgars to roll out a store-within-store concept to 22 of Edgars top stores nationwide. Read more >>e-CommercePet's Life turns two A Pet's Life Online Pet Shop was launched in November 2007 and to celebrate its second birthday is running an online competition. Read more >>Everyone's stoked about Cyber Monday - vendors, customers and hackers[Chris Drake] How can you improve user experience and conversion for your e-commerce website on high-traffic days like Cyber Monday while ensuring their security? Creative elements aside, there are many technical intricacies that help make your website stand out online and stay secure. Read more >>ExhibitionsAll systems go for Soccerex[Brad Morgan] Its all systems go for Soccerex, the leading business convention for the global football community, which kicks off at the Sandton Convention Centre on 28 November 2009 and runs till 2 December. Read more >>Green sustainabilityBay hotel puts earthworms to workThe Garden Court Hotel is the first hotel in Port Elizabeth to have acquired a large industrial earthworm farm as part of its recycling programme. Read more >>Winemakers face climate change with dread LOGRONO, SPAIN: With the Copenhagen climate change summit looming, the world of wine convened on Spain's Rioja region for a conference in which global warming emerged as the industry's top concern. Read more >>Health & SafetyBaby strollers not recalled in South Africa Following the voluntary recall of Maclaren strollers in the US, Redgwoods, the South African toy and baby products retailer, has assured parents that the recall applies only to the US market and not to South Africa. Read more >>HospitalityCape eateries lead SA [Lauren Cohen] Food rivalry is heating up South Africa's kitchens, with 11 restaurants claiming the top 10 spots in the country's leading restaurant awards. Read more >>Protea website gets a facelift The redesigned “global window” for Protea Hotels went live yesterday and is said to be fully optimised for the build-up to the FIFA World Cup 2010. This multi-functional website incorporates a simple user interface supported by a powerful backend. Read more >>McDonald's takes on chicken market“We decided to introduce the crispy chicken fillet range after considerable research into trends in the South African quick service market, where we have seen a significant growth in chicken consumption,” explains Greg Solomon, McDonald's South Africa MD, on the November launch of its new chicken menu. Read more >>Import/ExportLatin American banana producers accept EU offer GENEVA, SWITZERLAND: Diplomats Latin American banana producing countries have agreed to an EU offer to cut banana tariffs, diplomats said, a move that could end the longest-standing dispute at the World Trade Organisation. Read more >>LogisticsR600m milestone logistics park opens[Bob Kernohan] A R600-million multiple milestone in the joint development of Eastern Cape industry was marked with the opening of a logistics and industrial park in Uitenhage late last week. Read more >>Analysts bullish about transport shares[Artwell Dlamini] Despite a remarkable run so far this year, analysts remain bullish on shares in transport groups such as Imperial Holdings and Grindrod. But one analyst warns of volatility. Read more >>Morwe to act as Transnet Freight chiefTransport business Transnet on Tuesday, 18 November 2009, announced that Tau Morwe, the Chief Executive of Transnet Port Terminals (TPT), had agreed to act as CE of Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) pending the finalisation of the current disciplinary process in relation to the suspended CE of TFR, Siyabonga Gama. Read more >>MerchandisingMakaraba goes international Makoya Designs has introduced a merchandised version of the Makaraba, making the fan helmet widely available. Serious interest has been shown from America, Europe and even Canadian ice hockey teams and in South Africa, it is also targeting cricket and rugby. Read more >>PackagingNew packaging for Denny Denny Convenience Foods has modernised and revamped its Pour-Over-Sauces product packaging with a fresh new look to highlight the quality and excellent nourishment of the range. Read more >>RegulatoryGoogle books hearing set for FebruaryWASHINGTON, US: A US judge set 18 February 2010 for a hearing on the revised legal settlement between Google and US authors and publishers that would allow the Internet giant to scan and sell millions of books online. Read more >>Consumer product regulator gets tough[Charlotte Mathews] Inspectors from the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications will be conducting more raids around the country in the next few weeks before Christmas. This follows a swoop on and confiscation of unsafe consumer products around Gauteng last week, acting CEO Bongani Khanyile has said. Read more >>'Vegetarian burger' claim grilled A vegetarian burger can't claim to be vegetarian if the onions have been fried alongside meat, the Advertising Standards Authority has been told. Read more >>Storm over drinking hours [Eddie Botha] With only weeks before the start of the festive season, a new storm is brewing over a “blanket decision” by the Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) to take over control of drinking hours. Read more >>Retail marketingSahara Computers' Christmas competitionThe Sahara Computers Christmas Carnival Competition is open for entries and closes on 31 January 2010. It is being run through retail stores such as OK Furniture, House and Home, Electric Express, Morkels, Joshua Doore, Russells, Price and Pride and Best Electric. Purchasing selected PC or laptops from its retail partners qualifies buyers to win cash prizes. The company's new range of computers based on Windows 7 platform offers value adds such as Microsoft Windows Live, Kaspersky Internet Security, Nero Express6 and a 12-month free Internet connectivity pack. Free additional hardware such as 3-in-1 colour printers, MP4 players, digital cameras and digital photo frames are aimed at enhancing the user experience.Retail servicesInternational company to set up CT contact centresAn international company, Teleperformance, is to set up two contact centres in Cape Town, which are expected to create 2000 jobs by 2012. Read more >>RetailersSamsung launches dedicated brand stores The doors are open to Samsung Electronics' two local brand stores that feature a showcase of the company's full product line-up. Read more >>International honours for Tops GM Raymond Edwards, GM Liquor, for Tops at Spar was inducted into The Keepers of the Quaich as well as the Commanderie Du Bontemps this year. Edwards is only one of about 25 people in South Africa who has earned the title of Keeper and one of just three people in South Africa who has earned such the Commanderie du Bontemps. Read more >>Apple's retail engine keeps on rollingApple's retail push shows no signs of slowing, and much of its momentum in the coming year will be directed to markets outside its domestic turf. Read more >>Slowdown in consumer credit continuesThe National Credit Regulator (NCR) has released its third Consumer Credit Report, which is based on data submitted to it by registered credit providers. This third edition covers credit market information on the five quarters up to June 2009. Read more >>SecurityJeweller's new rules to stop ‘theft'[Amukelani Chauke] A top South African jewellery manufacturer allegedly detained staff, searched them and ordered the women not to wear underwire bras to work anymore. Read more >>ShopfittingOctanorm celebrates 40 years in exhibitions The Octanorm System, one of the recognized leaders in exhibition, shop fitting and point of sale industries, celebrates 40 years in the production of re-usable lightweight stand construction systems. Read more >>TechnologySony talks up plans for digital media superstore[Renay San Miguel] Many companies would give up their right to right-click to be able to duplicate Apple's success with iTunes. However, only one actually has the pieces already in place to do that, and its executives announced their intentions Thursday, 19 November 2009, to take on Steve Jobs' company with its own online content service. Read more >>Manhattan system wins IBM awardManhattan Associates received the ‘Best ISV Partner Innovation' award at the IBM WebSphere Commerce Leadership Summit, held in Toronto Canada recently. Read more >>Virtual conferencing improves bottom line[Garry Ackerman] To help meet the goals of improved business outcomes, reduced costs and environmental sustainability, many organisations are turning to new software-based conferencing and collaboration solutions for audio and Web conferencing, as well as continued face-to-face conferencing via video. Read more >>Start-Up Index to monitor local tech companies [Issa Sikiti da Silva] South African local technology start-up companies will have their progress and growth checked and closely monitored on a regular basis thanks to SASI (South African Start-up Index) - an online incorporate and interactive media platform powered by YouNoodle - launched yesterday, 16 November 2009, at Wits Business School (WBS) in Parktown, Johannesburg. Read more >>TrainingICT shortages, new PDI programs Following on recent reports of severe national ICT skills shortages nationally and provincially, the ICT incubator, Bandwidth Barn and the Cape IT Initiative (CITI) will launch a training programme focusing on the two core areas of technical skills and basic business administration skills in the Western Cape. Read more >>
Brand newsHalls help prevent repeat of "anthem fiasco" - Cadbury South Africa Cadbury South Africa has come up with a sure-fire way to ensure that Ras Dumisani will be in better voice should he be given the opportunity to sing the national anthem again. Read more >>LogisticsImperial Logistics wins ‘Best Transport Operator' award - Imperial LogisticsImperial Logistics won the ‘Best Transport Operator' award at the 2009 FOCUS on Excellence Awards on 3 November 2009. The awards applaud excellence among transport operators, vehicle and trailor suppliers and the country's leading providers of tyres, fuels and lubricants. Read more >>
Bonga's Beats - Romantic men RETAIL [Bonga Percy Vilakazi] No one does romance like men, and it gets even better when it's men with soul. This month, Bonga Percy Vilakazi looks at the latest releases from all the R&B/Soul singers, as well as our local soul-filled singers. Burg beneath the Mountain RETAIL [Alan Hughes] What a pleasure to see Chris de Burg's impressive performance beneath our mountain at the Kirstenbosch Gardens. Thursday was a perfect evening for it: comfortably warm, with no wind. We arrived early to picnic on the grass and relax. The show started on time at seven, and continued for three hours solid, without a break. kykNET and Backsberg Picnic Concerts RETAIL kykNET and Backsberg Estate Cellars are thrilled to introduce a new live music series in the beautiful and scenic landscape of the Cape winelands. The series, which runs every Sunday from 29 November 2009 to 31 January 2010 brings a superb musical line-up of South Africa's best-loved artists to Backsberg. Zanda - a body and soul of music RETAIL [Ilva Pieterse] Twenty-six year old Zanda Traut played her heart out to fans last week Thursday, 12 November 2009, at Cafe Barcelona in Pretoria. It's been a while since Zanda did a live show - between playing lead guitar for Robbie Wessels and working as a producer at Manley Studios, it looks like little time should be left for her own creative projects. Be a BizLounge winner at Synergy Live! RETAIL Are you going to the Synergy Live Music Festival this November? Well if you aren't, you're gonna miss out on one helluva party. With a line-up that includes Fokofpolisiekar, The Rudimentals, those dirty Dirty Skirts along with the likes of SA's sickest Djs: Haezer, Craig de Sousa and Killer Robot - to mention only a few - it's bound to induce absolute mayhem in Franschhoek. Who said old dogs can't be fun? RETAIL [Zeenat Ebrahim] Disney does it again! Best-known for his comedy roles, Robin Williams stars alongside John Travolta in this family comedy. There is no question that with two great actors in the cast and an original script, this movie is bound to be a hit. Travolta's daughter, Ella Bleu Travolta (Emily), makes her debut as one of the twins and his wife (Kelly Preston) also stars in the movie. Albert Frost, our home-grown superhero RETAIL [Sindy Peters] Our very own local guitar hero, Albert Frost has come a long, long way since first playing with his father in the Blues Broers back in 1994. He's shared the stage with the likes of the Rolling Stones and REM and collaborated with another South African legend, Arno Carstens, producing an album that he believes changed their lives. Plush in summer SA tour RETAIL Following the return to SA of vocalist Rory Eliot, Plush will once again be touring South Africa between 27 November and 19 December 2009.
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The Pretoria Show has a new name - Tshwane International Show. 
