 19 Jul 2010 |
|
 Bizcommunity Search |  |  Find your perfect job. |  Open a press office today. |
Opportunities await
While we wait for more figures to roll in, the retail industry is gearing up for the big mid-year events. Africa's Big Seven Expo kicks off this coming Sunday, alongside SAITEX 2010, at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. Invitees to the 2010 RAC Lite can expect to hear recessionary survival stories from the likes of Professor Byron Sharp and Mike Gatti. Manufacturers can look foward to the inaugural Afrimold exhibition in Sandton in mid-August. Information and opportunities abound - don't let them pass you by. 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 and jscreationzs Top stories
RetailRetail sales exceed forecasts[Mariam Isa] Retail sales accelerated at the fastest pace in more than two years in May, above expectations and boosting hopes of a stronger recovery in consumer spending, the economy's main engine. Read more >>AssociationsNew judge for Eat Out Restaurant Awards The 2011 Eat Out Restaurant Awards judging panel has been extended to a quartet with the addition of Anna Trapido. Based in Gauteng, she joins highly acclaimed judges Arnold Tanzer, Pete Goffe-Wood and Eat Out editor, Abigail Donnelly. Read more >>2010 Finalists embody spirit of awards The three finalists in each of the five categories of the new Shoprite Checkers Women of the Year Award were announced yesterday, Wednesday, 14 July 2010 in Johannesburg. The public can now vote for these exceptional women, selected from hundreds of entries, thereby contributing 30% to the final score although the judges' decision will be final. The awards will be announced at the gala evening in July 2010 at Emperors Palace in Gauteng and will be broadcast during prime time on Monday 9 August on MNet. Read more >>Banking & FinanceWill mobile banking change the banking landscape in SA?[Simon Russell] Twelve years ago the retail banking industry thought the end of 'bricks-and-mortar banking' era was close, with the introduction of mainstream internet banking. However, this did not materialise as banks in their quest to differentiate, realised the value of the branch in the selling process and its necessity for customer acquisition and authentication. Read more >>Brand newsGame still in the pink of health Game Stores has come a long way since it opened its first store in Durban in 1970 in cramped premises in the city's CBD, ringing up sales of R78 000 in its first month of trading. Its founders believed that shopping had become a tedious and boring pastime. They wanted to create a fun shopping environment and so conceptualised retailing as a game. The signature bright pink prevails to this day. Read more >>Welmoed launches mobisite The new mobi site for Welmoed wines, developed by Cell Smart, features an interface that is easily accessible using a basic cellphone with WAP (wireless access protocol), and comes with a variety of content modified for cellphones. Read more >>Clothing & TextilesCommercial propertyCorporate Social InvestmentCRMAmazon to launch call centre in Cape Town[Thabiso Mochiko] US online retailer Amazon will open a call centre in Cape Town that will create 600 jobs. Read more >>ExhibitionsAfrimold exhibition targets local manufacturing industry The inaugural Afrimold exhibition at Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, 16-18 August 2010, will highlight the critical mould-making, tooling, design and application development industries that are the foundation of all manufacturing. Read more >>SAITEX offers profitable Asian connectionsSAITEX, reportedly the largest international trade show in Africa, takes place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand from 25-27 July 2010. Asia, a major trading partner with South Africa, will be thoroughly represented, as more than 100 Chinese exhibitors will go on show, added to the Indian Pavilion, which again represents considerable investments from the sub-continent. Read more >>WODAC comes to Cape The World of Dogs and Cats and Pet Expo, which has been running in Johannesburg and Durban for the past 14 years, is coming to Cape Town for the first time - from 19-21 November 2010 at the Good Hope Centre. Read more >>Green sustainabilityUPS systems offer green technology Worldwide, Eaton Power Quality is promoting its Green Leaf label, which is used to identify its product, solution or service that offers proven exceptional environmental benefits. "Although all of the company's products and solutions are designed to meet or exceed government standards for protecting the environment, those products and solutions with the Green Leaf designation go well beyond these standards to provide exceptional environmental benefit," explains Evershree Mathadeen, sales manager at Eaton. Read more >>HospitalitySoweto Wine Festival gets even bigger As a result of its extensive growth and increasing popularity, the 6th annual Soweto Wine Festival, taking place from 2 - 4 September 2010 at the University of Johannesburg Soweto Campus, has increased the festival length to three evenings; added a large marquee to the side of the hall to cope with crowd capacity; and will launch a business arena to showcase careers in wine, wine education, and entrepreneurial opportunities in wine. Read more >>Restaurants score during World Cup[Michael Bleby] The fast-food and eating-out business enjoyed a World Cup boost as people filled with the soccer spirit bought more pizzas, burgers and meals out, restaurant owners said. Read more >>Food awards adds category The Sunday Times Food Awards have added a new category, the Stalwart of the Kitchen, to the existing three categories of Chef of the Year, Chef School Challenge and Young Chef of the Year for the 2010 competition, which closes for entries on 31 August 2010. Read more >>Import/ExportWine exports increase to soccer participants According to Wines of South Africa (WOSA) CEO Su Birch, for the most part there has been a marked increase in sales volumes amongst those countries with a high level of interest in soccer. Read more >>ManufacturingIDZ attracts large dairy investmentWednesday, 14 July 2010, saw the launch of the R130 million Sunningdale dairy in the East London Industrial Development Zone (IDZ), reportedly the biggest agro-processing plant in the Eastern Cape. It is believed that the launch will act as a catalyst to attract more agro processing investors into the zone's agro processing cluster. Read more >>Packaging'Plastic' bottles for wine 'not inferior' [Katy Chance] The Wine and Spirit Board has approved the use of a type of plastic, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), for wine bottles, and local wines in such bottles will be allowed the South African Wine of Origin certification. Read more >>Carry-off Café Culture KWV has launched a convenient 375ml four-pack of Café Culture Pinotage in an easy to carry case, which will add to the shelf visibility ensuring an easy shopping experience for consumers. Read more >>ResearchAustere times as SA, African consumers cut luxury goods spend [Issa Sikiti da Silva] As the global economic recovery gets off to a slow, uneven start, 45% of South African consumers say they will be restricting their purchases on 'essential' expenses, and in the process cutting down on luxury goods in the next six months, according to a MasterCard Worldwide survey released last week. Read more >>Bad credit records continue to climbAccording to the National Credit Regulator, as at the end of March 2010, credit bureaus had records for 18.21 million credit-active consumers of which 46% had poor records. Read more >>Study offers insight into taxi rank consumers[Chantelle Benjamin] A study into taxi commuters has revealed that they have more disposable income than initially assumed, and that 15% of users have their own vehicles but use public transport for convenience. Read more >>Retail marketingNew speaker confirmed for RAC Lite A new international speaker has been confirmed for RAC Lite 2010, a one-day version of the American Retail Advertising Conference, on 24 August 2010 in Johannesburg at the Kyalami Theatre on the Track and on 26 August at The Lord Charles in Somerset West, Cape Town. Read more >>Old Spice guy, viral media coup: social media game-changers[Rob Dickens] When Old Spice is mentioned, it is practically synonymous with that stuff you bought your dad on Father's Day. A traditional, old-fashioned, classic eau de cologne. A stagnant brand, relegated to the nostalgic shelf. That perception is on the brink of doom as Old Spice's latest marketing campaign has lifted the bar on e-marketing, changing the way we execute social media campaigns forever. Read more >>Retail servicesRetailersSpar 'enhances' with branded pharmacy option[Zeenat Moorad] In line with its retail expansion plans, supermarket group Spar on Wednesday, 14 July 2010, announced the launch of its first branded pharmacy at Spar Shelly Beach in KwaZulu-Natal. Read more >>Massmart strikes while the iron is hot[Zeenat Moorad] Fresh from an impressive 52-week sales update, retailer Massmart Holdings, has announced the buy-out of Namibia-based hardware chain, Pupkewitz Megabuild, in line with its African expansion strategy. Read more >>SecurityTobacco vault reduces pilferingVinallti, a Cape Town-based company providing dispenser and stock management solutions, is developing a range of solutions to secure high-risk products and provide live vendor managed inventory control. Its newest product, the iBlue Vault, will shortly launch in South Africa, offering retailers secure tobacco dispensing. Read more >>Supply chainAvocado farms 'partially' hit by cold spell [Andries Mahlangu] Subtropical Fruits Growers Association (SFGA) said on Wednesday, 14 July 2010, that the total damage estimate to avocado crops as a result of the current bad winter spell is "negligible", and will therefore not drive up prices at this stage. Read more >>SA unlikely to encounter tomato supply shortages [Andries Mahlangu] Tomato Producers Organisation (TPO) said on Tuesday, 13 July 2010, that it was unlikely that South Africa will encounter tomato supply shortages due to frost that ruined crops on some tomato farms. Read more >>Opportunity for students to attend conferenceIn addition to its sponsorship of the Association for Operations Management of Southern Africa (SAPICS) Conference at Sun City from 25-27 July 2010 for supply chain and operations professionals, Volition Consulting Services is also sponsoring a student initiative that will enable aspiring supply chain professionals to attend the event. For further information on the SAPICS conference and exhibition, phone Cynthia on +27 (0) 11 805 6616, email upavon@icon.co.za or go to www.sapics.org.za.Training
University of Northumbria team wins 2010 IDM National Student Competition LONDON, UK: The winners of this year's Institute of Direct Marketing (IDM) National Student Competition were revealed last night: Total Green Solutions, a five-strong team from the University of Northumbria comprised Nicole Anderson, Emma Boyle, Simon Burns, Anna Drury and Paul Middleton-Walker. Read more >>Alcohol manufacturers drink in profits from at-home consumption CHICAGO, US: Mintel research finds that more consumers are throwing back their glasses at home, instead of in bars or restaurants. Among alcohol drinkers, 90% consume alcoholic beverages at home, compared to 77% who drink outside the home. Furthermore, those surveyed consume almost twice the amount of drinks at home in an average month than they do in restaurants or bars (10 vs. 5.7). Read more >>Reckitt Benckiser to use social gaming in graduate recruitment drive[Mark St Andrew, creamglobal.com] LONDON, UK: The poweRBrands app gives users the chance to test their business skills within an FMCG environment and work their way up the corporate ladder. The app has been developed by Nudge Social Media in partnership with recruitment marketing agency Euro RSCG Riley and the client. Read more >>Coface first international credit insurer to get Russian licenceMOSCOW, RUSSIA: Coface reinforces its credit insurance position to serve efficiently the dynamic emerging Russian market. Read more >>New way to measure evolving web video landscape RESTON, US: comScore, Inc a leader in measuring the digital world, today 16 July 2010 announced the introduction of Video Metrix 2.0, the next generation of comScore's industry leading online video measurement service. The new service offers several enhancements - including reporting of online video ad impressions - designed to better align with the realities of today's online video landscape. For more information on Video Metrix 2.0, go to www.videometrix2.com. Read more >>iPhone 4 reception problems: It's in the grip, says AppleCUPERTINO, US: Apple has issued a statement following reports that the iPhone 4 has had some reception problems and says it is says it is 'surprised' by the reports. Read more >>World Cup fuels mobile gaming growth SINGAPORE: Global mobile media company, BuzzCity, delivered more than 8.3 million games to 14.8 million unique users across the world through its free mobile gaming portal Djuzz during June. This is an increase of 295% in downloads and a 335% increase in unique visitors to the portal as key sporting events and branded titles play a part in mobile game downloads. Read more >>Festival of Media launches in Latin AmericaMIAMI,US: The Festival of Media, claimed to be one of the world's premier events for advertisers, media strategists, technologists and media vendors, is launching the Festival of Media LatAm - a regional event dedicated to the media issues and needs of one of the world's most vibrant and fastest-growing advertising regions. Read more >>Starbucks cracks 10 million Facebook fans LONDON, UK: Starbucks has become the world's first consumer brand to achieve 10 million fans (or "likes") on Facebook - or indeed on any single social network. As of now, midday 15 July 2010, the brand, according to Famecount.com has 10 030 184 Facebook fans. Read more >>Mintel presents latest food and drink trends and innovative tasting at IFT 2010 CHICAGO, US: Mintel, the global leader in market and consumer intelligence, will continue the tradition of Mintel's Global New Products Pavilion* at the IFT 2010 Annual Meeting & Food Expo in Chicago, IL from July 18-20. Read more >>FAC, Ukash extend partnership HAMILTON, BERMUDA: First Atlantic Commerce (FAC), an international, online payment and risk-management solutions provider, and Ukash, a Bermuda-based global online alternative cash payment provider, recently announced the addition of new Ukash processing services including multicurrency voucher issuing, and full and partial voucher redemptions via FAC's platform, to better serve merchants in emerging markets. Read more >>comScore uses fingerprints to fine-tune survey security RESTON, US: comScore selects Imperium's RelevantID for enhanced respondent validation as part of ongoing survey respondent quality initiative to ensure highest standards for research panel integrity. Read more >>UK house-price market stays low LONDON, UK: PwC says UK house prices are still likely to be below 2007 levels in 2015 in real terms. Read more >>June 2010 US search engine rankings released RESTON, US: comScore Inc released its monthly comScore qSearch analysis of the US search marketplace yesterday, 13 July 2010 . In June 2010, Americans conducted 16.4 billion core searches, up 3% vs. May. Read more >>Google wins landmark Adwords case[Mark St Andrew, creamglobal.com] LUXEMBOURG: In a decision that with potentially wide-reaching implications for online advertising, Judges have confirmed that the use of other company names as advertising keywords is not an infringement of European trademark law. The ruling is of particular benefit to Google's revenue-generating Adwords service. Read more >>Red light for UK business on green issues LONDON, UK: Business is biting the hand that feeds as unchecked environmental resource loss threatens to bite the UK economy. Read more >>World Cup chocolate wars[Olivia Solon, creamglobal.com] LONDON, UK: Unless you've been living on the moon, you may well be aware of this little old event called the World Cup, which has been trickling like a gentle torrent into our lives over the past month. Read more >>Domino's credits social media for sales growth[Olivia Solon, creamglobal.com] LONDON, UK: Domino's Pizza has reported a 29% surge in pre-tax profits to £17.5 million (about R200 million), buoyed by a strong performance from e-commerce sales and attributed its link-up with Foursquare as key to its recent performance. Read more >>More International news...
Brand newsAston Martin launches the new Rapide - General Mills The BMW showroom was the place to be as Aston Martin revealed the new four-door sports car, the Aston Martin Rapide... and Häagen-Dazs was there to share the moment. With over 800 guests the showroom was filled with media, car enthusiasts, celebrities and a few rugby players. Read more >>Irresistible Häagen-Dazs at Sex and the City 2 VIP premiere - General Mills Häagen-Dazs was as irresistible as ever among the fashionable as the dessert sponsor at the premiere of Sex and The City 2. The event was attended by more than 500 guests. Among them were the lovely ladies Leigh Ann Liebenberg, Penny Lebyane, Liezel van der Westhuizen, Terry Pheto and Khanyi Mbau. Read more >>ExhibitionsLet your brand be part of the MamaMagic at The Baby Expo! - The Baby Expo - MamaMagic The Baby Expo - MamaMagic, organised by Exposure Marketing, has over the last six years gained a loyal following from exhibitors at their shows and has become the ideal platform for new and existing companies to find their feet within this market. So why do clients keep coming back for more? Read more >>FranchisingWin a ride in a Ferrari F40 with Tiger Wheel & Tyre! - Tiger Wheel & Tyre On Saturday 24 July 2010, South Africa will witness the largest annual gathering of Ferraris when more than 150 of the sleek sports cars scream onto the Kyalami Race Track, in Midrand. Tiger Wheel & Tyre will be right there, celebrating three lucky winners' exhilarating ride around the track in a Ferrari F40 - and it could be you. Read more >>
John Ellis comes out fighting [Ruth Cooper] John Ellis of Tree 63 fame has returned from the States and is going solo, he has been busy recording his latest album "Come out Fighting" which he will be launching tonight, Friday 16 July 2010, with band Lonehill Estate in Northriding. BizLounge chatted to him via e-mail about flying solo, uBuntu and Julius Malema. Read more >>Thrashisphere [Patricia Pieterse] The Big Four concert is, arguably, the biggest event in thrash metal recently. Considered the four most influential bands in thrash metal, Anthrax, Megadeth, Slayer and Metallica all performed, for the first time, on one stage at Bulgaria's Sonisphere. Read more >>More BizLounge news...
"In the end, the customer doesn't know, or care, if you are small or large as an organisation.. she or he only focuses on the garment hanging on the rail in the store." - Giorgio Armani "If at first the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it" - Albert Einstein "Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives." - William A. Foster "Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, but just look at what they can do when they stick together." - Vesta Kelly "Many a man thinks he is buying pleasure, when he is really selling himself to it." - Benjamin Franklin Print - Print any item in this newsletter.
Email - Email any item in this newsletter. Comment - Comment on any item in this newsletter.  |
Advertisement:
 Advertisement:
|
