 18 Oct 2010 |
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Cosatu should be pleasedAndy Bond, Wal-Mart's executive vice-president responsible for UK and Africa operations, has assured anyone who's willing to listen that the company's entrance into the South African market will not see jobs being lost, but in fact created. He says that is what has happened in every other market into which the company has gone.
Moreover, according to Business Day, he also said that the parent company in the US would not be sending in new management to replace that at Massmart. Cosatu, SA's largest labour federation, has however described Wal-Mart as "one of the worst union-bashing employers in the world", but in recent years the company has apparently been trying to clean up its reputation as an employer. So? What next? Will the unions adopt a "wait-and-see" attitude? The bottom line for many consumers, however, is probably this: The sooner Wal-Mart enters the SA market, the better. Rod Baker, General Manager: Content Please send retail news to: retailnews@bizcommunity.com Responses to this column welcomed in our new online editor's column archive. Top stories
AssociationsAfrican Bureau of Conventions joins ICCA The African Bureau of Conventions has announced that it has been accepted as a member of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). ICCA's network of approximately 900 suppliers to the international meetings industry has members in 86 countries. Read more >>Industry associations benefit from new bloodThe Advertising Standards Authority of South Africa (ASA), the South African Digital Media and Marketing Association (DMMA), Out of Home Media South Africa (OHMSA) and Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) have announced that new members have joined. Read more >>Banking & FinanceLiberty Medical Scheme shows good growth From 1 January 2011, medical aid rates of Liberty Medical Scheme will go up by an average of 12.8%. According to Andrew Edwards, executive principal officer at Liberty Medical Scheme, "The increase was influenced by aspects such as practitioner costs and medical technology, which comes at a high price every time there are advancements; not forgetting that the profitability and future sustainability of the scheme also plays a role." Read more >>Brand newsMME Media targets young readersMME Media, the publisher of South Africa's Greatest Entrepreneurs has launched a new division, Nollybooks, which aims to get young people in the 16 to 24 age range to read. Read more >>Advertisement:
 Value Awards for Graça Graça has won two Value Awards in the white and rosé categories at the 2011 Best Value Wine Awards, the company recently announced. Read more >>Online sales open for Nokia N8 Nokia has recently announced that South Africans can order their N8 immediately from OnlineStuff. Online orders are available via NokiaStuff for R4799, including delivery. Read more >>New lingerie rangeEarlier this month the international lingerie brand, Elle Macpherson Intimates, launched in Cape Town at a celeb event in a private jet hangar. Following a runway fashion show, the range's Spring/Summer 2010 Collection is available Edgars Sandton, Melrose Arch, Westville and Canal Walk. Also from Temptations in Sandton, Stuttafords in Sandton, Eastgate, Gateway and Canal Walk and Storm in a G Cup in Durbanville, Claremont and Somerset West. For more information go to www.ellemacphersonintimates.com.Who's the BOS? BOS is a range of organic, naturally flavoured rooibos teas which is wholly made in South Africa. It is produced by BOS Brands which is privately owned by South Africans Richard Bowsher and Grant Rushmere and is headquartered in Cape Town. The company was launched in 2008 by the owners looking to offer a healthy ready-to-drink alternative in the soft drink category. Read more >>Flatbread that rises to the occasion Since its traditional origins in 1054 flatbreads have had a special place at the family table. Pillsbury Bakeries and Foodservice division has announced the latest release to its range of quality products - Pillsbury flatbread inspired by the Italian Schiacciata bread is crafted for taste, texture and versatility. Read more >>Freshstop launches first corporate-owned store in Cape Town Fast-growing 24-hour convenience store brand, Freshstop - a member of the Fruit & Veg City Group - has launched its first corporate-owned Freshstop forecourt store in association with Caltex in Stellendale, Cape Town. Read more >>Obesity medicine Reductil withdrawn in South Africa Abbott Laboratories has announced it will voluntarily withdraw Reductil (sibutramine) from the South African market after discussions with the Medicines Control Council. Read more >>New bank brand Brand Leadership led the rebranding of Teba Bank into ubank, officially launched late last week. Its integrated solution for the bank encompassed developing a brand value proposition, a new brand name, brand identity and application of the new brand across key brand touch points. Read more >>Veritas golden favourites, new category rewards South Africa brandies The 2010 Veritas Awards, given out on Friday 8 October 2010 during a gala evening, sponsored by Agri-Expo, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), celebrated two decades as South Africa's leading competition for quality market-ready wines. Read more >>Europcar capitalises on World Cup upgrades Europcar has seen comprehensive branch, depot and IT improvements as a sustainable legacy from the World Cup and an effective means for the company's growth strategy to be realised. Read more >>New nappy rash cream from Snappi Snappi has launched its Snappi Healing Balm, reportedly a soothing, restorative balm that applies and absorbs easily. Although it is primarily indicated for nappy rash, it may assist with chafing, eczema, dry skin, blisters, rash, sunburn and other skin complaints. It contains Peruvian balsam, which is a natural anti-septic and anti-inflammatory ingredient and has a lavender fragrance. It is available in 100ml, 50ml and 30ml tubes from pharmacies or independent baby stores. Snappi has been in the business of smoothing out the difficulties of motherhood since 1985.Woollies rewards cardholders Woolworths and MySchool cardholders are in for a pleasant surprise when they use their cards at Woolworths. Woolworths has transformed its loyalty programme to offer additional benefits including special lower prices on selected items throughout the store -- exclusively for cardholders. Read more >>Get a boost with new yoghurt flavours from Fair Cape Consumers can now get new yoghurt flavours from Fair Cape Dairies and Weet-Bix in three flavours- Peach & Apricot, Strawberry and Litchi & Cranberry. Read more >>New anti-smoking product available A South African developed anti-smoking programme, Beyond Nicotine, is now available in all Dis-Chem stores, as well as selected pharmacies. Read more >>Clothing & TextilesAre retailers to blame for SA's clothing industry woes? [Renato Palmi] It is a misplaced perception that clothing retailers are to be blamed for either the current labour and wage disputes taking place in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal and elsewhere and for the closure of clothing manufacturers and the subsequent loss of jobs. Read more >>Commercial propertyRetailers flock to Mall of the NorthWith approximately six months left until the long-awaited opening of Mall of the North, Limpopo's single largest commercial property development with 180 shops, various national and local retailers have firmly set their sights on securing space at the iconic retail development. To date, the entire mall is 96% let. This comprises 96.5% (36 958m²) of the Upper Level and 97.8% (35 001m²) of the Lower Level being let, excluding storeroom space.PGP becomes member of DMMA PGP is reportedly the first real estate agency to be approved as an official member (non-publishing) by the South African Digital Media and Marketing Association (DMMA) - formerly known as the Online Publishers Association. (Non-publishing members, as opposed to publishing members, are those, which do not accept advertising on their sites and therefore do not require formal ad ratings.) Read more >>Corporate Social InvestmentBryan Habana celebrates Global Handwashing Day by launching Guinness World Records attempt Yesterday, in celebration of Global Handwashing Day today, 15 October, renowned South African rugby player, Bryan Habana and Moeneeb Josephs, Bafana Bafana and Pirates goalkeeper, joined Protex to unveil the world's largest soap sculpture at Maponya Mall in Soweto, Gauteng. This sculpture has been assessed by Guinness World Records and has been approved as having met their stringent guidelines. Read more >>Spuds grow businesses, people Potatoes South Africa (PSA) has launched a "Growing Potato Entrepreneurs" micro enterprise development programme with its 'spudmobile', a fast-food outlet on wheels, perfect for the preparation of spatlos, one of South Africa's most popular township take-away meals. Read more >>Do what you can for environment, school growth This October, assist Collect-a-Can with the environment and help it beat its 2007 Guinness Book of Records achievement for collecting the most metal cans in one month. Schools recover cans to add to their funds but for schools that are privileged, why not take part in the competition and nominate a school less fortunate to receive the funds; it may encourage it to start a collection programme of its own. Read more >>Standard Bank HIV/Aids programme benefits thousands Standard Bank's HIV/Aids programmes have touched the lives of an estimated 160 000 Standard Bank employees and their families, says Sim Tshabalala, the bank's chief executive. Read more >>Vodacom golf tournaments assist children's charities This year's Vodacom Business Origins of Golf series honoured Ernie "The Big Easy" Els but the central player in the 2010 tournament was the Birdies for Kiddies campaign, to which some of South Africa's top celebrity and business players participated and contributed to by hitting birdies. Read more >>CRMHow to manage call centre staff effectively Accurate, efficient and effective workforce management in a contact centre is essential to ensure premium customer service levels and minimise staff churn, but it relies on a lot more information than a simple schedule of planned campaigns. Read more >>e-CommerceGraphic Club relaunches The Graphic Club of South Africa has relaunched as a web-based art dealership, but retaining its original objective of making quality silkscreen prints by well-known artists available at affordable prices to the South African public. Read more >>International shopping access with PayPal FNB and PayPal are encouraging South African consumers to utilise the international payment system this festive season to send money to families overseas or buy gifts online from international online retailers that accept PayPal. Read more >>Exhibitions & EventsJudges ready for Diners Club winemaker The judging panel of the 2010 Diners Club Winemaker of the Year and Young Winemaker of the Year has made its decisions, which will be announced at the 30th anniversary gala dinner on 27 November 2010 in Cape Town. Read more >>Wine show goes to Port Elizabeth The Wine Show Road Show Nelson Mandela Bay will follow the same format of the Wine Show Joburg, from 3-5 December 2010 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Read more >>Waste management awards in KZNLate last month, the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) KwaZulu-Natal Branch held its bi-annual Waste Management Awards, a joint initiative of the IWMSA and the Department of Environmental, Agriculture and Rural Development. Read more >>Public Service symposium features international speakerThe second annual Public Service Excellence symposium will be held on 18 November 2010 at the Sandton Sun, Sandton and will feature a one-day social marketing masterclass held by Professor Gerard Hastings. He is the international best-selling author of Social Marketing: Why should the devil have all the best tunes? and advisor to the Scottish, UK and European parliaments. The class is designed for public servants across local, provincial and national government and SOEs, advocacy groups and communication agencies responsible for strategy, marketing, communication and media. To register go to reply.to/psx2010masterclassopen/register.Snow found at Canal Walk It's snowing at Cape Town's Canal Walk Shopping Centre and it's the best festive fun around! Read more >>Photo & Film Expo The show is upon us! Following on the success of the inaugural event in 2009, the 2010 Photo & Film Expo now has more exhibition stalls, double the number of workshops and a full representation of the industry. Read more >>Hunters association expo on targetThe South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association (SAHGCA) has announced a new, annual hunter's exhibition that aims to offer everything the South African hunter enthusiast could ever want and need. Recently The Professional Hunters Association of South African (PHASA) and the African Bow hunting Organisation's (ABO) have both confirmed their endorsement and support for HuntEx2011. Read more >>Uitenhage Street Carnival date change The Uitenhage Street Carnival date has been moved and it will now be held in April - starting from next year, 2011. Read more >>Green sustainabilityFake sustainability, pay heavy price - Nicola Robins [Issa Sikiti da Silva] An organisation that fakes sustainability will have to pay a heavy price, Nicola Robins, Incite sustainability strategist, said yesterday, Wednesday, 13 October 2010, at the Hilton Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, where the 2010 Brands & Branding for Good conference is currently taking place. Read more >>Health & SafetyAids takes its toll on SA industriesR2.4 billion paid out in insurance claims, while employers foot the premiums Read more >>Informal retailingInnovative Franchise Concepts' lifeline to informal traders [Issa Sikiti da Silva] Informal traders have been offered a 'golden' opportunity to formalise their business and change the face of their trading processes through the Drink & Snack franchise. The project, an initiative of Innovative Franchise Concepts (IFC) and funded by National Brands Limited (NBL), will kick off today, Wednesday, 13 October 2010, in selected areas of Johannesburg. Read more >>LogisticsIncoterms 2010R releasedThe International Chamber of Commerce has released "Incoterms 2010R: a trend towards international multi-modal transport", which has introduced two new rules, DAT (Delivered at Terminals) and DAP (Delivered at Place). Read more >>PackagingSee-through cube crushes competition An American company, Pandol Bros. Inc, based in Delano, California, has been growing and packing fresh produce within the San Joaquin Valley for more than 70 years but has recently been seeing increased demand for rigid packaging of its flagship produce product - grapes. So the company has developed a rigid see-through package that allows the customer to view the product on all sides before purchase. Read more >>ResearchRetail trade sales growth slows to 4.6% in August Growth in South African retail trade sales slowed to 4.6% year-on-year (y/y) in August, suggesting that consumer appetite for goods is struggling to make meaningful recovery despite low interest rates. Read more >>Retail marketingEmail marketing wins sales awards, not Loeries [Cordell Brewer] Two things, in particular, stand out when it comes to email marketing. The first is that it offers the highest return on investment (ROI) of all tools available to the marketer, according to a study commissioned by the US Direct Marketing Association. The second is that the amount of money spent on email marketing is a pittance, which is rather puzzling, considering the indisputable fact above. Read more >>Retail servicesSA's retail and shopping centre environment mapped South Africa's retail and shopping centre environment is highly competitive and some might say that our markets are saturated. Hence, the establishment of any new retail outlet or shopping centre requires a huge amount of data - naturally including detailed information on existing or planned competitors and their precise positions. Read more >>RetailersWal-Mart's Bond gives his word on jobs [Thekiso Anthony Lefifi] Massmart's growth prospects prompted global retailer Walmart to make a non-binding R30 billion offer for the JSE-listed group. Read more >>Numsa supports Saccawu's Pick n Pay strike action [Zeenat Moorad] The National Union of Metalworkers (Numsa) on Wednesday pledged its unequivocal support to the South Africa Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (Saccawu) members at Pick n Pay as they prepare for a protracted strike action for wage increases and improved working conditions. Read more >>British toy range in more Woolworths stores The number of Woolworths stores carrying the British Early Learning Centre educational toy brand is now 20. An additional 50 stores will carry selected ranges for Christmas, including a range of "stocking fillers" priced from R19.95. Read more >>Wal-Mart set to spark price war [Zeenat Moorad] Market share are two words that get South Africa's retailers very hot under the collar, being the ultimate battle for the biggest piece of the pie in a highly competitive landscape, but with a possible new player in the form of Wal-Mart eyeing the block, the already intense competition in the food retail industry could get cutthroat. Read more >>SecurityPCs at risk Kaspersky Lab has announced that over 30 million vulnerabilities detected on users' computers. Read more >>WASPA warns of new SMS fraud A new fraud, targeting people selling second-hand goods in newspaper classifieds and online services such as Gumtree, is in operation. According to the Wireless Application Service Providers' Association of South Africa (WASPA), the purported buyers use commercial SMS messaging services to send sellers fraudulent confirmations of bank deposits so that they can obtain the seller's goods. Read more >>TechnologyFive top tips: Get ERP implementations right the first time [Jaroslav Cerny] Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is typically a costly exercise and there are often high expectations placed on projects to deliver the anticipated business benefits. This makes it vital to get the implementation right the first time around. Read more >>Vox Telepreneur enters retail market Vox Telepreneur, a subsidiary of AltX-listed Vox Telecom, has announced its entry into the retail market through its flagship product, the Vox Supafone, an IP-enabled phone. Read more >>Busting broadband myths Most South African Internet users are making far more modest use of the Internet than they think and many are buying packages that are an overkill for their needs. Read more >>
CMO Council and BPI Network to partner with Asia-Pacific business and technology report SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA: Furthering their regional reach and access, the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Council and the Business Performance Innovation (BPI) Network will team with the Asia-Pacific Business and Technology Report (APBTR) to gain new content channels and syndication sources in the world's fastest growing and most influential regional market with more than four billion consumers. Read more >>September 2010 US search engine rankings RESTON, US: comScore, Inc. has released its monthly comScore qSearch analysis of the US search marketplace. Google sites led the explicit core search market in September with 66.1% of searches conducted, an increase of 0.7 share points from August 2010. Read more >>Sustainable packaging: UK's HDPE milk bottle recycling rate increases to 72%LONDON, UK: A new HDPE plastic milk bottle recycling study from Recoup1 (RECycling Of Used Plastics Limited) identifies that 72% of HDPE milk bottles consumed and collected in the UK during 2009 were recycled - a significant increase on the previous year's figure of 57%. Read more >>Gap gives wayClothing giant Gap feels social media heat, scraps new logo. Read more >>Interflora vs M&S: Online marketers await outcome with bated breath LONDON, UK: Flower retailer Interflora has begun legal action against Marks & Spencer for allegedly bidding on its brand name on Google Adwords. According to Matthew Whiteway, client services director at leading search specialist agency and technology firm Greenlight, were Interflora to win this battle, it would set a precedent, with a number of advertisers likely to follow suit. Online marketers meanwhile will be waiting with bated breath. A ruling in favour of Interflora could see them frantically having to review their AdWords accounts. Read more >>GfK purchasing power study shows distribution of Serbia's wealth in 2010 BELGRADE, SERBIA: GfK GeoMarketing has released new purchasing power data for Serbia. With a per capita purchasing power of €3022 (about R29 000), the Serbians have slightly more than a fifth of the average purchasing power available to an EU citizen in 2010. Read more >>Consumer demand for chocolate stays sweet LONDON, UK: As the UK's National Chocolate Week commences (11 - 17 October), latest research from Mintel reveals that despite cutbacks in other areas, chocolate sales are staying sweet - with UK sales of chocolate confectionery increasing by 9.2% between 2007 and 2009 to reach an estimated £3.6 billion (about R39 billion) and sales projected to grow even further to £4.1 billion (about R44 billion) by 2015. Read more >>Coffee marketers can warm up to young sippers for long-term growth [Mintel Oxygen] CHICAGO, US: A cup of coffee is a daily occurrence for 66% of Americans according to Mintel, but sales have been relatively unchanged in recent years due largely to the sector's loyal, older customers. However, appealing to the younger coffee consumer may be just what companies ordered to heat up the market. Read more >>More International news...
Brand newsVital Spring Classic raises funds in aid of Drakenstein Palliative Hospice - Vital Health Foods The twelfth annual Vital Spring Classic golf day was once again a huge success with a total of R200 000 raised in aid of Drakenstein Palliative Hospice. Read more >>e-CommerceRetailers don't need to be e-Commerce to gain on Christmas - BritefireOnline marketing strategy, development and training firm, Britefire, has assembled a focussed course for all retailers to spread the sales word through social media. The course will show you how to grow your consumer relationship and increase the number of people in your shop in the wake of the festive season. Read more >>FranchisingTiger Wheel & Tyre still best of the best - Tiger Wheel & Tyre Tiger Wheel & Tyre has once again been named the leading Tyre Retailer in The Times and Sowetan 2010 Retail Awards. Read more >>
  More Woolworths launches the Early Learning Centre range  More Rocking the Daisies 2010   More Rocking the Gardens 2010   More RTD 2010 - Daisy People   More
Vizeum SA drives off with BMW SA Vizeum South Africa will be taking over all of BMW South Africa's media strategy, planning and buying needs as of 1 January 2011, the vehicle manufacturer announced today, Friday, 15 October, 2010. Vizeum replaces Nota Bene (media planning) and The Media Shop (media buying). Read more >>Export milestones for MBSA Yesterday, 17 October 2010, saw two milestones: the largest shipment of Mercedes-Benz cars from SA, and the 100 000th SA-built Mercedes-Benz C-Class being exported to the US. Read more >>New Touareg: Fast and fancy greeny [Henrie Geyser: motoring editor] Volkswagen has halved its current Touareg model range, binned the V10 engine and replaced it with a more environmentally friendly V8 and at the same time used one of the V6 models as a flagship for the introduction of its BlueMotion Technology in South Africa. Read more >>More Motoring news...
Two-in-one luxury on Pepper & Loop [Brian Berkman: contributing editor, travel] Cape Town's city centre now has so many five-star hotels you're more likely to find a filet Béarnaise and top-notch Caesar Salad if you walk the streets than a white pipe or hit of tik. Competition is rife too, so the winner here is the customer who can choose from superb accommodations and fine dining within a few city blocks. Read more >>More Travel news...
A rollicking Raiders of the Lost Aardvark [Michael Britton] During World War 2, an intrepid, almost blind airplane mechanic with a heart murmur so loud you can hear it across the street, flies a cranky biplane from Cape Town to Cairo. The original mission - to deliver documents to Walvis Bay - becomes a madcap adventure as our unlikely hero, Salty Hepburn, pursues a suspicious tramp steamer and double agents across Africa. En route he encounters flamingos, mielie fields, gorillas and a wicked German baron. Read more >>Turning back time with Taxi Violence's latest vid [Ruth Cooper] I really like Taxi Violence's time-bending, Frankenstein-esqe music video for "The Turn". I don't think it is really meant to be viewed as comedy and is probably meant to be more touching and heartfelt, but I can't help cracking a chuckle after watching it. Maybe I have a rather twisted sense of humour, but, either way, it's a fine piece of work that really complements the yearning lyrics. Read more >>Daisy daisy... I'm half crazy all for the love of you [Ruth Cooper] Rocking the Daisies; pretty scenery, cold windy nights, sunny days, cramped camping, noisy neighbours, random drunkards, eco hippies, hay bales, lilo's, oh yes and some music. Read more >>Whirling dervish transforms Carmen [Debbie Hathway] Dada Masilo had the audience roaring with delight by her second entrance in her contemporary dance version of Carmen at the Baxter Theatre last week. Even more mesmerising than she was in her interpretation of Romeo and Juliet last year, this petite dynamo couldn't blend in to a corps de ballet if she tried! Read more >>Rocking the Gardens promotes greener living [Ilva Pieterse] Amid live music, comedy and entertainment, Rocking the Gardens' message of preserving our planet rang out loud and clear on 9 and 10 October, 2010, at Emmerentia Dam, Johannesburg. Read more >>More BizLounge news...
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The Pedigree Ahound South Africa tour The country's famous duo, Joanne and Oscar from The World Woof Tour, and Pedigree are proud to announce that The Pedigree Ahound South Africa Tour started off with a loud 'bark' on October 17 2010. Give a guitar - Ignite a life campaign An initiative has been launched to put guitars into the hands of the underprivileged. The Amazing Race for charity The eighth Amazing Race for Charity, hosted by Halo Advertising, is set to kick off on Saturday 23 October, at the Baron on Fredman Drive in Sandton.
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