18 Apr 2011


Early Easter

Easter is finally near - although you'd be forgiven if you thought it was due in late February or early March, considering the bunnies and eggs were out three weeks before Valentine's day. As a new parent, this early jump on advertising makes me wonder about the impact on children and parents alike. As a kid, there was a real novelty in searching for candy-coated eggs and bunny-shaped chocolates on that special Sunday. But back then, Easter was advertised for probably little over a month. Now, with a quarter of a year dedicated to Easter adspend (and even longer in the UK, as there are reports of bunnies hopping on the shelves from Boxing Day), one has to wonder how many of the chocolates sold in the months before the holiday actually made it to the great hunt? How many kids are totally bored with marshmallow eggs by the time they fish a strip out of the lounge pot plant? But perhaps the retailers are doing us a favour and by the time it rolls around, we can concentrate on the real reason for the holiday...?


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: Idea go / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Top stories



Editorial news

Retail


Meet the best butchers
The winners of the South African Red Meat Industry Forum's 2011 Cleaver Awards were announced on Wednesday 13 April 2011 after judging the 17 600 public nominations received via sms, a record number of nominees. Of these, 145 finalists were individually and anonymously assessed against a 212 point checklist, resulting in six national and 41 provincial winners. Read more >>

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South Africa, branded to the economic fast track
[Andre Redelinghuys] Jacob Zuma touched down in China yesterday morning, Wednesday, 13 April 2011, to take part in his first BRICS summit. In December 2010, BRIC officially invited South Africa to become the "S" in BRICS. There hasn't been much fanfare locally but through association, this new distinction is way more significant than feel-good jingles played on CNN. Read more >>

Discretionary spending maintained, according to MasterCard
The MasterCard Survey of Consumer Purchasing Priorities, released twice yearly to provide insights into consumers' discretionary spending priorities for the six months ahead in 10 main categories, has indicated that 49% of South African consumers are expecting to maintain their spending on discretionary items over the coming six months, up on the 44% recorded a year ago. Read more >>


Associations


CWG introduces new selection criteria for auction
The Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG) has introduced new selection criteria for the annual Nedbank CWG Auction which allows all 43 members to have a wine on auction, provided it is free of technical defects and meets the highest standards of wine health measurement. All wines will still be subjected to tastings by Guild members and chemical and microbiological analysis to ensure they meet the Guild's high standards but contrary to previous auctions, the final decision now lies with the Guild member submitting the wine. Read more >>

Banking & Finance


More consumer disputes closed by Credit Ombud
In its 2010 annual report, released yesterday 13 April 2011, the Office of the Credit Ombud showed that there was a 29.3% increase in the resolution of complaints from consumers and businesses that have been negatively impacted by credit bureau information or were in disputes with credit providers. Read more >>


Brand news


Tiger Brands appoints new CFO
Brands group Tiger Brands on Tuesday, 12 April 2011, appointed Olufunke 'Funke' Ighodaro as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the company and as an executive director with effect from 1 June 2011. Read more >>


Clothing & Textiles


SA Fashion Week a success
[Andrea Nagel] The SA Fashion Week Summer 2011 collections were launched in Braamfontein, on the top floor of the new Shine Studios, which feature spectacular views of downtown Johannesburg. Read more >>

Commercial property


Mall of the North opens in Polokwane
Yesterday, 14 April 2011, the Mall of the North was officially opened in Polokwane by Premier Cassel Mathale of Limpopo, together with the executive mayor of Polokwane, Freddy Greaver. The ribbon ceremony was attended by the owners, professional team, local and provincial government officials and dignitaries, as well as thousands of shoppers who came to try out the new shopping centre. Read more >>

Fountainhead to buy retail centre
[Thabang Mokopanele] Listed property unit trust Fountainhead is continuing its strategy of buying quality retail assets in strong retail nodes, announcing yesterday, 11 April 2011, it had reached an agreement to acquire Access Park, in Cape Town, for R419 million. Read more >>


Corporate Social Investment



CRM



e-Commerce


E-commerce requires technology, access
[Trevor Ndobela] There are approximately 50 million people in South Africa, yet only 5 million have the resources to buy or sell online. Although mobile phone penetration remains exponentially high, e-commerce is not easily facilitated on a cellular device. This presents a problem for users without a personal computer (PC) or Internet access, both of which are vital for online buying or selling to take place. Read more >>

Exhibitions & Events


SAITEX will attract African shoppers
The Southern African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX), which runs 17-19 July 2011 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, is expected to attract African visitors keen to take advantage of the newly signed BRICS agreement and South Africa's position as the gateway to Africa. Read more >>

Know your Chinese business etiquette
Did you know that it is considered bad manners to write on a business card without being invited to do so? And asking someone to turn off their mobile phone during a meeting is viewed as an insult? If you are doing business with China, these are just two of the protocols it would be in your best interest to know. Read more >>

New Spring Show for Tshwane
Complete Exhibitions had successfully been awarded the contract as the organiser for the 2011 Pretoria/Tshwane International Show (26 August-4 September), following a tender put out in February 2011 by show owners, Tshwabac. The company will integrate its expertise and experience with that of other leading recognised companies to form strong partnerships with a united team approach to the project. Read more >>


FMCG



Franchising



Green sustainability


Cape Town gets Waste in Business seminar
Tomorrow, 14 April 2011, the Waste in Business Seminar and Exhibition will be held at the Kenilworth Racecourse in Cape Town. This event, convened by Alive2green and the City of Cape Town, provides a platform for education and discussion regarding the new waste management legislation and aims to guide local businesses towards compliance, implementation and waste-aware practices. Read more >>

Health & Safety


Pillsbury muffin mix recall
General Mills South Africa is voluntarily recalling two production batches of Pillsbury Lemon Poppyseed Muffin Mix (Extra 20% Free) because they may contain nuts, an allergen not listed on the ingredient label. Read more >>

SA bans ostrich meat exports
South Africa has suspended exports of ostrich meat and all live birds following an avian flu outbreak in the Western Cape. Read more >>

Ecowize calls for agency to monitor food imports
Hygiene and sanitation company Ecowize has called on government to move with speed in the establishment of a food control agency to monitor the safety and quality of food imports in SA. Read more >>


Hospitality


Indaba 2011 sets theme, innovations
Indaba 2011, which takes place from 7-10 May 2011 at the Albert Luthuli Convention Centre (Durban ICC), has selected its theme as "Playing Globally, Winning Locally" to encourage tourism. This year's innovations include a multi-touch table, allowing multiple users to view and engage with South African destination information, video content and social media platforms, a dedicated TV channel and new networking platforms, seminars and briefings. Read more >>


Import/Export


Ivory Coast cocoa exports to resume after Gbagbo capture
LONDON, UK: The world's top cocoa producer Ivory Coast is set to resume exports of the commodity after Laurent Gbagbo was finally ousted, with the currently soaring prices likely to fall as a result, analysts said. Read more >>

Manufacturing


New diaper machine boost local production
Having identified the need to boost local manufacturing, Kimberly-Clark South Africa (K-CSA) has invested R120 million in a new diaper machine at its Epping Mill in Cape Town. This will grow its production capability by 400 million units per year and provide 65 jobs. Read more >>

SABMiller invests $15m more in Southern Sudan ops
Global brewing group SABMiller announced on Monday, 11 April 2011, that its subsidiary company, Southern Sudan Beverages (SSBL), was to invest an additional US$15 million in its operations in Southern Sudan to increase production capacity and build on the strong performance of its local brand portfolio. Read more >>

Regulatory


Astral Foods cleared by regulator
[Annaleigh Vallie] Less than a week after South African Breweries won its case against the Competition Commission, another regulator has been taken to task, this time over statements it made regarding Astral Foods selling less chicken than claimed on its packaging. Read more >>


Research


Buying electricity from non-energy providers, world agrees
According to a survey of 10,199 people conducted in 18 countries by Accenture, 73% of consumers globally would consider buying electricity, energy efficiency products and related services from companies other than traditional energy providers. Read more >>


Retail marketing



Retailers



Technology


Garmin, NAVTEQ join forces
Garmin Distribution Africa announced its alignment with NAVTEQ, a leading global provider of maps, traffic and location data, at a new product launch in Cape Town last week. Read more >>


International news
Ten ways to market your brand
[Nicholas Jervis] I do not believe that there is a more powerful form of advertising. Social media sites such as Twitter can be key to marketing your business, but unfortunately these are often overlooked. Below are my top ten tips on how to bring your business into the 21st century, using modern and effective marketing tools. Read more >>

Russians don't click with display ads
MOSCOW, RUSSIA: comScore has released a study Natural Born Clickers in Russia that shows that only 10% of Russian online population clicks on display ads in a month. Read more >>

GfK wins contracts for media research
NUREMBERG, GERMANY: Having been awarded the contract for measuring TV audiences in Portugal, GfK has successfully concluded two further contracts in the area of media research. GfK Ukraine has extended its contract for measuring audience ratings and in Belgium, GfK Audimetrie has won another contract for measuring radio audiences. The GfK Group also acquired all outstanding shares of GfK Skopje at the beginning of March. Read more >>

Uptake of data loss prevention technology to remain low, despite risks
[Published by Ovum] LONDON, UK: Companies need to protect their sensitive data, but... Despite the serious threat posed to enterprises from accidental and malicious misuse of data, uptake of data loss prevention technology will remain low for the next four years, according to Ovum, one of the Datamonitor group of companies. Read more >>

More International news...


Company news

FMCG


Providing Vital support on Hello Doctor - Vital Health Foods
Vital Health Foods Nutritional Expert, Andrea du Plessis, will be joining Dr Michael Mol on SABC 3's new show, Hello Doctor. Read more >>

Logistics


Logistics business should 'move together' with S'hamba Sonke - IMPERIAL Logistics
IMPERIAL Logistics commends the Department of Transport (DoT) on the launch of its S'hamba Sonke secondary road upgrade and maintenance programme that will see R22,3 billion invested by government. Read more >>

IMPERIAL Logistics recognised as a Climate Change Leader - IMPERIAL Logistics
IMPERIAL Logistics received a Special Mention at the 2011 Climate Change Leaders Awards. The accolade acknowledges the Group's contribution to the 'green logistics' evolution. Read more >>

Retail services


Birds pose real risks to property and health - Rentokil
The general public's natural affection towards birds is the primary reason why the health risks and structural damage associated with pest birds are underestimated. Read more >>


Galleries
Hansa Legends in the Making Tour 2

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Sisters Act wedding expo

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Casual Day celebrates success

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SA Fashion Week 2011 (2)

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SA Fashion Week 2011 (1)

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Motoring
AA's five golden safety tips
[Henrie Geyser: motoring editor] With just days to go before Easter weekend the AA has appealed to motorists to exercise extra vigilance during this period when the roads are exceptionally busy. Read more >>

Multi-nation, multi-nice tiny tot
[Henrie Geyser: motoring editor] Daihatsu designed the engine, Toyota contributed the badge and some electrical kit, Citroen and Peugeot added various body bits and pieces and then the scene moves to Poland where the engine is put together and on to the Czech Republic where the Toyota Aygo, which has just arrived in South Africa, is finally all screwed and glued together. Read more >>

More Motoring news...


Travel
Laborie luxury, going for a song
[Brian Berkman: contributing editor, travel] You can hardly swing a cat in Paarl and not hit a celebrated wine estate that's been there for 300 years. You have even less of a chance of finding one as fabulous as Laborie with accommodation that's available at R1040 a night for the two of you. Read more >>

Tourism Leadership Award finalists
The finalists in the 2011 HICA Tourism Leadership Award have been announced. They are Linda Pampallis, CEO of Thompsons Africa, Clifford Ross, CEO of City Lodge Hotels and Graham Wood, MD of Southern Sun Hotels, Inns and Resorts. Read more >>

Entries invited: Travel and Tourism Film & Video Awards
Southern Africa's Travel and Tourism Film & Video Awards is in full preparation mode. The organisers are calling for entries from southern African film and video makers as well as from travel and tourism product owners. Read more >>

Local heroes
[National Geographic Traveller] Check in to one of these luxurious boutique hotels and you'll never want to check out. Read more >>

More Travel news...


BizLounge
2011 SAMA nominees announced
The nominees for the 17th MTN South African Awards were announced last night at a "star-studded annual industry party" at La Toscana and Beira Alta Restaurant in Montecasino. The top releasing artists of 2010 were all present to witness their names being announced. Read more >>

[So Queer] Coconut Man
[Siphosethu Stuurman] South Africa is a country that is obsessed with race and I suppose if one considers our past then, in some way, this fixation is understandable. But the manner that race matters have been, and continue to be, played out in this country's politics is rather concerning and does not do our "rainbow nation" any justice. However, what got me really thinking about race is a series of unrelated events, starting with the fact that my work colleagues jokingly call me a "coconut". Read more >>

More BizLounge news...


People on the move
  • Marcus Brewster appoints Alexa Holtzhausen - more info


Jobs offered
Trainee Planner - Cape Town
Homechoice's Merchandising Department has a great opportunity for a suitably qualified and driven individual who is looking to develop a career in merchandise planning. Read more >>


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New events to diarise

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Noticeboards
Jacaranda 94.2's Winter Warmer Campaign
[Sponsorship] The campaign, which aims to collect 100 000 blankets annually for those in desperate need, has grown exponentially since its inception in 2005 - now also comprising a Winter Warmer Corporate Challenge, the Winter Warmer Schools Challenge and More Music May concerts.


Quotes
"VENI, VEDI, VISA: I came, I saw, I did a little shopping. (via Twitter)" - Steven Winterburn
"Red meat is not bad for you - Fuzzy green meat, now that's bad for you. (via Twitter)" - Steven Winterburn
"Mother A's Words of Wisdom: Change is inevitable. ....Unless you're at a mall pay station trying to pay for parking. (via Twitter)" - Madam & Eve
"After hanging up with Tech Support about the Internet going down: 'They told me I had to go through the online help desk.' (via Twitter)" - OHnewsroom
"Always take the road less travelled. There's not as many construction delays, roadblocks, guys selling plastic hangars...or potholes. (via Twitter)" - Madam & Eve


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