Retail South Africa weekly newsletter - 7 May 2012

Service, security, pizza, pronto!

What is it that will have customers drop your company faster than you can say "Sorry, we can't help"? Bad customer service. Last year's Accenture Global Consumer Survey showed that service, rather than price, is key to retaining or losing customers. This year's survey has found that still holds true.

In other research, last week, we looked at security in the online shopping environment - do your customers feel safe with online payments and purchases or do they feel like they're playing Russian roulette?

With CEOs in the retail & consumer sector focusing on growth, the industry has remained resilient, according to JHI Properties' Johan Engelbrecht.

The manufacturing industry on the other hand is facing headwinds, as the SA sector echoes the global skills gap.

On the lighter side of life, pizza gourmands will be pleased to know Col'Cacchio Pizzeria Celebrity Chef series is back. In a new challenge twist this year, fans are invited to submit their gourmet ideas to win a chance to have their pizza be the featured selection in August.

Get creative!

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: renjith krishnan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Retail sector remains resilient

The South African retail sector in general has remained resilient as shoppers continue to seek value for money offerings, says Johan Engelbrecht, director retail management for JHI Properties. This is despite cost pressures such as fuel, electricity and municipal rates, which continue affect consumers. Read more >>

Western Cape's wine industry to fast track fair labour practices

The Western Cape's Wine and Agricultural Industry Ethical Trade Association (WIETA) has announced the creation of an ethical seal that will testify to reasonable working conditions in the wine industry, based on rigorous and closely monitored qualification criteria. Read more >>

Drive for economic development launched in Western Cape

The Western Cape Economic Development Partnership (EDP), an independent, non-partisan, membership-based organization established to lead, co-ordinate and drive economic development, was officially launched in Cape Town on 26 April 2012. Read more >>

New strategic supplier partnerships for Unilever, winners acknowledged

In continuing its Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, the group has announced the signing of its thirtieth strategic supplier partnership to support the company's sustainable growth ambitions. Last year, it launched a specific programme, called 'Partner to Win', to work more closely with its key suppliers, which has enabled the company to create more long-term partnerships in co-creating new capabilities. Read more >>

Clothing employers dismiss productivity report

[Bekezela Phakathi] Employers in the clothing manufacturing industry last week dismissed a research report by Productivity SA which stated that South African clothing workers had become significantly more productive yet still earned comparatively less per garment they produced. Read more >>

New green distribution centre in Western Cape

As part of its R2 billion investment into countrywide distribution sites, Pick n Pay opened its second state-of-the-art distribution centre in Philippi, Cape Town on 2 May 2012. The group plans to have four such centres. Read more >>

Online shopping - Russian roulette or robust environment?

According to a recent study conducted by Entersekt, a mobile security company, and carried out by OnePoll, 41% of people believe online transactions are akin to playing Russian roulette and women are more cynical about online security than men are. Read more >>

Three more Ciao flavours, includes new light options

KWV has launched three new variants to its ready-to-serve (RTS) cocktail offering, Ciao, including light options. Two of the three new variants have less than 99 calories per serving, offering the same taste with 5.5% alcohol by volume. Read more >>

Col'Cacchio Pizzeria Celebrity Chef is back

The 2012 Col'Cacchio Pizzeria Celebrity Chef series launches this week and runs until the end of August 2012. Three chefs have been invited to take part in this fourth annual gourmet charity challenge: Jackie Cameron (Hartford House, KwaZulu-Natal) takes the stage in May, Coco Reinarhz (Sel et Poivre, Gauteng) in June and Chris Erasmus (Pierneef à la Motte, Franschhoek) in July. Read more >>

SA manufacturing sector faces headwinds

[Ntsakisi Maswanganyi] South African manufacturing industry faces significant headwinds, probably more severe than a number of other manufacturing countries, Stewart Jennings, chairman of the Manufacturing Circle says. Read more >>

Consumers switch companies on 'poor service'

Two out of three or 66% of consumers switched companies - including mobile phone service providers - as result of poor customer service in 2011, even as their satisfaction with the services provided by those companies rose, the Accenture Global Consumer Survey has revealed. Read more >>

The beauty of social media engagement...

LONDON, UK: While Britain's beauty and personal care industries increasingly look to take advantage of the opportunities offered by an increasingly online - and vocal - audience, understanding their behaviour while there is crucial to future success. Read more >>

Cannes Lions: Mars wins Advertiser of The Year 2012

CANNES, FRANCE: The organisers of the 59th Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, have announced that the 2012 recipient of the Advertiser of the Year Award will be awarded to Mars, Inc, manufacturer of chocolate, gum and confections, pet food, drinks and other food products. Read more >>

Company news

Retail services

Initial's ultimage solution to years of kitchen grime - Rentokil Initial

Once a client has picked up food poisoning from a hotel or other commercial food establishment, there can be little doubt that he or she - or their family and friends - will be reluctant to visit that establishment again. That's apart from the possibility of multiple food poisonings and the resultant embarrassment or even legal steps that might follow. Read more >>

E-tolling saga builds to a head

[Paul Vecchiatto] The Gauteng e-tolling saga appeared to be reaching some kind of head this week with the downgrading of the bonds used to finance the R20bn project and the appointment of a high level committee by Cabinet. Read more >>

Madonsela asked to investigate e-tolling contracts

[Paul Vecchiatto] Public Protector Thuli Madonsela has been asked by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to investigate the Gauteng e-toll collection contracts, including a possible link to suspected arms deal corruption. Read more >>

Labour laws to set new course

In March, cabinet approved the submission of the amendment bills for the Labour Relations Act (LRA) and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) to Parliament. The two will deal with the phenomenon of labour broking and child labour, among other things. Read more >>

State plans to force BEE partner on rail tender

CAPE TOWN - The manufacturer that wins the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) contract to build R123bn of new rolling stock over the next 20 years will be forced to accept a black economic empowerment partner chosen by the agency. Read more >>

It's pretty, it's practical, it's fast 'n flexy... It's the new Meriva

[Henrie Geyser: motoring editor] Opel has just moved into the Number One slot in the small MPV class with its neat and extremely practical Meriva - in spite of little barbed arrows such as "perambulating toilet" and "mobile wardrobe" being fired at it, more in jest (and a tad of envy, methinks) than in serious slander. Read more >>

New vehicle sales plod along

[Henrie Geyser: motoring editor] The negative impact that public holidays have on the motor trade is illustrated by the 10.5% year on year growth in new vehicle sales in April. Total sales numbered 42 617 which is about 6.9% up on the growth for the first four months of the year. Read more >>

Beaucoup bling for the buck

[Henrie Geyser: motoring editor] Potential buyers who fancy cars that look trendy and sporty might like to consider adding the latest Renault Megane1.4-litre GT-Line coupé to their test-drive bucket list because not only is it a real fun-to-drive, head-turning cutie but it's also remarkably well kitted out and has price-tag numbers of way below credit card meltdown. Read more >>

Partnerships key to creating jobs in tourism

Partnerships between the state and private sector are key if government is to train more people and create more jobs, the Minister of Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk said on Thursday, while delivering his Budget Vote speech in Parliament. Read more >>

Etihad Airways named Middle East's leading airline for sixth year

Etihad Airways has again cleaned up at the World Travel Awards Middle East. The carrier was named the Middle East's Leading Airline for the sixth year in a row in Dubai this week. The accolade was one of four awards won by the national airline of the United Arab Emirates. The airline has also announced it's taken a stake in Aer Lingus. Read more >>

Drumsound & Bassline Smith from the one-man crowd

[Marcello-Calvin Adams] You can't mention drum 'n bass without thinking of Drumsound & Bassline Smith, or you can but they should be your first thought as they've pioneered the DnB era. Luckily for me, I got a "hook up" to see them perform this weekend past. In all honesty, I was a bit out of the loop with their music as of late, but I took it as a fresh start (I blame my job, even though I love it). Read more >>

Bloody Coriolanus

[Daniel Dercksen] In the hands of the perfect executors, Shakespeare can be lethal. With Coriolanus, actor and director Ralph Fiennes and screenwriter John Logan (Gladiator) stir up a mean potion as they bring one of Shakespeare's most fierce and dangerous warlords to the big screen in all his bloody glory! Read more >>

Backseat Peachy Keen bingo

[Ruth Cooper] 1950s' throwback rockabilly swing band Peachy Keen certainly live up to their name. It's impossible not to feel a happy stirring in your soul and feet when experiencing this band live. Luckily, if you have yet to experience this rockabilly stir you can do so at their EP launch this Friday at Mercury Live. We chat to singer/rhythm guitarist powerhouse Dominique Otto about what we can expect from the launch (sounds like it's going to be a cracker), new EP "Backseat Bingo" and about not getting lost in translation. Read more >>

The beginning and end of a generation

[Johann Smith] On 27 April post-apartheid became 18 and South Africa celebrated with a noticeable lack of events recognising the importance of this date. Starting at the long weekend, the patriotic punter had the option of seeing The Wailers at a concert supporting rhinos; a Simon and Garfunkel tribute at Dorpstraat; or indulging in some ankle shaking at Assembly's Discoteque. No doubt, many would agree, if you were so inclined, it would have to have been Vanfokkingtasties at Hillcrest Winefarm on 26 April. Read more >>

SAMA18 winners announced

With the technical excellence award winners announced on Sunday night, Monday, 30 April 2012 saw the artists bask in the limelight at this year's MTN South African Music Awards. Broadcast live from the Sun City Superbowl, Zahara and Mi Casa walked away with the top prizes of Album of the Year and Record of the Year, respectively. Read more >>

2012 Cape Homemakers Expo Homemakers - Cape Town, 23 August
Receptionist and frontline training programme Institute of Secretarial Studies - Isando, Kempton Park, 8 May
Loeries travelling exhibition - Pretoria, 9 May
Essential office skills for PA's and secretaries Institute of Secretarial Studies - Isando, Kempton Park, 9 May
PA and secretary development course Institute of Secretarial Studies - Kempton Park, 9 May
Creating relevant innovation Web2Present & Designit - Barcelona, 9 May
Bert van Wyk Workshop Showroom Art Gallery - Pretoria, 10 May
Solidarity for survival exhibition Medecins Sans Frontieres / Doctors Without Borders - 1 Kotze Street, Johannesburg., 10 May
Business meets the city Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Cape Town, 15 May
E-Commerce workshop Cape Chamber of Commerce - Cape Town, 15 May

Service, security, pizza, pronto!

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