| 28 May 2012 |
| Retail | South Africa |
|
Retail, Associations, Banking & Finance, Brand news, Clothing & Textiles, Cold chain, Commercial property, CRM, CSI, Distribution, e-Commerce, Exhibitions & Events, FMCG, Franchising, Green sustainability, Health & Safety, Hospitality, Import/Export, Informal retailing, Instore, Logistics, Manufacturing, Merchandising, Packaging, Refrigeration, Regulatory, Research, Retail marketing, Retail services, Retail trends, Retailers, Security, Shipping & Transport, Shopfitting, Supply chain, Technology, Training, 2012 Design Indaba
|
|
| |
Home-proudAs a homeowner, I've come to the conclusion that no one likes an unstable economy more than, well, homeowners. Or rather, mortgage slaves. This, of course, is taking nothing else into consideration other than the 9% holding pattern the interest rate is flying in currently. And the MPC once again didn't disappoint, last week, when it kept the repo rate at a steady 5.5%. As Andrew Golding of PGP explains, these rates need to remain steady in order to boost confidence. On the flip side of the coin, alarms have been raised over the surge in unsecured lending. However, African Bank's Tami Sokutu says this rise is no cause for concern. Meanwhile, back at the supermarket, Colin Ramparsadh ponders consumer value when he gives us price comparisons on an average basket of goods. Lastly, a big congratulations to us all, with South Africa being voted the Most Valuable African Nation Brand - local truly is lekker! 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: FreeDigitalPhotos.netTop stories
Retail |  |
[Alistair Anderson] South Africa will compete for retail investment with countries other than China, Brazil, Russia and India, its partners in the BRICS grouping, as consumer spending doubles in the next decade, according to research by AT Kearney, the management consultancy. Read more >>
Advertisement:
Pioneer Food Group (PFG) posted a 44% drop in its interim headline earnings to R236 million, primarily due to R161 million worth of once-off costs associated with the implementation of its phase two broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) deal. Read more >>
Associations
 The national winner of the 2012 Seda Small Business Stars national business plan competition is Adesh Naidoo, from KwaZulu-Natal, for his concept 'Clean Street'. He was selected from 180 finalists, drawn from more than 5500 entries and, after 18 provincial judging panels, was part of the 11 national finalists. Read more >>
Banking & Finance
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has decided to maintain the current monetary policy stance and keep the repurchase rate unchanged at 5.5%, announced Gill Marcus Reserve Bank Governor, on Thursday, 24 May 2012. Read more >>
 Following a successful trial with Absa employees over the past few months, the beta version of its new banking platform has been released to its online banking clients. The trial allowed the project team to identify and solve any defects and gauge the response from users, via over 1300 feedback emails received from employees. Read more >>
[Tami Sokutu] Until recently, millions of South Africans have been given short shrift and have for years been unbanked or under-banked. Without a certain income level or sufficient collateral, they do not stand a chance of accessing credit. This has been the case historically before democracy was ushered in 1994. To jog people's memory, the inadequate banking services, particularly to black people historically led to the establishment of a black owned bank by black entrepreneurs for black people. Whether this is a good idea or not is a subject for another debate. The fact is there are still millions of South Africans who do not have access to credit. Read more >>
Brand news
 Brand Africa in association with Brand Finance on Friday, 25 May 2012, named South Africa as the Most Valuable African Nation Brand. The event was hosted by Brand Kenya at the Intercontinental Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. Read more >>
 At the 2012 Decanter World Wine Awards in London, South African wines won 15 gold medals and 10 regional trophies. The Decanter judges tasted 14 119 wines, making 2012 the largest ever for this prestigious competition. Read more >>
 The US magazine, Wine Enthusiast, one of the world's most influential publications devoted exclusively to wine and spirits, has praised two South African estates in its recent issue, rating all at 90 points and more. The wines are Hartenberg Estate's Chardonnay 2009, Constantia Glen Five 2008 and Constantia Glen Three 2008. Read more >>
Commercial property
 In anticipating that the Reserve Bank would keep the repo rate steady, Dr Andrew Golding, CE of the Pam Golding Property group stated, "Inflationary pressures are noted and, while recent reports of reduced consumer indebtedness are positive, South Africans, including homeowners, are faced with ongoing fuel and utilities price hikes, as well as increases in property rates." Read more >>
Corporate Social Investment
CRM
 [Colin Ramparsadh] We are in a stage where value is the order of the day, whether in an economic downturn or not. Consumers are constantly evaluating their shopping habits. The major retailers and banks need to respond to these ever-changing consumers. So who is adding value? Read more >>
 [Aki Kalliatakis] Customers have the power to change service levels, performance and product, yet still they feel they are often mistreated. Successful complaining however needs to be focused in order to achieve lasting results. Read more >>
Exhibitions & Events
 Property opportunities in Africa are hot topics for the local industry and these are one of the issues to be tackled at the 44th annual SAPOA International Property Convention & Exhibition on 30-31 May 2012 at the Durban International Convention Centre. Read more >>
FMCG
Franchising
Hospitality
Packaging
Regulatory
 According to the Daily News, Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies has rejected "with utter contempt" suggestions that there was a racial motivation for his move to stop Israeli goods produced in occupied Palestinian territory from being sold under the label "Made in Israel". Read more >>
Research
 Despite the clear benefits of Cloud computing, ranging from reduced costs to improved efficiencies, small and medium enterprise (SMEs) have yet to embrace this approach to technology use. Read more >>
Retail marketing |  |
 Find out how the marketing of comedy in South Africa has changed with social media and get some tips for producing live shows by listening to the Biz Takeouts podcast of this week's Biz Takeouts Marketing & Media radio show which airs every Wednesday 5pm-6pm streamed live via 2oceansVibe Radio. [ twitterfall] Read more >>
Retail services |  |
 [Rapelang Rabana] Using cloud services is about getting services over the web, instead of either using a CD or disk to install software on a computer or buying some bulky computer equipment for the office. No matter what size a business is, one would do well to look at the cloud for some options for optimising business efficiency and competitive advantage. Read more >>
Retailers
Security
According to Peter Harvey, the founder and CEO of payment gateway provider PayGate, Yuppiechef is one of the most successful online businesses staying one-step ahead of fraud attempts. Read more >>
Technology
 The Co-operative and Manchester based marketing company, Refinery, have created a fun gaming app highlighting the plight of the honeybee, whose numbers have drastically declined in recent years. Read more >>
 With the economic climate remaining fraught and an ever expanding range of high quality own label ranges offered at food retailers, the influence of private label products has never been stronger. In addition, latest research from Mintel reveals that for the first time, in 2011, the proportion of own label New Product Development (NPD) overtook branded in the UK. Read more >>
SAN FRANCISCO, US: The Bees Awards, the international social media marketing awards, have announced the 2012 winners. Read more >>
NEW YORK, US: For the seventh consecutive year, Working Mother magazine has named Deloitte one of the top ten employers in the United States for multicultural women. The ranking, now in its tenth year, recognises 25 US organisations based on representation; hiring, attrition and promotion rates; recruitment, retention and advancement; and company culture. Read more >>
 LONDON, UK: Incentives have become so complex and volatile that they no longer motivate the executives they are aimed at. This is according to new PwC research in conjunction with the London School of Economics and Political Science, which found that many features of current pay packages mean that the value executives place on them is materially lower than the cost to companies of providing them. In many cases executives would be happier being paid a smaller salary in a less complex and less volatile form. Read more >>
 SAN FRANCISCO, US: Google on Thursday began revealing details about requests for links to be removed from Internet search results on the grounds they lead to copyrighted material posted without permission. Read more >>
More International...
Brand news
Optus Brands has announced its new role as the sole distributor and brand custodian for Groupe SEB brands Moulinex, Tefal Electrical and Rowenta. Optus Brands forms part of the Fore Good Investment Group. Read more >>Exhibitions & Events
 Scan Retail Solutions, which launched in 2011, offers a high-quality fabric branding solution called Tension Fabric System (TFS). Read more >>FMCG
 The Jacobs Board Game Café officially opened on 24 May and will run through until the end of August, encouraging consumers to pop in, relax and rediscover the chance to connect the way people did before text alerts and social media check-ins - over a complimentary cup of quality coffee. Read more >>
 South Africa and Australia are to share the hosting of the most advanced scientific project in the world - the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope. Read more >>
 President Jacob Zuma has called on communities to expose and report all those who abuse children. Read more >>
 While the African continent should promote Afro-optimism and Ubuntu, challenges such as possibly not meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) deadline must be addressed, says President Jacob Zuma. Read more >>
 City Press editor-in-chief Ferial Haffajee said on Thursday 24 May 2012, she is "deeply disturbed" by SACP's calls to boycott the newspaper over its coverage of the controversial artwork The Spear. Read more >>
 According to the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), the SA government is "appalled and disappointed" that e.tv censored visuals showing Advocate Gcina Malindi breaking down in tears during the South Gauteng High Court proceedings relating to The Spear portrait. Read more >>
 A full bench of the South Gauteng High Court has resumed hearing the African National Congress (ANC) application regarding the portrait depicting President Jacob Zuma in what many people believe to be in an offensive manner. Read more >>
Business leader Bobby Godsell has suggested SA establish an independent commission into executive pay. He said it was excessive and lacked transparency. Read more >>
[Michael Bratt] If your manufacturing business is in need of a boost, come June 4 the Department of Trade and Industry (dti) may be able to assist you. That is the day when applications open for its newly launched Manufacturing Competitiveness Enhancement Programme (MCEP). Read more >>
 The government was warned in 2010 that collection costs for the controversial e-toll system would be considerably higher than a petrol levy or tax, Beeld newspaper reported on Monday. Read more >>
More Government news...
 [Henrie Geyser: motoring editor] To true Alfisti just the thought of sticking an automatic transmission into the much-revered Giulietta would be as incomprehensible as adding coke to grappa or garam masala to polenta - but that's exactly what the white coats in Italy have done to its latest model, which has just landed on local shores. Read more >>
 [Henrie Geyser: motoring editor] House husbands have become a common phenomena ever since international belt-tightening sparked off job losses and unemployment with more and more men forced to work from home and take on school run duties, household chores and don aprons while their wives stuffed their iPads and fancy phones into their Gucci bags and headed off to their executive jobs to earn the household's main income. Read more >>
More Motoring news...
 [Brian Berkman: contributing editor, travel] I'm prejudiced. We have a weekend home in Pringle Bay so any suggestion that the West Coast rather than the South East coast where Pringle Bay is situated is better, is met with derision. Read more >>
 Lonrho has added a new 5-star hotel in Gaborone, Botswana to the Lonrho Hotels portfolio. The group will open the new hotel in July 2012. Read more >>
 [Brian Berkman: contributing editor, travel] When The Alphen, Constantia was built in 1772 the owners had no idea that, over three hundred years later, sophisticates would be sipping cocktails in the garden's Rose Bar or that the sweeping lawns would be festooned in jaunty red, blue and white striped couches. Read more >>
 54 on Bath is the group's new deluxe boutique hotel in Rosebank, and the group reckons that this is the hotel for You! Strategically positioned in Rosebank, 54 On Bath aims to provide a personalised experience to travellers from anywhere in the world. Read more >>
 Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced the launch of a direct flight from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro effective 2 July 2012 - a great new offering for local adrenalin-hunters. Read more >>
More Travel news...
 The Welsh metal-core band Bullet For My Valentine will be making their South African debut when they appear as headline act at OppiKoppi 18, which will be held from 9 to 11 August, 2012. Read more >>
 [Duan Wanty] If you are the kind of person who always plays it safe and prefers to watch adrenaline junkies do their thing, you are in for a treat, because Le Grand Cirque Adrenaline, will definitely get that adrenaline pumping through your veins, just by watching. Be prepared to be blown away! Read more >>
 [Daniel Dercksen] If there is one way to combat the winter blues this weekend, it's warming up your spirit with live entertainment. Read more >>
 [Sindy Peters] A number of factors lead to the dismal turnout at the inaugural Road2Rock festival held last weekend at the DKH Estate in Malmesbury. However, those who did brave the icy kiss of winter were kept warm by a quality experience that included two glorious bonfires! Read more >>
 The Vodacom Funny Festival, which runs at the Baxter Theatre from 11 June to 8 July, 2012, will feature award-winning acts from the 2011 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, as well as some of the best local comics and a number of newcomers. Read more >>
 [Daniel Dercksen] There's an exceptional new girl in town and you have to meet her. Her name is Grieta, a 29-year-old hairdresser from Goodwood who bursts into life in Hennie van Greunen's delightful play Grieta Kry Geleertheid, now on at the Artscape Arena until 3 June before touring the rest of the country. Read more >>
 [Daphne Cooper] The Brothers Size engaged, enthralled and enraptured me. Sleep eluded me on the night of the performance as I kept being visited by scenes of the performance. I think I dreamt about the brothers and my waking thoughts were still with them. I am not sure why The Brothers Size touched me so deeply and I don't really know how they did it. Read more >>
More BizLounge news...
Click here to customise your jobs section
- View from the Top ABN Productions - Cape Town, 29 May
- Content marketing for business QuirkEducation - Cape Town, 29 May
- Managing quality for a profit Adapt To Change - Cape Town, 29 May
- Considering the Cloud Web2Present - Barcelona, 30 May
- Report writing skills Regenesys - Johannesburg, 30 May
- Noite Portuguese Gold Reef City Casino - Johannesburg, 2 June
- Find your voice as a writer The Write Voice - Cape Town, 2 June
- Excel spreadsheet validation GlobalCompliancePanel - Online Training, 5 June
- Lean-agile project management in cGMP environment GlobalCompliancePanel - Online Training, 6 June
- International financial reporting standards Intelligent Africa Marketing and Training - Kempton Park, 11 June
Click here to customise your events section
"Aim high, and you won't shoot your foot off. ( via Brainy Quote )" - Phyllis Diller "People don't buy from clowns. (via directcreative)" - Claude C. Hopkins "Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort. ( via Brainy Quote )" - Franklin D. Roosevelt "In order to sell a product or a service, a company must establish a relationship with the consumer. It must build trust and rapport. It must understand the customer's needs, and it must provide a product that delivers the promised benefits. (via quotationsbook)" - Jay Levinson "A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others. ( via Brainy Quote )" - Ayn Rand
Print - Print any item in this newsletter.
Email - Email any item in this newsletter.
Comment - Comment on any item in this newsletter.
Sponsors:
|
|
Advertisement:
ActivRetail-fmcg.co.za provides information on retail sector companies, their brands, products and services, plus an extensive range of information on related subjects including research, certification, regulations, and much more. |
|
New people on biz
PortalsMarketing & Media | South AfricaMarketing & Media | AfricaAgriculture, Horticulture & ForestryArts & EntertainmentAutomotiveEducation & TrainingEnvironment & ConservationFinance, Accounting & BankingFishing & MaritimeGovernmentHealth & BeautyHuman Resources & RecruitmentIT & TelecommunicationsLegalLifestyleLogisticsManufacturingMedicalProperty & Real EstateRetailScience & TechnologyTourism, Travel & Hospitality
Follow us
|
|
|
