Retail South Africa weekly newsletter - 4 Feb 2013

Becoming a lovemark

We're one month into the new year - are you feeling the love yet? If not, perhaps you're missing the trend mark... The last in the 2013 Bizcommunity trends series was run last week - check them out here.

Besides the chocolate hearts, red banners and flower-bearing bears all vying for top spot in consumers' minds this Valentine's Day, how do you stay top-of-mind in consumers' hearts year-round? This week, Jason Frichol gives us some advice on how to go from point-of-purchase to point-of-behaviour displays.

With more useful advice, Jonathan Novotny tells us how to design a successful online store, and Shantel Bassanna explains why experiential marketing works.

In other news, Pick n Pay's new CEO has decided to get a head start on the job; Unilever is footing a billion rand investment for a new local manufacturing facility; and online shopping site Takealot.com is taking a majority interest in Mr D.

And just to show you how much we love you this Valentine's Day, we at Biz have R5000 up for grabs for one lucky reader. Sound good? Then get going!

...And have a wonderful week!

Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail

PS. Responses to this column welcomed in our online ed's column archive. Send all your retail news to retailnews@bizcommunity.com, exclusive opinion pieces to contributors-retail@bizcommunity.com and international news to internationalnews@bizcommunity.com; also take a look at our guide "How to contribute to Bizcommunity, from op-ed pieces to news". Don't forget to follow @Biz_Retail on Twitter and join us on Facebook!

[2013 trends] Africa's dynamic markets

[Obaika Consulting Team] The year 2013 for most brands, especially the ones coping with saturated markets in developed countries, will be a decisive one. Incorporating Africa into their corporate brand strategy, if they haven't done so, will be the better part of valour, so to speak. Read more >>

[2013 trends] Out-of-the-box branding

[HKLM Exco Team] No, the concepts of "tribalism", "gamification" and "engagement" aren't a promo for the latest computer game, but are in fact the trends that will characterise the way companies and consumers interact in 2013. The branding industry is constantly developing and. while the following trends are evolutions rather than dynamic, short-term changes, we believe there are 10 areas that will define the brandscape over the next year. Read more >>

[2013 trends] SA's youth trend-o-meter

[HDI Youth Marketeers Team] Young South Africa is savvier than ever before. If you are looking for a smart and discerning prosumer, this group of kids, teens and young adults will give you more kicks than you've ever bargained for. They know just what they are looking for from any brand, and this makes them that much more satisfying to please. Here are a few trends to look out for in 2013. Read more >>

[2013 trends] Africa poised for a great future

[Nandkishor Buty] As 2013 commences, afro-pessimism seems to cede to afro-optimism. There is a global consensus: Africa is poised for a great future. What will be the impact of Africa's growth on our industry? What will be the major trends of the year? In the business world, predicting the future is a crucial exercise. Read more >>

[2013 trends] It's all Hype(r)

[Terry Levin] Colloquially, the word hyper is often used to convey over-the-top or excessive behaviour - as in "those blue Smarties made my child/dog/girlfriend really hyper". Additionally, over the last three or four decades, it has also come to mean linked. For the purposes of trend prediction, I will go out on a limb and predict that, from 2013, hyper will replace mega, uber and even inter as an urban prefix of choice. Read more >>

[2013 trends] It is no longer business as usual

[Dave Nemeth] No matter how slow off the mark, we have all come to the realisation that, no matter what line of business we are in, drastic measures are needed in order for us to not only increase market share but also to survive. It is not, however, all doom and gloom and for those who are embracing innovation and prepared to experiment with new ideas, a lot of opportunity awaits to reconnect with consumers and rise above the negative economic factors. Read more >>

[2013 trends] Opportunities for growth within marketing and advertising arena

[Johanna McDowell] There are a few trends to be aware of in 2013 which will help create opportunities within the advertising and marketing arena in South Africa. A number of these come from local and international intelligence. Read more >>

[2013 trends] Insight into cinema in 2013

[Ryan Williams] I believe this year will be a positive one for cinema in South Africa, with a variety of influential trends taking hold of the industry. Digitalisation, 3D, blockbusters, increased attendance and on-the-mark cinema campaigns are all sure to contribute to a successful year. Read more >>

[2013 trends] The year ahead for experiential marketing

[Mike Silver] It's that time of the year where agencies are asked to haul out the old crystal ball and provide pearls of thumb-sucking wisdom. Before we do so, it would be wise to see how history might repeat itself. Reflecting briefly, for experiential marketing, 2012 was quite a year locally and abroad. Oh, and mazeltov on surviving the Mayan apocalypse - it was touch-and-go for a second there. Read more >>

Win BIG in the BizBigBucks Competition and celebrate Valentine's Day your way!

[Issued by Bizcommunity] Come on, admit, you'd love R5000 in cash, right? Whisk your true love away for a romantic St Valentine's weekend... or not... Maybe it's that set of golf clubs you saw that need your fingerprints all over them... Well, here's your chance to do just that, and it's so easy... Read more >> visit press office >>

What businesses need now - more women in top management?

[Issued by XP Squared] According to a 2011 International Business Report published by Grant Thornton, 23% of companies in the private sector are completely without female representation in senior management - a concerning statistic considering that women bring a completely different style of management into the work environment. Read more >> visit press office >>

Designing a successful online store

[Jonathan D. Novotny] Most online stores operated by small businesses in South Africa, fail to provide the user with an experience which leaves them at-ease and confident about their order being processed and delivered. The majority of these problems are easy to avoid. Let's look at the most common issues and a simple solution. Read more >>

The mobile retail revolution

[Bevan Ducasse] The 2012 African Mobile Factbook (Blycroft Publishing) revealed a few interesting revelations. We know that commerce in Africa is steadily becoming dependent on mobile. Some analysts are even predicting that Africa will become the world's first post-PC region of the world, with countries such as Botswana, Gabon and South Africa having a mobile penetration of more than 100%. And with mobile being such a pervasive, sophisticated, and personal device, comes new and exciting opportunities. Read more >>

Mr D sells 60% share to Takealot.com

Mr D (formerly Mr Delivery) continues its transition from a pure food delivery business into a fully-fledged business-to-consumer (B2C) distribution business, specialising in last mile deliveries to the consumer market, with the sale of 60% of its business to Takealot.com. Read more >>

A future without plastic - what's next in the life cycle of cards?

[Issued by Terrapinn Limited] Imagine a world where your pockets aren't packed with plastic, where you can't play 52 Pickup with the contents of your wallet. Imagine never forgetting your coupons at home or having to thumb through thick stacks of store rewards cards just to earn a couple extra points. Imagine your every coupon, card and key consolidated into a single card-less device. Read more >>

How to deploy new concepts to reinvent the shopping experience!

[Issued by Terrapinn] Zando's Managing Director and Co-Founder, Peter Allerstorfer, will discuss what is needed to capitalise on the e-commerce explosion and how to deploy new concepts to reinvent the shopping experience, at Retail World Africa 2013 at the Sandton Convention Centre on 11-12 March. Read more >>

Changing POP display behaviour

[Jason Frichol] One of the questions that I often field is why are retailers, in general, limiting creativity and opportunity when it comes to point of purchase (POP) display? My nippy answer is that most brands take a myopic view when it comes to POP and this one-dimensional approach is the product of driving placement costs up and display opportunities down. Read more >>

More single mothers spending to look good

[Issued by Analytix BI] The cosmetics and make-up industry has experienced strong growth over the past few years, as the growing segment of single mothers focus on looking good and boosting self-confidence due to a demanding lifestyle and media influence, according to a new report released by Analytix BI, "South Africa Brand Report: Purchasers of Cosmetics/Make-up". Read more >> visit press office >>

Experiential marketing - why it works

[Shantel Bassanna, Issued by XP Squared] As an essential part of the marketing mix, experiential marketing adds a new dimension to relationships between the shopper and the brand. It invites the shopper to interact with the brand by way of trial, and communicate their thoughts and expectations as opposed to simply having them exposed to a message. Read more >> visit press office >>

Luxury branding for high LSM in South Africa

[Issued by Digital Fire] According to the 2012 Luxury Brand Study conducted by Martini Media, more than three-quarters of luxury brands were predicted to increase their spend for online marketing. The study was based on 400 marketers - among them, 73% luxury brands, 68% VP level and above and 58% media planners and buyers. Read more >> visit press office >>

Virgin consumers: It's their first time - why not make it special

[David Mattin*] The staggering pace of consumer-facing innovation means that everyone is now at times, if not constantly, a virgin consumer: one who is unfamiliar with many of the products, services and experiences they experience. However, far from being coy, virgin consumers will try out, experiment with and lust after these new brands, products, services and experiences more than ever before: as long as they are effortlessly simple, intuitive, and, of course, enjoyable. Read more >>

Alicia Keys joins BlackBerry as global creative director

WATERLOO, CANADA: At the close of its BlackBerry 10 launch event earlier this week, BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins introduced 14-time Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter and entrepreneur, Alicia Keys, as BlackBerry's new Global Creative Director. As an official member of the BlackBerry team, Keys will lead an array of new business initiatives that will drive engagement with BlackBerry and perception of the brand. Read more >>

Renewable energy: The role of hydrogen

Jan Smit explains the way that hydrogen could be used to help to resolve the world's energy crisis... The world is facing an energy crisis. A crisis that will escalate unless serious efforts are made to relieve it. Let us start by first focusing on energy and the increasing need for energy in modern society. Read more >>

Union action over electricity and tolling

[Natasha Marrian and Alistair Anderson] Barely a month after the conclusion of the African National Congress's (ANC's) Mangaung congress, the party's alliance partners are voicing their dissatisfaction with the party over a range of issues from soaring electricity prices to e-tolls. Read more >>

Korean set to ruffle German feathers

[Henrie Geyser: motoring editor] Hyundai's popular Santa Fe people carrier has moved up a number of notches on the large SUV status ladder and where it previously competed with the likes of Dodge Journey, Pajero Sport, Kia Sorento, Chevrolet Captiva and the likes, the newly-launched model now confidently also squares up to the two upper crust Germans, Audi and BMW. Read more >>

Oh look, Darling - there's Evita!

[Brian Berkman: contributing editor, travel] South African olive oil is among the best in the world and is better than much of the stuff we import. I remember being transfixed by Marius Malan of Slaley Wines, which also produces olive oil, when he told of some of the practices that dupe us into thinking we are consuming olive oil that is Extra Virgin or, of greater concern, from the country of origin as stated on the bottle. Read more >>

Fascinating Aïda's Cheap Flights Tour

[Eugene Yiga] "See them before you die," wrote British newspaper Mail on Sunday, "otherwise your life will have been meaningless." That's quite a strong endorsement for comedy cabaret trio Fascinating Aïda. But after seeing the Cheap Flights Tour at Theatre on the Bay, I'm starting to get a sense of why the reviewer was so thrilled. Read more >>

One night benefit concert with Nik Rabinowitz CLE Communications - Cape Town, 5 February
Siv Ngesi & Friends Deliver Laughs at Bay Harbour Bay Harbour Market Comedy Club - Cape Town, 6 February
Cape Town Folk 'n Acoustic Music Festival for Kids Hippo Communications - Cape Town, 9 February
The Vagina Monologues rosie motene productions - Johannesburg, 10 February
Public Sector Week Local Government Business Network - Cape Town, 12 February
Celebrate The Experience with Judith Sephuma Gold Reef City - Johannesburg, 14 February
BMGI Innovate BMGI SA - Cape Town, 15 February
Stargazing Picnic at the Taalmonument Die Afrikaanse Taalmuseum en-monument - Paarl, 16 February
99% Zulu Comedy Gold Reef City - Johannesburg, 16 February
Social Business, Branding and Blogging Workshop Gratitude - Johannesburg, 18 February

Becoming a lovemark

Top stories

Capital Property Fund increases distribution for 2012 [Nick Hedley]

Lively year expected for property companies [Nick Hedley]

Food wastage continues as SA's people go hungry [Sue Blaine]

Labour instability affects Lewis's bottom line [Zeenat Moorad]

The new age of digital publishing [Jeanniey Mullen]

Visual Merchandisers - Johannesburg

National Visual Merchandiser - Cape Town

Today's weather

Jobs offered

Visual MerchandisersJohannesburg

National Visual MerchandiserCape Town

Gauteng jobs

Kwazulu-Natal jobs

Western Cape jobs

New people on biz

Industry sectors

Follow us

Visual Merchandisers
Johannesburg

National Visual Merchandiser
Cape Town