9 Sep 2013

Retail

Considering bricks and clicks

Spaza shops are receiving a much-needed leg-up into the 21st century with the availability of electronic POS terminals for those operating in rural areas.

We see what it takes to make a successful online shopping site, while Charles Mburugu points out those things you should avoid in the e-commerce design process.

Leron Varsha considers the key issues when investing in brands; and Mark Hiller advises us on how to simplify retail sales administration - it'll get those all-important sales people back on the floor and turning more profit. Speaking of floors, I take a look at the importance of fitting the right floors for your store's needs (and image).

In the upcoming events circle, we have the SACSC Congress, the inaugural Global Food Safety Initiative focus day, and annual CGCSA Summit.

Have an amazing week!

Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)
Image courtesy of domdeen / FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

PS Don't forget to check out the latest cartoon by Rico in our weekly Cartoons showcase!

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Weekly top stories


Retail Trends
Strategies for success in tough trading conditions
[Issued by Retail Capital] The current economic climate is challenging. Significant increases in energy, fuel and food costs, coupled with falls in exchange rate are placing increased pressure on consumers. Read more >>


Retail
Investing in brands - key issues
[Leron Varsha] There are a number of considerations which must be taken into account before deciding whether to invest in a brand. A simple analysis of financials will not necessarily help one make a wise decision, as the actual value of a brand is not something one can easily quantify. Read more >>




Banking & Finance
Rand firms as currency pressures ease
[Fifi Peters] The rand firmed to stronger than R10 to the dollar at midday on Monday (9 September)‚ extending gains from Friday (6 September) when a disappointing US non-farm payrolls reduced pressure on emerging market currencies. Read more >>

Prepaid electricity purchases growing via cellphone banking
[Gaongalelwe Moatshe] Purchasing prepaid electricity via FNB's cellphone banking is growing in popularity as customers begin to see the benefit of using the bank's self-service channels for their transactions. Read more >>


Brand News
Lerato Kganyago to represent Always Platinum
Procter & Gamble has announced that actress and television presenter, Lerato Kganyago has been named the brand ambassador of feminine care range, Always Platinum. Read more >>

Pioneer announces unbundling of Quantum Foods division
[Marc Hasenfuss] Paarl-based consumer brands giant Pioneer Food Group (PFG) has chosen an ominous time to propose an unbundling and separate listing for its Quantum Foods division - which houses a sizeable poultry business. Read more >>


Commercial Property
Redefine's German acquisitions ratified
Redefine International‚ the London-listed subsidiary of JSE-listed Redefine Properties International‚ said on Monday, 2 September 2013, its acquisition of three shopping centres in Germany was completed on 30 August. Read more >>


Corporate Social Investment
TFG collaborates with Hands of Honour
TFG (The Foschini Group) and NGO Hands of Honour are working together to help poor Cape Town communities cut crime and improve their standard of living through the Regeneration of City and Soul project. Read more >>

Tiger Wheel & Tyre challenges South Africans to donate blood
[Issued by Tiger Wheel & Tyre] It's that time of the year again, when Tiger Wheel & Tyre and the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) offer ordinary South Africans the chance to do something extraordinary: to donate blood and in the process make a difference. Read more >>  visit press office >>


CRM
Multi-channel call centres can improve debt collection rates
[Jed Hewson] South Africa has a mobile penetration of roughly 118% - which means that 50 million people are wielding close to 59 million cell phones. Yet despite the implementation of RICA, mobile churn (where users buy and discard SIM cards) is still increasing. Read more >>


e-Commerce
Africa embracing online liquidation stock as middle class grows
[Paul Greenberg] There is a sharp increase in demand for cheap surplus consumer goods, particularly items from Europe, the US, China and South Africa in African cities. Read more >>

E-commerce sites - mistakes to avoid
[Charles Mburugu] E-commerce has grown to become a very lucrative industry, with billions of dollars being generated annually through online sales. Unfortunately, not every e-commerce venture will end up being profitable. Read more >>


Exhibitions & Events
Jo, it's time for your tablet
The lucky Bizcommunity.com winner in the Times Creative Press Ad Challenge is... Read more >>

CGCSA Summit - Bringing the consumer packaged goods industry real solutions to the issues of the day
[Issued by CGCSA] Following the huge success of the 2012 conference, the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa (CGCSA) is inviting past and new delegates to this year's instalment, themed "Energising the Industry - Building Sustainable Businesses in the New Normal". Read more >>


Fashion, Clothing & Textiles
Rihanna and passing-off
[Gaelyn Scott] It's been well reported that Rihanna succeeded in her court case against the retail chain Topshop. Read more >>


FMCG
Pioneer unbundles Quantum Foods division
[Marc Hasenfuss] Paarl-based consumer brands company Pioneer Food has chosen an ominous time to propose an unbundling and separate listing for its Quantum Foods division - which houses a sizeable poultry business. Read more >>

Sales of Fairtrade products reach record high in SA
[Zeenat Moorad] Sales of Fairtrade products in SA reached a record high of R234m last year‚ a 220% increase from 2011's R73.2m‚ Fairtrade International's annual report revealed on Tuesday (3 September). Read more >>


Franchising
Sorbet Drybar moves to franchising model
Sorbet is rolling out its new Sorbet Drybar franchise throughout South Africa, following the success of the pilot operation in Johannesburg. Read more >>


Hospitality
Spur gains on taste for fast-food dining in SA
[Zeenat Moorad] Restaurant franchise group Spur Corporation said on Wednesday (4 September) it was expecting a rise in headline earnings per share of between 19% and 24% for the financial year to June. Read more >>


Import/export
BMW, Ford exports affected by motor industry strike
[Karl Gernetzky and Alistair Anderson] As industrial action in the vehicle manufacturing sector continues, the latest National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA (Naamsa) data shows that BMW and Ford Motor's export operations have been negatively affected by the labour unrest. Read more >>


Logistics

Manufacturing
There's no crying over....incorrect batch codes?!
[Issued by Pyrotec] Here's a little trivia for you: Did you know that human error has been cited as a primary cause or contributing factor in disasters and accidents in industries as diverse as nuclear power aviation, space exploration and medicine? Read more >>  visit press office >>


Regulatory
About that alcohol advertising ban...
[Gaelyn Scott] Will it work? What impact will it have on sports sponsorships? In this article, however, the question is asked: Will such a ban be constitutional? Read more >>


Research
Mageu market continues to grow, despite price drops
The Mageu or mahewu volumes continue to grow. The market overall has seen many new smaller players come and go. This is a trend, which has been seen for many years, as players come in with new ideas, but the larger players continue to hold the market. Read more >>


Retail Marketing
Million Hungry Lions go mobile
A recent mobile coupon offer from fast food franchise, Hungry Lion has triggered one million responses thus far, delivered via wiGroup's mobile transaction platform, wiPlatform. Read more >>


Retail Services
Simplifying retail sales admin increases profit
[Mark Hiller] Today, the job description of a retail sales-floor employee has evolved far beyond its original purpose to support the customer with their buying decision. Now employees are handling mountains of paperwork including rebates, credit applications, customer service feedback and loyalty programme sign-ups, which results in less time on the floor with customers at the point-of-sale. Read more >>

POS go live in rural areas for MasterCard
A partnership between MasterCard and Blue Label Telecoms will introduce the safety, security and convenience of electronic POS payments to SMMEs operating in rural and peri-urban areas in South Africa, boosting financial inclusion in under-served communities in South Africa. Read more >>


Retailers
Zimbabwe: retailers still going in gingerly
When Massmart left Zimbabwe in 2011 the retailer's chief executive, Grant Pattison, left no doubt about the reason. "Indigenisation law effectively says foreigners are not welcome in Zimbabwe," he told investors at a presentation. Read more >>

Amanzimtoti
[Issued by Makro] A new era of shopping is about to hit KwaZulu-Natal, with the new Amanzimtoti store due to open in September. The new store promises to offer retail, commercial and reseller customers a wide variety of quality branded products at low prices. Read more >>  visit press office >>


Shopfitting
Boost retail image with right fit of floor
[Shan Radcliffe: retail editor] As a retailer owner, you should expend as much thought into selecting the right flooring materials for your store as you would for your own house. The initial customer impression is often dictated by the flooring, even though it may be subliminal. Read more >>


Supply Chain
Kudos for resolve in supply chain game
[Issued by IMPERIAL Logistics] Two teams from Imperial Logistics Group company, Resolve (previously Volition Consulting Services), finished second and third in "The Fresh Connection", a web-based business game that challenges supply chain professionals to demonstrate and improve their knowledge. Read more >>  visit press office >>


Technology
Redefining B2B reseller market for electronic technology
According to Samsung Electronics, there is scope and room for change in the resellers market, moving from being pushers of boxes or devices, towards a more solutions-based approach, expanding the interactivity with the customer on value-added integration. Read more >>


International

Dishwasher recall could cost Bosch-Siemens €700m
BERLIN, GERMANY: The recall of millions of dishwashers that are at risk of catching fire could cost German electronics group Bosch and Siemens Hausgeraete up to €700m, the German weekly Focus reported. Read more >>

Samsung launches Galaxy Gear smartwatch in Berlin
BERLIN GERMANY: South Korean electronics company Samsung on Wednesday, 4 September unveiled its hotly anticipated smartwatch the Galaxy Gear, which allows users to make calls, receive texts and emails and take photos. Read more >>

Nokia sells phone unit to Microsoft for €5.44bn
HELSINKI, FINLAND - Beleaguered Finnish mobile phone maker Nokia will sell its mobile phone unit to US group Microsoft for €5.44bn, it said on Tuesday, 3 September. Read more >>


More International


Government

SA exhibitors show off products at China's trade fair
XIAMEN, CHINA: The annual China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) got underway on Sunday, 8 September, with South African exhibitors showing off their wares. Read more >>

Busa calls for delay on carbon tax
Business Unity SA (Busa) urged the National Treasury to delay the introduction of the proposed carbon tax. Read more >>


More Government news


Lifestyle

Harley-Davidson's new line-up for 2014
Harley-Davidson has revealed a 2014 motorcycle line that includes seven Touring, Trike and Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) models. Read more >>

Let your imagination run wild... Sol did
[Brian Berkman] It is easy to be cynical about The Palace of the Lost City and to dismiss it simply as the fantasy creation of The Sun King, but it is precisely because it has been entirely envisioned by someone who, at the time, was a global celebrity for his unbridled imagination, that makes it such a fun place to visit. Read more >>


People on the move


Delhaize Group appoints new CEO - more info



Jobs offered

Sales Manager/Key Accounts Manager - Sandton - Johannesburg
Lumoss Mouldings is looking for a sales manager for its retail division. The candidate must have a minimum of 15 years' experience and be able to manage a sales team. Read more >>

Store Supervisor - Fossil Stores - Cape Town
Fossil is currently seeking energetic store supervisors, with an entrepreneurial, sales-driven spirit for our new and existing stores at major shopping centres around Cape Town. Read more >>

Store Manager - Fossil Stores - Pretoria
Fossil is currently seeking an energetic store manager, with an entrepreneurial, sales-driven spirit for our new stores in Pretoria. Read more >>

Group Digital Media Manager - Stellenbosch
Distell Ltd, a leading producer of wines, spirits, ciders and flavoured alcoholic beverages of high quality, invites applications for a group digital media manager, in Stellenbosch. Read more >>

Global Marketing Manager - Hunter's - Stellenbosch
Distell Ltd has an opportunity in Stellenbosch for an experienced and qualified global marketing manager to develop, manage, grow and sustain their Hunter's brand globally. Read more >>

Financial Manager - Johannesburg
Trade Marketing Manager - Johannesburg
Sales Rep - Cape Town
Graphic Designer - Cape Town
Merchandiser - Johannesburg
Finance Project Manager - Johannesburg CBD
Administrator - Cape Town
iStore Manager - Port Elizabeth
Assistant Manager - Port Elizabeth
iStore Sales Consultant - Port Elizabeth
Operations Manager - Port Elizabeth
iStore Support Consultant - Port Elizabeth



New events to diarise

Inbound Marketing Master Class - 3 Oct 2013 North Riding
In this course our inbound marketing manager will dive deep into the inbound marketing methodology and the success factors. Read more >>

Supply Chain Negotiation Strategy
McNaughton & Associates - 10 Sep 2013 to 11 Sep 2013 Johannesburg
Strategic brand leadership
Vega School of Brand Leadership - 10 Sep 2013 to 31 Oct 2013 Randburg
Chocolate Festival - Le Marché de Chocolat
Chocolate Festival - 10 Sep 2013 to 13 Sep 2013 Johannesburg
Technology Day in Pietermaritzburg
Oracle Systems - 12 Sep 2013 Pietermaritzburg
Key Tech & Marketing Trends 2014
DUO Marketing - 12 Sep 2013 Cape Town
Event styling workshops
Event Workshop - 18 Sep 2013 Cape Town
Consumer Goods Council of South Africa Summit 2013
Meropa Communications - 15 Oct 2013 to 16 Oct 2013 Johannesburg
Banking Channel Fraud Management Conference 2013
Trade Conferences International - 16 Oct 2013 to 17 Oct 2013 Johannesburg
Embracing Anxiety - Two-Day Workshop
Symphonia - 29 Oct 2013 to 30 Oct 2013 Cape Town
Soweto Festival of Light
Imagineering Corporation - 13 Dec 2013 to 22 Dec 2013 Soweto


Upcoming events

Supply Chain Negotiation Strategy
McNaughton & Associates - 10 Sep 2013 to 11 Sep 2013 Johannesburg
Chocolate Festival - Le Marché de Chocolat
Chocolate Festival - 10 Sep 2013 to 13 Sep 2013 Johannesburg
Business Opportunities & Franchise Expo 2013
Thebe Exhibitions (Pty) Ltd - 12 Sep 2013 to 15 Sep 2013 Johannesburg
Technology Day in Pietermaritzburg
Oracle Systems - 12 Sep 2013 Pietermaritzburg
Key Tech & Marketing Trends 2014
DUO Marketing - 12 Sep 2013 Cape Town
Food Safety Seminar
LRQA - 13 Sep 2013 Johannesburg
Diploma in Digital Marketing
BrandSchool - 16 Sep 2013 to 20 Sep 2013 Sandton


Quotes

Tony Robbins
"We can change our lives. We can do, have, and be, exactly what we wish. (via Quotes Everlasting)"

Edmund Burke
"Ambition can creep as well as soar. (via Brainy Quote)"

Sophocles
"Hide nothing, for time, which sees all and hears all, exposes all. (via Quotes Everlasting)"

Confucius
"Wherever you go, go with all your heart. (via Brainy Quote)"

Mahatma Gandhi
"Each night, when I go to sleep, I die. And the next morning, when I wake up, I am reborn. (via Good Reads)"




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[Rico Schacherl]

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