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All a-hum over design If you haven't seen it on Facebook by now, where have you been? Cape Town artist, Euodia Roets has accused Woolworths of copying a design she originally submitted to them after the company approached her for some working samples. Woolies subsequently decided not to go ahead with producing her work on its cushion collection, but the designer now claims that her design has been used after all, although she goes as far as to admit the design has been "adapted". Woolies response was that the artwork in question was commissioned from another designer and had been signed off before the company had even seen Roets' work. So is this a case of sour grapes or corporate muscle throwing its weight around? As Rod Baker says, one hummingbird in hover-mode looks much like the next. But we'll let you decide - check out the story here. Speaking of designs, you'll have noticed Bizcommunity has made some changes of its own. Please feel free to let us know what you think. Have a glorious week, folks! Shan Radcliffe, Group Head - Retail (@Biz_Retail)
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 | For the fifth consecutive year, Shoprite has been chosen as South Africa's favourite retailer as voted for by consumers in The Times Sowetan Retail Awards 2013. The survey was conducted by independent research agency TNS. Read more >> |
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BMi Research has released its annual quantification report on the dry pasta and pasta meal market in South Africa; the report excludes a study of the fresh pasta market. Read more >> | Rod Baker NEWSWATCH: Woolworths and a Cape Town designer are at each other over the ownership of a hummingbird design printed on a cushion, reports IOL. Read more >> | Ntsakisi Maswanganyi Christmas period retail sales could grow by slightly more than 3% in real terms provided there is no resurgence in strike activity that disrupts both production and workers' earnings‚ Credit Guarantee Insurance Corporation senior economist Luke Doig said. Read more >> | Amanda Visser Dis-Chem Pharmacies yesterday, 16 October 2013, received the competition authorities' approval to expand its wholesale business. Read more >> | Manny Nichas On average, out of 100 franchisee-hopefuls, only 3-4 applicants qualify. What distinguishes successful candidates from the rest is a mix of personal background and culture fit to meet the 'equal status partnering' model used in successful franchises. Read more >> | More than one billion smartphones were in use by the end of 2012 and, according to estimates by eMarketer, B2C global e-commerce sales grew 21.1% in 2012 to top US$1 trillion for the first time. Projections for 2013 are that sales will grow 18.3% to $1.298 trillion worldwide. Read more >> | bidorbuy has run a Christmas shopping survey and indications show that about 32% of the participants will do their Christmas shopping on a mobile device this year. Read more >> | Retail trade sales measured in constant (2012) prices increased by 3.0% year on year (y/y) in August from a revised 2.9% (2.8%) y/y increase in July‚ figures from Statistics SA showed today, 16 October 2013. Read more >> |
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 | Motor trade sales‚ measured in nominal terms (current prices)‚ increased by 7.3% year-on-year in August according to data released by Statistics SA on Thursday (17 October). Read more >> |
 | As more people enter the online world of auctioneering, High Street Auctions offers a guide to astute auction buying behaviour, as it is quite possible to become addicted to the thrill of outbidding competitors and purchasing what one perceives to be a fantastic bargain, which may not be what it seems. Read more >> |
 | The appointment of the new tax ombud is a positive move, particularly as the first incumbent of this important position is retired Gauteng Judge President Bernard Nogepe, says Mike Dingley, national tax director of global audit, tax and advisory firm Mazars. Read more >> |
 | SacOil‚ the South African oil and gas company with several oil assets in Nigeria‚ DRC‚ Malawi and Botswana‚ has partnered with Total SA in Block lll in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Read more >> |
 | Issued by Bizcommunity.com Having leveraged its reputation as the business hub of choice for over a decade, attaining the status of South Africa's and Africa's largest online multi-industry news site, Bizcommunity.com today goes public with an upgraded interface. Read more >> |
 | Issued by Berge Farrell Flying Fish, Brewer SABMiller's newest launch, welcomes summer with an exciting take on refreshment by adding flavour to beer in two excitingly zesty variants, Crushed Orange and Pressed Lemon. Read more >> |
 | Investec Property Fund (IPF) has acquired a portfolio of 17 properties which were acquired for an aggregate consideration of almost R600 million. Read more >> |
 | Thabiso Mochiko Service providers Altech Autopage and Nashua Mobile will have to invest in more value-added services to mitigate the potential losses brought by the proposed reduction in termination rates. Read more >> |
 | Strauss & Co, a leading fine art auction house in the South African art market, has launched Strauss Online, described as the first dedicated, exclusively online-only art and antiques auction website in South Africa. Read more >> |
 | Issued by Consumer Goods Council of South Africa Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega says structured integrated engagements with industry associations and businesses remain integral to the fight against crime in South Africa. Read more >> |
 | Two OpenRoom forums for Africa, RetailTech and FinanceTech, held in Cape Town last week underlined the importance of technology in Africa and the need for such networking events. Read more >> |
Issued by Consumer Goods Council of South Africa
 | Having selected the three winning students, the 2012/13 Foschini Fashion Design Awards capsule collections have been launched in selected stores. Read more >> |
 | Marc Hasenfuss After two major acquisitions in international cognac and whisky brands‚ Stellenbosch-based liquor group Distell will now be prioritising the global growth of its highly-profitable cider brands. Read more >> |
 | Honey Sun iQhilika Mead, an African-style honey wine, produced by Makana Meadery in the Eastern Cape is now on display on 30-month permanent trade fair in Ningbo, China, along with five other Eastern Cape products. Read more >> |
 | At the One Young World annual summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, Walter Fry, founding chairman of Fry's Family, the Durban-based producer and exporter of vegetarian products, urged delegates to eat less meat to reduce global warming. Read more >> |
 | Woolworths is recalling a faulty sandal range after two people were injured, the company said on Wednesday (16 October) Read more >> |
 | Arguably the country's favourite chicken restaurant chain, KFC has been serving local customers with its secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices for more than 40 years. Read more >> |
 | Zeenat Moorad Spur Corporation‚ whose brands include‚ Panarottis‚ John Dory's and Captain DoRegos will open new outlets in Swaziland‚ Nigeria‚ Tanzania‚ Namibia and the Seychelles next year. Read more >> |
 | Issued by Moving Tactics Moving Tactics has experienced rapid growth in the Gauteng region with an increasing number of successful digital signage projects being undertaken by the company. Sectors such as Retail and Quick Service Restaurants are realising the value of effective in-store digital media. Read more >> |
 | Issued by Skydirect Pricer electronic shelf labels (ESLs), exclusively supplied by XON in Africa, have gained significant traction with SPAR stores around the country because the system grants retailers numerous operational benefits and significant return on investment (ROI). Read more >> |
 | Issued by IMPERIAL Logistics A three year contract to transport liquid petroleum gas (LPG) for Easigas has been awarded to Imperial Logistics' operating company Tanker Services. Read more >> |
 | Retail trade sales rose more than expected in August‚ with economists warning‚ however‚ that there were still challenges to consumption expenditure that could see retail sales come under pressure. Read more >> |
 | Carol Paton The Cabinet is divided over a bill that would impose a total ban on the advertising of alcohol‚ with departments such as health and social development wanting to curb the misuse of alcohol‚ and economic departments concerned about the depressing effect on the economy of such a ban. Read more >> |
 | Linda Ensor Poor households were struggling to afford a basic basket of staple foods needed to ensure adequate health and nutrition‚ the Pietermaritzburg Agency for Community Social Action (Pacsa) said when releasing its 2013 Food Prices Barometer. Read more >> |
 | The Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) has released the results of its dipstick survey, using Survey Monkey among 220 residents living in and in close proximity to the boundaries in which the CCID operates. It shows overwhelming support for the "downtown" lifestyle that the area has to offer. Read more >> |
 | Unlimited Mall Division has realigned its various mall retail businesses into one division to provide clients and shoppers a multidisciplinary yet integrated approach to retail marketing. Read more >> |
 | This year's Best Retailer Overall at Sandton City's annual Tenant Excellence Awards was a tie, with Browns jeweller, Louis Vuitton and Nespresso winning the award jointly. Lorenzi won Best Customer Service Overall. Read more >> |
 | Global economic challenges are affecting South African consumers and business, Consumer Goods Council of SA's (CGCSA) chief executive Gwarega Mangozhe said on Tuesday (15 October). Read more >> |
 | Zeenat Moorad and Nick Hedley Job cuts are looming for South Africa's middle and senior managers‚ analysts said on Monday‚ 14 October 2013, as food giant Pioneer Foods (PFG) announced that more than 1‚200 of its best-paid staff were being axed or moved to lower-paid jobs. Read more >> |
 | The Art of Baking, hosted by renowned South African foodie, Sarah Graham has been launched online by Yuppiechef.com. The course is fully enabled for mobile to make life easier for people on-the-go and with busy schedules. Read more >> |
 | SHANGHAI, CHINA: A young Chinese couple are facing criminal charges for "selling" their daughter and using part of the proceeds to buy an Apple iPhone, state media said. Read more >> |
 | PARIS, FRANCE: A huge collection of haute couture and ready-to-wear fashion owned by the model who inspired Yves Saint Laurent's famous "Le Smoking" tuxedo went under the hammer on Monday (14 October) in Paris. Read more >> |
 | WASHINGTON, USA: - BlackBerry is launching a campaign aiming to reassure its customers it intends to stay in business, brushing aside suggestions of its impending demise. Read more >> |
 | LONDON, UK: British mobile phone company Vodafone said Monday, 14 October, that the group has now completed its €7.7bn purchase of Kabel Deutschland. Read more >> |
More International
 | Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Elizabeth Thabethe today kicks off an Investment and Trade Initiative (ITI), which is expected to promote trade in Brazil. Read more >> |
 | Evan Pickworth A number of initiatives to improve competitiveness and labour stability in a motor industry hammered by seven weeks of strikes were announced last week. Read more >> |
 | The Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (Outa) does not have the funds to appeal the Supreme Court of Appeal's dismissal of its challenge to e-tolls, chairman Wayne Duvenage said last week. Read more >> |
 | Chris Bathembu South Africa has acknowledged the importance of Poland not only as a trading partner in Europe but as a crucial market for South Africa's tourism industry. Read more >> |
 | President Jacob Zuma's Cabinet has issued a statement dismissing claims that it is divided over the Control of Marketing of Alcohol Beverages Bill. Read more >> |
More Government news
 | Henrie Geyser: motoring editor The nine finalists for the coveted title of 2014 South African Car of the Year finalists include no real surprises with German brands once again dominating with four nominations. Read more >> |
 | A leading alcoholic brand company is looking for a group digital media manager to lead digital marketing within the company and ensure continuous inovation in digital deliverables. Read more >> |
BitCo's KZN office is looking for an enthusiastic, experienced account manager in sales. Read more >>Exciting opportunities (Johannesburg and Pretoria area) exists within Markham for retail managers with a flair for customer service and people management. Read more >>
Eleanor Roosevelt "Do one thing every day that scares you. (via Good Reads)"
Thomas Jefferson "I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past. (via Brainy Quote)"
Jonathan Swift "Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others. (via Brainy Quote)"
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