[Rod Baker] Apparently Woolworths franchisees would 'like a word' with Woolworths chief executive Simon Susman after his company embarked upon what the unhappy franchisees regard as a hostile bid to buy them out. Woolies is citing the complications franchising brings to their business, and the fact that it is, apparently, not their 'core business'.
The buy-back does not include Engen or international franchisees.
From the UK we have an opinion piece from Robin Lauffer, of The Bank, and she asks whether brands should proclaim their history proudly or keep quiet about them. read more
[Shan Radcliffe] Spring has almost sprung and for those home enthusiasts already tucking into the spring cleaning while jonesing for some updated decor and a gander at this season's trends, you're in luck... The Homemakers Expo hits Cape Town shores this Thursday before moving around the countryside to finish with its first expo of 2011 during February in Gauteng. read more
[Shan Radcliffe] In a blow to anti-GM activists in South Africa, the Academy of Science of SA (ASSAf) has given the green light to the technology used in producing genetically modified foods. This is, however, a major coup for a continent suffering from severe food shortages - although some African countries will still need to be convinced of the worth of GM food supply. read more
[Shan Radcliffe] Winter in the Western Cape is all about roaring fires and wine... lots and lots of wine. read more
[Shan Radcliffe] Few things say 'South African' culture quite like a brandy and coke around the braai. Which is why we should be so proud of our local distilleries for taking the International Wine & Spirit competition by storm and staking SA's claim as a superior brandy producer by winning eight of only 10 Best in Class Gold medals in the competition's 'Brandy' category last week. read more
[Shan Radcliffe] This past weekend, a group of South Africa's heroines were recognised for their contributions to making this country a better place at the Shoprite Checkers Women of the Year Awards. The original Shoprite Checkers/SABC 2 Woman of the Year Award was cancelled last year, with the retailer focussing instead on the launch of a feeding scheme for poor communities. read more
[Shan Radcliffe] It's been a week since the sporting cheer ended but celebrations for the financial rewards are just beginning. Although the mid-Cup (June) retail sales figures will only be released next month, the big event is at least partially responsible for the impressive May sales, say economists. read more
[Shan Radcliffe] The final celebrations have come to a close, the last match has been played (and Paul the Octopus was proven right again, with many a Dutch fan braying for a calamari lunch), foreign fans are making their way home and the vuvuzelas are all but silent. After six years of build-up, the last month of football action seems to have flashed by in the blink of an eye. read more
[Shan Radcliffe] While the continent rages on over the injustice of Ghana's defeat to Uruguay in what I've seen referred to as the 'Hand of the Cheat' incident, sadly the game must go on... without an African representative. read more
[Shan Radcliffe] After much furore over the past few weeks, FIFA decided to end the battle of Bavaria ambush marketing very quietly indeed: the case was dropped with a settlement made out of court - the details of which are being kept schtum.
On marketing efforts further abroad, the French are planning a new export strategy for its "Vin de France" to gain ground lost to "New World" wines. Instead of using the regional labelling, like Burgundy or Bordeaux, for the vintages, one can now order French wines by the more commonly-used grape varietals such as a merlot, pinot noir, chenin blanc or semillon. read more
[Shan Radcliffe] So Bavaria Beer has apparently gone and "done it again" by organising an ambush marketing campaign, which found 36 woman in orange mini-dresses kicked out of the Netherlands-Denmark soccer match last week, with the two Dutch marketing 'masterminds' being subsequently arrested. Although I can't say I know much about the original ambush attempt back in Germany 2006 - Bavaria's not my flavour of choice and no one appears to have seen the inside of a court the last time. read more
[Shan Radcliffe] We have lift-off, I repeat, we have lift-off... oo, er, kick-off! The über-anticipated spectacle of 2010 has finally begun. read more
[Shan Radcliffe] Your mirror socks are firmly in place and there are so many flags flapping from your car that at any other time you may be mistaken for local or foreign diplomat - but do you know your football phrases? If you still think the Diski Dance is that little jig you do at your desk before you leave the office on Friday, then get yourself a copy of Stellenbosch University's new soccer terminology booklet. Available in English, Afrikaans and Xhosa, it's geared for local and international fans looking to speak a common language - the united language of soccer! With only days to go to the big kick-off, learn what eShibobo and nutmeg have in common and see why Table Mountain is not just a directional aid for Capetonians. read more
[Shan Radcliffe] Just when I think government has every glorious reason under the sun to up the petrol price - the recent Transnet strike, the monster influx of tourists we intend to make a mint from, the extended school holidays - the bunch down at the minerals and energy department decide to drop fuel costs instead. This is obviously great news for all of us, so please excuse me for looking this particular gift horse in the chompers. read more
[Shan Radcliffe] Woolworths and Netcare have decided to 'pull the plug' on plans for upmarket retail pharmacy outlets in Woolies stores after three pilot centres didn't take off as expected. Meanwhile, over the border, Zimbabwe's Meikles Ltd is looking for a cash injection to bail out its TM Supermarkets. read more
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