[Shan Radcliffe] Today is World Consumer Rights Day and for those who don't know, South Africa's own Consumer Protection Act will be coming into effect near the end of October 2010. For those businesses still in the dark about the provisions of the Act, consumer law specialist Neville Melville is making it easy for you to understand through his newly launched book.
Last week saw things heat up at Hostex, Cape Town, as the 20 finalists for the Global Pizza Challenge South Africa battered it out for top honours and the chance to represent southern Africa at the international competition in Australia. read more
[Shan Radcliffe] MasterCard's consumer purchasing survey released earlier today revealed that most South Africans aren't looking to cut down on spending. And although fewer consumers are planning on saving their cash, more are looking at the bigger picture, and will be putting it toward long-term assets like houses and retirement plans. read more
[Shan Radcliffe] The hospitality industry has been up in arms over the proposed 2010 liquor bill and the need for establishments to apply for a special liquor licence. Michael Goldman, however, is cutting through the confusion and misunderstandings as he explains the specific FIFA guidelines. read more
[Shan Radcliffe] Caught up in the mad rush of last-minute Valentine's shopping on Saturday, I experienced one of those supremely mortifying blonde moments... of distractedly walking out of a big clothing chain store clutching something for which I hadn't paid. read more (1 Comment)
[Shan Radcliffe] Pioneer Foods has had its cake and is now having to eat Sasko GM Andries Goosen's words too after being found guilty of collusion by the Competition Tribunal last week. The company is being fined over R195-million for its part in the bread price-fixing scandal, almost R100-million more than Tiger Brands had to pay, as Pioneer was the only one of the four cartel members that claimed its innocence in the matter. read more (1 Comment)
[Shan Radcliffe] The Swiss and the Belgians have always been considered the masters of deluxe chocolate-making. The Chinese are getting in on the action, however, by promoting this Western indulgence... read more
[Shan Radcliffe] Good news - the retail industry is expected to grow clear of the recession this year, according to the forecast from the Bureau of Market Research. But while the 2010 FIFA World Cup is likely to boost the sector, the report says it could also result in temporary inflationary pressure. read more
[Shan Radcliffe] Welcome back! 2010 has started off on a great note - this being the general consensus for what is going to be a monumental year for South Africa. There's only 150 days left till kick-off and if you don't have your tickets yet, you'd better hurry! There are only 11 more days to get your applications in for the third sales phase and after that, it's first-come, first-served but you could miss out on your preferred matches. read more
[Shan Radcliffe] As we come to the end of this Noughtie decade, I can almost hear the collective sigh of relief from a country that has pulled through a long year of highs and lows... We've stared a recession in the face and, although some are still feeling the economic rift, we are on the rocky road to recovery.
But before we rush head-long into the new year - one that is marked with high hopes as the final countdown to the 2010 FIFA World Cup really begins - let's take a little time to reflect on the past 12 months: What were your favourite Retail.Bizcommunity.com reads and galleries, and what articles stirred discussion?
Top three 'most read' retail articles 2009:
The three 'most viewed' galleries:
Top three articles to draw the most comment:
This is our last newsletter for 2009, with our first 2010 editions to go out on 11 January 2010.
read more [Shan Radcliffe] We're only one week into December and already it's gearing up to be a busy season... and I'm not even talking holiday festivities. read more
[Shan Radcliffe] South African banks' knee-jerk reaction to the recession may be understandable, but slashing credit lending and tightening the screws on debtors has not helped them make friends with their customers or potential clients. Kate Elphick's two-part series, Regaining your reputation after the recession, looks at where banks have gone wrong and how they can use social media to regain some of their lost reputation. read more
[Shan Radcliffe] In a world where access to communication is not just a privilege but a necessity, SA's new regulation act is doing a fine job of crippling the growth of the mobile industry. The Regulation of Interception of Communications Act (Rica) - could there be a name that more blatantly smiles in the face of so-called protection while pulling the rug out from under the feet of the right to individual privacy? Why not just call it Big Brother Mobile? Retail group Edcon has just joined Foschini in blaming Rica for the drop in cellular department sales, and it's not hard to understand why. read more
[Shan Radcliffe] Local upliftment programmes are definitely doing something right when they attract the attention of a renowned international designer such as Vivienne Westwood. Although her name is more synonymous with haute couture and Sex and the City (although, granted, she hated the movie) than traditional tribal attire, Westwood's sponsorship of the Tapestry of Dreams project shows she's more than just a designer for stars and upper-crust fashionistas. read more
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