Welcome to our final retail newsletter for 2018!
To reflect on the year that passed, scroll through our #BestofBiz piece, which highlights our top-read stories, contributors and appointments as well as our most-viewed press offices in 2018.
On to top stories for the week, PwC Strategy& economists analyse whether festive retail sales will echo the disappointment of Black Friday. And a recent survey suggests that if retail store associates were equipped with devices like tablets, they could provide better customer service in store. Tiger Brands has also reopened its Enterprise Foods factory in Polokwane, after its closure following the listeriosis outbreak earlier this year.
In fashion, for its Coke Threds campaign, Coca-Cola has teamed up with four local fashion designers to create a quartet of signature collections influenced by South African experiences and the beverage brand's iconic design elements. While Eugene Yiga interviews CEO of RunwaySale Karl Hammerschmidt about the growth of the online fashion marketplace.
In food, I chat to celebrated South African muso and foodie J'Something about the launch of his gin brand Jin Gin. And I share my picks of the best new food and beverage products in #FreshOnTheShelf.
Our first 2019 newsletter will land in your inbox on 7 January, and in it will be some exciting #BizTrends2019 content to help you plan for the year ahead. However, new content will be posted on our site throughout the holidays.
A safe and happy festive season to you and yours!
Lauren Hartzenberg
Retail Editor: Bizcommunity.com
