Liquor traders from the tavern sector are appealing to the government to allow off-premise alcohol sales to resume on 16 January, to help protect the 250,000 jobs in the sector and safeguard livelihoods. 6 Jan 2021
Despite optimistic predictions for the retail sector in 2020, the global Covid-19 pandemic presented the industry with myriad challenges. Stores were hard hit by lockdowns as products ran low, stock could not be delivered and, even as restrictions eased, sales decreased while footfall became less as more consumers turned to online channels. 6 Jan 2021
A high-level look at how innovation and agility could reshape one of SA's juggernaut industries. 6 Jan 2021
Spar's Rural Hub business initiative aims to help address the food insecurity, unemployment and skills shortfalls that continue to plague rural areas across South Africa. The Rural Hub model forms part of the retailer's drive to support and empower small-scale local farmers, create jobs and sustain local economies by creating an ecosystem that provides affordable, nutritious food for all. 5 Jan 2021
Breastfeeding can play an especially important role in early-life nutrition. It can benefit children's future school performance and economic prospects in later life, as well as the mother's health. 5 Jan 2021
As we bid farewell to 2020, one thing has become clear: no business is immune to crises like the one that hit the private sector as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The situation has shaken some of South Africa's oldest and most prolific businesses, resulting in downscaling, mass retrenchments and the closing of doors, either temporarily or permanently. 4 Jan 2021
The Retailers' Liaison Committee (RLC) recently released its November retail sales report, giving further evidence of the impact of the dampened economy on Black Friday and November sales. 4 Jan 2021
Rapidly changing consumer behavior in 2020 has left many antiquated business models high and dry. The worst part? It could have been avoided if all business owners harnessed the power of e-commerce and digital experience pre-Covid. 29 Dec 2020
Woolworths has officially launched the trial of its same-day grocery delivery app Woolies Dash. The app is now live on the Google Play Store, Huawei App Gallery and Apple App Store. 24 Dec 2020
Following the announcement in October that Pick n Pay would acquire on-demand delivery app Bottles, the company has officially come on board as the on-demand service of Pick n Pay Online. This allows customers to get their online grocery and liquor order delivered within 60 minutes and adds to the retailer's online scheduled delivery service and Click n Collect services. 24 Dec 2020
South Africa's technical consumer goods market sees subdued spending as consumers weigh up each purchase carefully, trade up for better value and make strategic purchases for the home. 23 Dec 2020
Soma Solutions has launched a new online platform for stationery shopping called Edu Supply, designed to help parents and schools across South Africa purchase their children's stationery without having to shop at multiple stores to fulfill their children's full stationery list for school. 23 Dec 2020
ONE54 South Africa disrupts the healthy drinks category with the launch of a premium and African-centric innovation, A1 Fruit Water. The citrus-driven range of natural sparkling waters are infused with real African fruit, boast refreshing flavours and maintain strong local sustainability credentials. A1 Fruit Water aims to bring 'hydration by nature' to the South African market, becoming the first choice for infused sparkling water amongst health-conscious South African consumers. 22 Dec 2020
Those in the know weren't all too surprised on hearing news that Victoria's Secret would be closing many of its stores around the world as a result of the scourging Covid-19 pandemic which has wrought havoc on businesses and the global economy. Given the rise of body positivity and brave influencers on social media this year alone, which sparked an outcry for functional underwear, the Angels have since locked up their top drawers and departed the catwalks resulting in a decline in sales even before Covid-19 hit. 22 Dec 2020
It has been a year of reckoning: a year that lit a fire beneath online payments in South Africa, transforming e-commerce while creating immense economic pressure. As the global pandemic waged war on government process, merchant sales and consumer behaviour, companies were faced with tough decisions and mercurial markets that reshaped how they worked, innovated and delivered services. It was tough and it was brutal, but it was also a year that has taught the retail sector essential lessons in online engagement and created opportunity amid the complexity of a pandemic. 22 Dec 2020
Customer experience is the driving force behind every business as it gives companies a competitive edge that earns customer loyalty and attracts new customers. However, getting the customer experience right can be a challenge for companies, particularly as there is uncertainty in terms of what customer experience really means and how to go about achieving it. 22 Dec 2020
In an effort to assist the local wine industry in South Africa in recovery, Pick n Pay will show their support by buying approximately 25 million bottles of local wine to be sold across stores nationwide in 2021. 21 Dec 2020
As if you needed a reminder, Covid-19 has certainly rocked the boat of retail with an immense force this year. But as we have seen with the recent Black Friday period, there is no reason to jump ship when you have a solid, seamless online sales strategy in place. It seems retailers who change course to accommodate the concerns and expectations of the times through enabling e-commerce, diverse fulfilment strategies and omnichannel retail experiences are best positioned to capitalise on the very first online festive season and the new era of retail. 21 Dec 2020
With many shops closed due to pandemic restrictions, Black Friday 2020 might have looked different from the frantic buying sprees of years past. But one thing remained the same: the relentless pace of fast fashion. Environmentalists criticised one UK retailer for selling a dress for 8p online. 21 Dec 2020
The Covid-19 pandemic is disrupting consumer habits. Canadians developed an intense interest in baking in the early days of the crisis, leading to flour and yeast shortages. They bought less sunscreen in the absence of tropical vacations, and they are dressing down in sweatpants while working over Zoom. 18 Dec 2020
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