South African retailer Woolworths Holdings Ltd reported a 58.3% jump in first-half profit on Thursday, its first in five years, as sales recovered from the lows at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. 25 Feb 2021
The South African alcohol industry says it's gravely concerned that excise tax will be increased by 8%, which will exceed the targeted excise duties for wine, beer and spirits set by Treasury itself, at 11, 23 and 36% respectively. 25 Feb 2021
On 24 February, we celebrate World Bartender Day in which we acknowledge bartenders and their skills, dedication and even the craft of mixology. 2020 has been very tough year for all, but has been particularly tough on bartenders who work in two of the hardest hit industries, namely the alcohol industry and the events and restaurant sector, resulting in a lot of layoffs and bartenders having to persevere in order to survive three periods of alcohol trade restrictions. 25 Feb 2021
Government will increase the excise duties on alcohol and tobacco products by 8%, the National Treasury said on Wednesday. This comes as the National Treasury took a decision to reverse its earlier announcement of additional tax measures that would have raised R40bn amid a revenue shortfall. 24 Feb 2021
Following the turbulent year that was 2020, South African customer engagement and incentive solutions business 2Engage shares a few of its 2021 predictions for trends in the loyalty and rewards space in South Africa's retail main market. 24 Feb 2021
Credit: Spur Corporation
South African franchise restaurant chain Spur Corporation said on Wednesday it expects first-half profit to slump as much as 77%, following Covid-19 lockdowns, retrenchment costs and reduced franchise fees. 24 Feb 2021
Around the world, people commonly associate certain foods and products with particular geographical areas. These products are known for characteristics like aroma, flavour, and the traditional knowledge systems used to make them. Legal and agricultural scholars speak of these characteristics as terroir. 24 Feb 2021
Credit: Massmart
A merger between Devland Cash and Carry and Massmart-controlled Masscash will save at least 640 jobs, said the Competition Tribunal following the approval of the transaction. 23 Feb 2021
South African retailer Truworths is launching a new value fashion chain called Primark - no relation to the international retailer of the same name. Truworths plans to open approximately 15 Primark stores over the next few months, with an average store size of 100m² during the launch trial phase. These will be a mix of standalone stores and others located in existing Truworths-owned stores. 23 Feb 2021
With over 2 billion digital buyers worldwide, experts project that retail e-commerce sales will reach $4.9tn this year. But the internet, and particularly social media, has become a major enabler in the sale of online counterfeit products, ensuring anonymity and providing counterfeiters with access to a global market. 23 Feb 2021
Credit: P&G
Procter & Gamble (P&G) announced new declarations aimed to propel gender equality across Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, at its third annual #WeSeeEqual summit for the region which took place on 17 February 2021. 22 Feb 2021
Retail group TFG has urged the South African government to speed up a planned removal of import duties on yarns, which are cotton threads used to make fabric. The Foschini owner said this change is essential to enable larger purchases of locally-made fabrics. 22 Feb 2021
A worker walks beneath a logo at Makro Store Riversands of South African retailer Massmart in Midrand, South Africa, August 28, 2019. Reuters/Siphiwe Sibeko/File Photo
South African retailer Massmart said on Friday it was planning further store closures and flagged a deeper full-year net loss of more than R1.7bn after curbs related to the Covid-19 pandemic hammered sales. 22 Feb 2021
The unforeseen disruption experienced in 2020 has prompted food and beverage producers to future proof their businesses as far as is possible. While uncertainty seems set to continue for some time, through focusing on expediting time to market; food quality and safety; supply chain resilience; and the creation of omni-channel models, companies are putting themselves in the strongest position they can to embrace and capitalise on future opportunities. 19 Feb 2021
Reebok has paired up with local lifestyle brand Sealand Gear on its new [Ree]cycled shoe range. As part of the partnership, Sealand Gear has produced a special edition, upcycled tote bag to be given as a gift with the first 300 purchases of the [Ree]cycled shoe range. 19 Feb 2021
In an effort to understand South Africa's online consumer behaviour in the midst of an e-commerce boom, local online retailer OneDayOnly.co.za last year launched an annual index, dubbed the OneDayOnly ODOmeter. 18 Feb 2021
The Shoprite Group now generates enough electricity to power over 1,100 households (12,300 MWh of electricity) a year from solar energy, following the installation of rooftop PV (photovoltaic) panels at 19 sites in South Africa and Namibia. 18 Feb 2021
Pick n Pay has entered the fitness market with the launch of its new fitness equipment range, which aims to make fitness equipment more accessible for customers opting to exercise at home. 18 Feb 2021
Have you ever gone shopping and get one of those wobbly, off-kilter trolleys that makes you want to leave everything and just get out of there ASAP? There are several considerations a consumer deems important for their in-store shopping experience. Retailers have had to quickly adapt with innovative ways to ensure they are meeting shoppers' needs. 18 Feb 2021
It's not always comfortable inviting new neighbours over for dinner; they could be unbearable from the moment they arrive. And then there's the added awkwardness of wearing masks and social distancing! But Mo and Lindi have taken the risk because 1) at some point they'll need a cup of sugar and 2) it's their experience that creating a community where they live, instead of just existing in their complex, can be rewarding. Especially after so many months of solitude. 18 Feb 2021
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