LAS VEGAS, US: Nielsen research has shown that more than half of US consumers are likely to shop elsewhere if they notice reduced product selection, yet retailers indicate continued plans to trim assortment. 2 Jul 2010
LONDON, UK: The latest PwC analysis into corporate insolvency numbers demonstrates that the effect of the downturn on UK business is showing more signs of easing. A total of 3467 companies became insolvent in the second quarter of 2010. This represents a big 21% decrease on the previous quarter and a promising 28% decrease in comparison to the same quarter of 2009. Even on a rolling 12-month basis, the numbers show an 11% decrease in insolvencies. The retail sector is still among the worst affected, however. 2 Jul 2010
Pick n Pay Stores announced today, Thursday 1 July 2010, that it has agreed to sell its Australian subsidiary Franklins to Australian company Metcash Trading for around R1.4 billion. 1 Jul 2010
Wholesaler Metcash on Tuesday, 29 June 2010 announced a raft of fundamental changes that will see it cut more than R600m of debt, recapitalise and take on a new business model to draw in wealthier shoppers in addition to its traditional cash-and-carry market. 1 Jul 2010
The South African Gold Coin Exchange (SAGCE), operator of Scoin, which claims to be the only retail chain of coin stores in the world, has opened two additional outlets, raising its global total to 18 stores. The two new outlets can be found in Johannesburg's Clearwater and Pretoria's Menlyn Mall. 30 Jun 2010
Though the retail sector appears to be on the mend with sales data remaining positive since January, an analysts' report this week has said it appears the sector lacks momentum. 24 Jun 2010
Pick n Pay is on course to regain the ground it lost to competitors during the high inflationary environment that preceded the recession, CEO Nick Badminton told shareholders at Friday's annual general meeting. 21 Jun 2010
Economic analysts said on Thursday, 17 June 2010, that the latest retail sales figures point to a "sluggish" recovery in the sector. 18 Jun 2010
South African retail trade sales at constant (2008) prices for April increased 3.2% year-on-year (y/y) after a revised 2.7% (1.0%) growth in March, figures released on Thursday, 17 June 2010, by Statistics South Africa showed. 18 Jun 2010
The GG Boutique, serving women sized 38-48, has opened at the shopping emporium of Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, in Sandton. It carries 40 international plus-size designer labels, including Jones New York, Tahari, Liz Elana, Le Suit and Nippon Boutique, as well as GG's own in-house label. 18 Jun 2010
Supermarket chain Pick n Pay has come under fire - just days before the group's annual general meeting - for corporate governance shortcomings including a lack of independent directors and a proposed "extremely high" R3m fee for nonexecutive chairman Gareth Ackerman. 14 Jun 2010
Foreign currency and local enthusiasm for the FIFA Soccer World Cup have significantly contributed to the bottom line of some businesses in the retailing and hospitality industries in the first week of the tournament. 14 Jun 2010
Fruit & Veg City celebrated the grand opening of its 1400sqm wholesale store located in Boksburg, on the East Rand of Gauteng, yesterday, 10 June 2010. 11 Jun 2010
Fashion outlet Uzzi opened its doors in the popular Pan Africa Shopping Centre in Alexandra on 3 June 2010, expanding the centre's retail mix with its upmarket fashion showcase. 11 Jun 2010
Hemingways Mall in East London, has announced new tenants, from well-known food franchises, to some exclusive retail outlets. "Despite the trying economic conditions, the centre has steadily grown its turnover and gained popularity with both consumers and retailers," notes Hemingways Mall GM, Rachel Klaasen. 10 Jun 2010
LONDON, UK: Tesco, Britain's biggest retailer, said on Tuesday, 8 June 2010, that its chief executive Terry Leahy will step down in March 2011 to be replaced by Philip Clarke, who heads the supermarket group's Asian operations. 8 Jun 2010
At the annual Mail & Guardian 'Greening the Future Awards', held earlier this month in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, Pick n Pay was named the overall winner in the category 'Companies and organisations with innovative environmental strategies that improve business performance.' 8 Jun 2010
The Sandton district has been ear marked as a FIFA zone and Sandton City, which offers international shopping with South African style, is set to deliver on all fronts over the World Cup period. In anticipation of the influx of visitors to the area over June and July, the centre has extended its trading hours from 9am to 9pm from 1 June - 15 July 2010. The mall will not be affected by the traffic free zone road closures around the FIFA Fan Fest at Innisfree Park. 7 Jun 2010
Edcon, the clothing retailer with debts of more than €15bn, yesterday, 3 June 2010, said it had curbed its store expansion plans as it tightened spending and saved cash in a tough economic environment. 4 Jun 2010
"The Hemingways Mall is experiencing growth in almost all areas including turnover, the number of cars accessing the centre and its total spend-per-shopper. These are all good indicators that it is growing its customer support base," reports Hemingways Mall GM Rachel Klassen. 4 Jun 2010
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