Some financial commentators are predicting a 'Lazy W' economic recovery for South Africa. 2009 saw us plummeting down the steep slope of the downturn and we are now heading towards a somewhat shallow middle spike, centred on the economic stimulus of 2010 FIFA World Cup. Then that peak is likely to take another dip before we move slowly up a gentle gradient for the last stroke of the W during 2011. 21 Jul 2010
Shoprite, SA's biggest supermarket owner, said Thursday, 15 July 2010, that sales for the 12 months to June rose 13.6%, as new stores and aggressive marketing boosted sales growth. 19 Jul 2010
Higher-than-expected retail sales figures for May 2010 suggest that consumers are loosening their belts and gradually spending again. 19 Jul 2010
In line with its retail expansion plans, supermarket group Spar on Wednesday, 14 July 2010, announced the launch of its first branded pharmacy at Spar Shelly Beach in KwaZulu-Natal. 15 Jul 2010
Fresh from an impressive 52-week sales update, retailer Massmart Holdings, has announced the buy-out of Namibia-based hardware chain, Pupkewitz Megabuild, in line with its African expansion strategy. 14 Jul 2010
Two years after its grand opening with the promise of putting Mdantsane on the map, the R550 million Mdantsane mall has left some local businesses in limbo. 9 Jul 2010
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: French supermarket giant Carrefour has denied that its stores in Malaysia and Singapore will close following reports that it would shut down its Southeast Asian outlets. 8 Jul 2010
With four days to go before the end of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, brewing companies in South Africa are claiming victory in liquor sales, while some tavern owners say they have done poorly during the tournament. 8 Jul 2010
It promises to be one of the best investment opportunities of the past half century. But unlike Krugerrands, where you can take physical delivery on the turn, with this investment you can't take delivery until, at the earliest, 2012. And even then you will be hit with a tax bill, so you might want to hang fire for 30 or 40 years. 6 Jul 2010
The brand new MyCiTi shuttle service, a major station revamp and a generally enhanced CBD have all played their part in bringing business back to Cape Town's CBD, as have the burst of new restaurants, eateries, boutiques and other stores. National retailers like Pick n Pay, Mr Price and Woolworths are seeing the CBD potential. 6 Jul 2010
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
Let's do Biz