Industry News
SMEs must act now to mitigate looming price increases
As a record-high petrol price hike looks likely for April, on the back of expected sharp rises in prices across the country’s consumer price inflation (CPI) basket – which includes fuel, bread and cereals, public transport, among others – Retail Capital MD Miguel Da Silva has joined the chorus of concerned economic stakeholders for government to intervene and soften the blow.
Buy local message more important than ever – Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has encouraged South African consumers and businesses to actively choose to ‘buy local’ to accelerate the country’s economic revival and stimulate job creation.
New Discovery Bank report reveals consumer spending trends
Discovery Bank today has launched its inaugural SpendTrend report, which unpacks the money trends and spending habits among the bank’s client base over the last year.
Technology can empower spazas for economic growth
Spaza shops, the heart and soul of many communities, have the potential to be so much more, thanks to mobile technology solutions which are not only moving these traders toward a more advanced trading marketplace, but also helping them to become increasingly self-sustainable.
Streamlining of intra-African trade gathers momentum
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement is gathering momentum on streamlining intra-African trade across the continent, thereby providing exciting opportunities for pandemic recovery and growth. Just over a year ago, on 1 January 2021, trading began in African countries that had ratified the AfCFTA agreement and submitted their tariff offers.
Ackermans’ new activewear range sprints ahead
From lunges to lunch, it’s fashion forward athleisure wear
Massmart reveals massive store expansion plans for Makro and Builder’s Warehouse
Retailer Massmart, the owner of Makro and Game in South Africa, says it aims to grow its store footprint over the next five years to generate additional sales. It follows its latest financial performance showing extended losses over the past year.
Preparations under way for AfCFTA’s long implementation voyage
The processes meant to facilitate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement are gaining momentum, with African countries hoping to leverage the opportunities created by the emerging single market to drive their pandemic recoveries and enhance their growth.
How to drive customer growth through the power of WOM marketing
Marketers know that word-of-mouth is by far the most powerful tool they have to acquire customers and grow their businesses. But the conventional wisdom is that people are not going to recommend insurance to their friends around the braai or on their Twitter feeds.
Helping township businesses recover from Covid-19 pandemic-induced slump
Township Economic Development Bill currently undergoing public hearings
Gauteng forges ahead with special economic zones
Designated areas offer incentives to attract businesses
Key pillars mostly in place to speed up Africa’s free trade in 2022
One year in, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) negotiators are making progress on remaining crucial elements, especially on rules of origin.
South Africa’s W&RSeta signs collaborative MoU with Namibia Training Authority
The Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSeta) and the Namibia Training Authority (NTA) have renewed their existing relationship by signing a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enabling both parties to enhance their skills planning through collaborative research, shared experiences and skills development activities of mutual interest.
Major distributor invests in local haircare brand Nilotiqa
South African beauty distributor Sunpac has partnered with small business owner Thokozile Mangwiro and invested in her natural haircare brand Nilotiqa.
Game spruces up its homeware offering
Massmart retailer Game is relaunching its homeware offering and updating 75% of the range across categories including furniture, décor, flooring and lighting.