EcoUnit, the rewards program connecting consumers with environmentally-responsible products and services, has announced the results of its "Consumer Awareness" survey which was sent to its members in July 2008. 6 Aug 2008
Developments in the business precinct of Rosebank, Johannesburg, are set for a further boost, with work set to start soon on a R170 million project by Old Mutual Investment Group Property Investments (OMIGPI). The project, which will see an Edgars store opening in Rosebank for the first time, will reportedly bring the value of OMIGPI developments in the precinct to almost R800 million. 6 Aug 2008
Betsy Treinen, the Director of Strategy and Client Services at Catalyst Studios, has confirmed her attendance as a guest speaker at the Retail Advertising Conference, RAC Lite, next week. Her eight-year hold of the Target brand relationship saw the bulls eye soar from being barely-on-the-map, to one of the most recognisable icons in the United States. 6 Aug 2008
Moody's did not lower Edcon's credit rating, but did raise questions about the risk it faces in relation to debt. 6 Aug 2008
For all that they have in common, major electronics retailers such as Best Buy, Circuit City, Wal-Mart and Target differ in one important - even critical - way. Circuit City, in particular, has cut customer service in order to cut costs, and it has seen sales dive. Best Buy has amped up its customer service, and the chain is flourishing. 6 Aug 2008
It has taken 21 years to get mobile phones into the hands of 3 billion people around the world. Reaching the next 1.5 billion, who live in the world's poorest and most remote corners, is expected to take a lot less time but will pose much tougher challenges. 6 Aug 2008
A week-long expo to promote Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) kicked off in Pretoria on Monday, 5 August 2008. 5 Aug 2008
President Thabo Mbeki is departing for Namibia today, Tuesday, to meet with his counterpart in the Namib to evaluate and review progress made on existing bilateral strategic projects. 5 Aug 2008
A wage dispute between the SA Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (Saccawu) and retail giant Pick n Pay is to be heard by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, the company said on Monday. 5 Aug 2008
Juicy Lucy Menlyn is the latest addition to the 28 strong Juicy Lucy family and is the flagship store when it comes to the brand's vibrant new look. 5 Aug 2008
Lauren Siebrits has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Simba, making her the first woman and South African to lead the Simba snacks business, says Arnold Veraart, the outgoing Sub-Saharan Africa General Manager. Simba has been wholly owned by US company, PepsiCo, since 1999. 5 Aug 2008
Restaurants and clothing stores will bear the brunt of consumer angst, a survey by Virgin Mobile has revealed. 5 Aug 2008
The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) has pioneered a range of ground-breaking insect repelling products which have now been patented in over 40 countries. 5 Aug 2008
Americans are increasingly favouring store-brand products over big brand names, according to a leading food-industry trade association. And as the US economy softens, many of the gains in store-brand sales have been among higher income shoppers. 5 Aug 2008
Diageo, owner of Johnnie Walker, one of the world's best-selling Scotches, has developed new technology to crack down on whisky counterfeiters. 5 Aug 2008
Isn't it ironic that it takes years to build a great customer relationship but only moments to tear one apart? There are so many ways to lose your existing customers, if you aren't careful in your dealings every day. Here are 10 ways to lose your customers, but this is by no means the exclusive list. 5 Aug 2008
USA - Wonder why the smoking-hot 3G Apple iPhone only costs US$199, less than half the price of the original? Here's a two-word hint: Randall Stephenson. Stephenson, who became AT&T's chairman and CEO a year ago, championed the idea of paying Apple about $300 per device, analysts estimate, to help hold down the retail cost. 5 Aug 2008
The USA's National Retail Federation's venerable retail trade publication, Stores magazine, announced the results of its 2008 Top 100 Retailers Study in July. 4 Aug 2008
The national campaign to promote the second phase of Nedbank's AskOnce programme, which is reportedly resonating with consumers who battle to get good service from their bank, has seen the company launch five additional service promises. 4 Aug 2008
A recent advertising campaign has eBay exhorting consumers to "Shop Victoriously," and, it's true, winning an online auction can be fun. My recent score - vintage hand carders to process wool for spinning, won for a mere US$15 - was a hoot. I got solid tools for an obscure craft at less than one-third the price they cost new. 4 Aug 2008
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