Retail sales fell for the sixth month running in October, Statistics SA said yesterday, while a business survey showed that trade conditions for wholesalers and retailers plunged to an eight-year low last month. 11 Dec 2008
Retail trade sales at constant price for the first 10 months of 2008 reflected a decrease of 2.2% compared to the same period in 2007. 10 Dec 2008
As part of its ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, Pick n Pay is launching a design competition to promote fresh local talent and reduce the use of plastic bags. 10 Dec 2008
The international olive oil industry recently received a severe blow when Italian police arrested 23 people and confiscated 85 farms after an operation that exposed fraudulent actions in Italy's olive oil trade. According to media reports inferior oil was passed off as extra virgin olive oil and imported oil was relabelled as Italian oil. 10 Dec 2008
As 2008 draws to a close, it's interesting to look back at a year literally filled with highs and lows. Early in the year, everything was looking up for packaging. Packagers and their suppliers were riding high and making plans for growth. Then the global economy was roiled, and the future suddenly seemed somewhat murky. 10 Dec 2008
The rate of increase in food prices seems to be slowing as commodity prices fall worldwide. 10 Dec 2008
Japanese consumer electronics giant Sony announced Tuesday that it will lay off 8,000 full-time employees by March 2009 and slash spending in an attempt to reposition itself for a prolonged global recession. It also plans to reduce seasonal and temporary workers. 10 Dec 2008
Amazon.com is one of those companies that's always coming up with something new. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't - but it's that kind of innovation that will help the online retailer survive the recession. 10 Dec 2008
Employment in SA's formal non-farm sector edged higher in the third quarter of the year, official data showed yesterday, but analysts warned the trend was likely to prove short-lived as growth in the economy slows further. 10 Dec 2008
Appletiser SA and Jenna Clifford will be launching a promotional competition in January, taking place in Pick n Pay Hypers around the country. 9 Dec 2008
South Africa's economy weakened considerably in the third quarter of 2008, recording the lowest quarterly growth rate in 10 years, reported the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), Tuesday. 9 Dec 2008
The FNB/BER consumer confidence index (CCI) declined by 3 index points - from -1 during the third quarter of 2008 (08Q3) to -4 in the fourth quarter (08Q4). A reading of -4 indicates that there are currently more pessimists than optimists. 9 Dec 2008
A clean, well-lighted menu board. Speakers that clearly coo, "May I take your order?". And the biggie: speed without screw-ups. 9 Dec 2008
Apple might be unfairly blocking rival software makers who want to sell music for its iPhone, according to some rivals and a technology rights group. 9 Dec 2008
One of South Africa's largest fertiliser companies, Foskor, sold fertiliser for at least five years before the department of agriculture realised the company had been selling the product without the necessary permits. 9 Dec 2008
According to a KPMG Snap Shot Survey of the top 120 businesspeople in South Africa, difficult times are still expected into 2009, however, many remain positive as to the potential outlook for the country and economy in the future. 8 Dec 2008
This is the time of year insurance brokers warn is paradise for thieves: people have received bonuses and are Christmas shopping so are more likely to be carrying cash and cards, making them easy pickings for nimble-fingered pickpockets and armed robbers. 8 Dec 2008
Two South African wines have received warm praise in one of the world's most respected publications, the Wall Street Journal. One of the wines was termed “almost criminally inexpensive”, which is a ringing endorsement at a time when cash-strapped consumers are bargain hunting. 8 Dec 2008
On Saturday afternoon, 6 December 2008, Southern Sun, together with Johannesburg Tourism Company & Joburg Zoo, hosted a Christmas party for 391 orphaned children and the Miss World 2008 contestants on the Centenary Lawns at Joburg Zoo. 8 Dec 2008
Regulations to identify the chemicals used in clothing destined for the European Union (EU) may have temporary detrimental consequences for the South African clothing industry. 8 Dec 2008
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