One would think that the cost of doing business on the Web is so small that it would be almost negligible, but that's not the case with many e-tailers, which is why many of them fail. It's also why Prashant Nedungadi decided to launch IMshopping, an online company that's trying to emulate offline customer service. 13 May 2009
Five new graduates were awarded Diplomas as Cape Wine Masters, marking the 25th anniversary since the first South African CWMs qualified, at a graduation ceremony hosted by KWV in its Cathedral Cellar in Paarl, on Friday 8 May 2009. This brings the number of successful examinations to 71, and the Institute membership to 64 (including three honorary members). 13 May 2009
Trade conditions slumped in April to their lowest level ever, according to the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (Sacci) monthly Trade Conditions Survey released today. The Trade Activity Index (TAI), which measures current trade conditions, fell to 32 in April from a low of 38 in March. 13 May 2009
The South African new vehicle market confidence dipped further in the second quarter of 2009, the latest WesBank Vehicle sales Confidence Indictor revealed on Wednesday, 13 May 2009. 13 May 2009
Specialist restaurant and retail brands group Taste Holdings on Wednesday, 13 May 2009, reported that its headline earnings per share for the year ended 28 February 2009 were at 10.2 cents, up from the 7.9 cents reported the previous year. 13 May 2009
Factory output continued to dive at an alarming rate in March, confirming the economy's second-biggest sector is still shrinking and backing the case for another hefty cut in interest rates this month. 13 May 2009
The R300m redevelopment of the Morningside Shopping Centre by property specialists Flanagan & Gerard and Grapnel Property Investments is under way, with the official opening set for next month. 13 May 2009
The country's three main cellphone network operators have been called to a meeting today, 13 May 2009, to explain the endless dropped calls, busy network signals and delayed messages that have infuriated subscribers in recent weeks. 13 May 2009
LONDON: US fast food giant McDonald's is hoping to offer PhDs, after receiving approval to award its own nationally recognised qualifications in Britain, the company's "chief people officer" said recently. 13 May 2009
Investec Bank is looking to capture a larger slice of the cash deposit market in South Africa with the launch of a revitalised cash deposit offering catering for individuals and privately owned businesses. 13 May 2009
When times are tough and the unscrupulous get desperate, it's a safe bet that fraud attempts are going to increase. At Netcash we see at least two a month. Fortunately, we have the systems to detect these fraud attempts before they do any damage - but many businesses, especially SMMEs that may not have all the right checks and balances in place, fall victim. 13 May 2009
It seemed like a simple enough idea when FixYa.com CEO and founder Yaniv Bensadon sought a solution for consumers caught in the maze of tech support that encompassed nearly every piece of consumer electronics equipment and household appliance on the market. 13 May 2009
Ferrero, the global confectionery business which has just embarked on major expansion in South Africa, has been voted the 'Most Reputable Company in the World' in the 2009 Global Reputation Pulse conducted annually by the Reputation Institute. 12 May 2009
Eqos, web-based procurement and supply management solutions provider, yesterday, 11 May 2009, announced that UK entertainment specialist, HMV, has selected its Deal and Terms Management solution to streamline commercial negotiations with its music, DVD/visual product and games suppliers. 12 May 2009
Organisers of Durban Fashion Week have had to postpone the event after its key sponsor, MTN, pulled out. 12 May 2009
Promising to be even better than last year and packed with information relevant to the retail market, the 2009 Retail Risk conference will be held in Cape Town on 21 May 2009 and in Johannesburg on 28 May. 12 May 2009
South African restaurateurs gathered in the Cape Winelands for the inaugural Rossouw's Restaurants Awards held at Rust en Vrede Restaurant on 4 May 2009. At this landmark event, the Three Star certificate was awarded to only 13 of the 500 restaurants rated for the 2009 Rossouw's Restaurants guide. 12 May 2009
South African wholesaler Massmart said on Tuesday, 12 May 2009, that for the 44 weeks to 3 May total sales increased 11.8% to R36.7 billion over the prior period, and comparable store sales grew 9.7%. Inflation for the period is estimated at 11.8%. 12 May 2009
A new online fashion magazine has been launched to cater for today's woman and her fashion and style needs. 12 May 2009
MILAN: Italian clothing group Benetton said on Monday, 11 May 2009, its first quarter net profit slumped more than 37% as sales were hit by the global downturn and a strong euro crimped exports. 12 May 2009
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