The hotel industry saw its combined occupancy rates slump 20% year on year in April to an average 54.7%, with the numerous public holidays and the general elections taking their toll. 5 Jun 2009
Significant progress has been made in talks to salvage distressed textile manufacturer Frame, said Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies Thursday, 4 June 2009. 5 Jun 2009
For a number of years retail group Foschini has languished in the shadow of its bolder and possibly more successful contemporaries on the JSE, such as Truworths and Mr Price. This may change as better merchandising, staff and logistics systems deliver a turnaround. 5 Jun 2009
Department store Stuttafords yesterday said it would reduce the number of its stores from 18 to 13 but make them bigger to ensure more customer space. 5 Jun 2009
The total income generated by the South African food and beverages industry for the first quarter of 2009 increased by 1.8% compared with the first quarter of 2008, Statistics South Africa said on Thursday, 4 June 2009. 4 Jun 2009
PARIS: In 1909 French chemist Eugene Schueller concocted a safe dye for hair, calling it l'Aureale after a popular hair style of the moment in a city which was already a byword for style and fashion. 4 Jun 2009
WASHINGTON: Top US retailer Wal-Mart plans to create 22,000 jobs in its US stores in 2009, the company said in a statement on Thursday, 4 June 2009. 4 Jun 2009
LOS ANGELES: Videogames are getting their groove on with a collection of new music titles, as bands including the legendary Beatles are won over to a new platform for selling their songs. 4 Jun 2009
South Africa is thriving with development and growth brought on by the opportunities presented by the upcoming 2010 Soccer World Cup, the Gautrain and BRT initiatives amongst others. However, the decline in market prices and the pull-out of major investors has left the future of South Africa's black tea producing estates in disarray. 4 Jun 2009
The BPO sector in South Africa relies heavily on its ability to offer cost effective call centre solutions to potential investors. This however could all change if Eskom is given the 'all clear' for its proposed 34% increase in electricity prices. 4 Jun 2009
Protea Hotels is the coolest hotel group as voted for by South African 8 to 22-year-olds. In a first for the Sunday Times Generation Next 2009 annual youth survey, South Africa's largest hotel group has been awarded the Coolest Hotel Group in this year's new hotel category. 4 Jun 2009
PORT ELIZABETH: While The Boardwalk's “Festival Retail” mix has proved more resilient than that in some of the more traditional shopping centres, the complex's management team is working closely with its tenants to help them trade through the current downturn. 4 Jun 2009
Tumi Light duffel
Luxury travel accessory brand, Tumi, is launching a new range of luggage called Tumi Light. Using a combination of ultra durable materials, lightweight construction and advanced technology, these wheeled travel bags are geared for easy lifting and manoeuvrability. 4 Jun 2009
USA: Just in time for Earth Day, PepsiCo's Frito-Lay division is rolling out compostable packaging bit by bit this year, with a fully compostable bag due out on Earth Day in 2010. 4 Jun 2009
Poultry producer Country Bird has set its sights on acquiring Sovereign Foods after announcing late on Monday, 1 June 2009, it now had a stake of over 22%, up from 13.4% previously. 3 Jun 2009
80% of South Africa's internet users shop online with the majority buying items like CDs and DVDs, according to the results of a survey released on Wednesday, 3 June 2009. 3 Jun 2009
Fleur du Cap has clinched the trophy for South Africa's Best Wooded White Blend at this year's Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show with its Unfiltered Viognier Chardonnay Sémillon Sauvignon Blanc Limited Release 2007. The awards announcement took place in Cape Town on Monday, 1 June 2009. 3 Jun 2009
Despite the cold and wet start to the opening of Parliament, colourful dresses and vibrant fashion have once again lined the red carpet. 3 Jun 2009
LOS ANGELES: Sony on Tuesday, 2 June 2009, unveiled a sleek next-generation PSP Go handheld videogame, movie and music gadget in a direct challenge to Nintendo's freshly launched DSi devices. 3 Jun 2009
An ATM card protection device has been developed to protect consumers from card skimming, Nedbank said on Tuesday, 2 June 2009. 3 Jun 2009
Let's do Biz