Retail sales are likely to have contracted in August as consumers remained under pressure from high debt, stubborn inflation and mounting job cuts. 12 Oct 2009
Finding suppliers can be time-consuming and frustrating; however, Reach Retail, the latest internet portal for retail in South Africa, plans to make this a simple click exercise. The site offers retailers free access to daily industry news, supplier search by name, supplier search by area, category and sub-category, industry events and a favourites management functionality. 12 Oct 2009
The Enviropaedia (Environmental Encyclopaedia and Directory) website provides insights into ‘eco-logical thinking' and is filled with practical information and tips on how people can play an effective role in protecting earth's eco-systems and thus preserve their future quality of living. 12 Oct 2009
As the grip of the credit crunch continues to tighten purse strings worldwide, more and more consumers are experiencing financial stress. This is particularly true for those consumers who engaged in routinely poor credit management practices in the past - e.g. paying late, skipping payments or exceeding credit card limits. The impact of this type of behaviour is amplified in today's economy where escalating debt and unfavourable credit ratings make accessing loans and credit an elusive prospect. 12 Oct 2009
Bankserv has introduced a new XML (extensible mark-up language) format, to be known as Extended Funds Transfer Messaging, for EFT payments enabling direct debits and credit transfers to be delivered in message formats aligned to international standards. 12 Oct 2009
The Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers' Union (Sactwu) on Thursday, 8 October 2009, announced that the clothing workers' strike in QwaQwa had been partially suspended. 9 Oct 2009
President Jacob Zuma says South Africa, and other African countries, have begun exploring more trading and export opportunities with countries in the South. 9 Oct 2009
According to Wayne Rubidge, manager for Pam Golding Properties, the extensive nature of Karoo and Kalahari farms, low population density of these areas, coupled with limited crime and political involvement in farms, low capital inputs and a highly desirable lifestyle, is placing them high on buyers' priority lists. 9 Oct 2009
According to total retail sales volume of 1467 units reported to National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), September showed an improvement of 7.3% over the final audited return for August and drew its momentum from an encouraging revival in extra heavy commercial vehicle sales, the best month this year. 9 Oct 2009
Women Incorporated (WINC), launched in Johannesburg on Wednesday 7 October 2009 by Cell C, has been created to meet the unique but shared needs of women across a broad spectrum of society. 9 Oct 2009
Audio Video Appliance (AVA) Expo, considered Gauteng's premier hi-tech electronics exhibition, takes place from 29 October to 1 November 2009 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Visitors will see the latest brands, get exhibition specials and participate in a variety of competitions during the four days of the show. 9 Oct 2009
Prices for the humble potato are at an all-time high, with some shops charging as much as R82 for a 10kg pocket, more than triple the average price charged this time last year. 8 Oct 2009
The estimated manufacturing production for August 2009 is 15% lower than in August 2008, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reported on Thursday, 8 October 2009. 8 Oct 2009
The economic crisis in Russia has caused a sharp cutback in imports from SA, especially our biggest seller, fruit. 8 Oct 2009
Packaging group Nampak on Wednesday, 7 October 2009, announced that its non-executive chairman, Trevor Evans, had decided to step down as chairman and director of the company in 2010. 8 Oct 2009
WASHINGTON, USA: The United States remains the world's largest manufacturing nation even as China gains ground, according to a new study. 8 Oct 2009
The wool market delivered another strong performance with the Cape Wools Merino indicator increasing by 2.6% to a new seasonal high of R57.46/kg (clean). 8 Oct 2009
Pampers has created New Pampers Premium Care, a nappy that combines a ‘soft like cotton' touch with 'absorbaway' technology for premium skin protection. It not only absorbs wetness but also runny and pasty mess away from baby's skin, whilst five aloe lotion strips provide natural protection and comfort for baby. The nappy adjusts to the unique shape of baby's body. 8 Oct 2009
Interest rate vs. withdrawals
In developed countries, such as Australia, Canada, US and UK, independent ATMs now deliver over 60% of cash dispending services in each country. In South Africa, the demand has grown rapidly through tangible benefits for both the consumer and vendor and independent ATMs now represent over 15% of the market. 8 Oct 2009
Darryl Jacobson, managing director of Burchmore's, warns buyers that “unbelievably good deals” on second-hand cars need to be scrutinised carefully as criminals are getting smarter in their frauds. “If you're about to buy a used car at a ridiculously low price ask yourself, why are you so lucky? Chances are excellent that you're about to be scammed,” he warns. 8 Oct 2009
Let's do Biz