Paying for yesterday's special |
In the mood for a nice slice of beef, I stop in at my local steakhouse franchise for some takeaways last night. Upon asking about their steak specials, a guy (who looks like he could be a manager) tells me what they have on offer - which sadly does not include the same special I'd had a couple weeks ago. No, that particular deal ended on Saturday (the last day of the month), he says and heads off toward the kitchen. Eventually I decide that, special or not, I'll take that side of rump after all, and place my order with a passing waitron. I'm very pleasantly surprised when I receive my bill at some R50 less than I was expecting to pay, and it dawns on me that although the special may be over, someone's forgotten to revert the pricing on the till. And even though there won't be any discrepancies as far as the cash-up is concerned, a R25 loss per head is still likely to be felt up the line. As this kind of oversight can very easily occur in any retail establishment, be it a restaurant or supermarket, it's necessary to know just who is correcting the till pricing when specials come in or out of play. Does the overall responsibility fall on a specific individual, or does the onus fall on a group - with each having to make sure the pricing on their specific shelves is correct? Are they doing it in a timely manner? Do they have the day off? These are questions every owner and manager should be asking... Or else you could find your business is paying for last month's specials. Shan Radcliffe, Retail editor
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Retail
 The South African Council of Shopping Centres (SACSC) Special Star Regional Awards 2009 took place on Thursday 29 October 2009 in Cape Town for the Western Cape region. In a first for the South African retail industry, this event combined the announcement of the regional winners as well as the category winners of the Footprint Marketing Awards. Read more >>South Africa's petrol price is to remain unchanged at R7.65, the Department of Minerals and Energy announced on Friday, 30 October 2009. Read more >> The Nike Sports Store, located in Bree Street in the Cape Town CBD, is the first store in Cape Town to feature an in-store football zone complete with the sports brand's new global architecture and substrates. As contracted by Nike South Africa, it was installed by Todwil, a South African company that specialises in retail-marketing solutions. Read more >>Jeremy Gardiner, director at Investec Asset Management, says the third quarter collective investment scheme statistics, released by ASISA this week, suggest that many retail investors have largely missed the equity market recovery. Read more >>The Consumer Price Index (CPI), used to measure South Africa's inflation, fell to 6.1% in September, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) announced on Wednesday, 28 October 2009. Read more >>[Kgomotso Mathe] Furniture group Ellerine Holdings says a major restructuring exercise started two years ago has helped the business weather the effect of the downturn and it is now poised to exploit new market opportunities. Read more >>  [Issa Sikiti da Silva] Edgars celebrated its 80th anniversary in style with the premiere yesterday, Tuesday, 28 October 2009, at Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, of a new concept store that will sell skin care products, fragrances, clothes, shoes and other accessories. Read more >>Banking & Finance
 Ammo, wiWallet's first mobile wallet, launched by Brandnew Marketing on behalf of LifeWorld, a company that offers customer-based loyalty programs, is currently being introduced to Cape Town through a series of activations. Read more >> LUSAKA: First National Bank announced yesterday, 27 October 2009, the launch of its Zambia operation. The operation was officially opened by the president of Zambia, President Rupiah Banda. The company's banking license was issued on 25 November 2008. Read more >>[Jane Steinacker] Under the National Credit Act, consumers can ask for debt counselling and debt review to allow them to draw up a payment plan for their debts, rather than get a court judgment which effectively shuts them out of the credit system. Read more >> Brand news
Nissan is the main sponsor of the 2009 ARC Bien Donné Agricultural Expo taking place in Simondium, between Paarl and Franschhoek from 5-7 November 2009, underlining its commitment to and support of the second largest employer in the Western Cape - the agricultural sector. Read more >> The American jane iredale cosmetic company has just opened its first concept store in Cape Town at the new Piazza da Luz shopping destination in Sea Point. It is open Monday to Friday from 9am - 7pm and on Saturdays from 8.30am - 4pm. Read more >> JC Le Roux is releasing two new additions to its sparkling wine range, the Scintilla and the Méthode Cap Classique Rosé. Read more >>Commercial property
 One of Limpopo province's largest commercial real estate investment, the R1.2 billion Mall of the North, is currently on schedule for opening in early 2011. It is in a prime location in the easy-to-access, central node of Bendor, a rapidly developing component of Polokwane, in the heart of its growth corridor, ideally sited at the intersection of the N1 and a provincial road. Read more >>A new mini-factory development, comprising approximately 3000sqm in total will be ready for occupation in December 2010 in the Shelly Junction Business Park, ideally located just off the N2 at Shelly Beach, South Coast, KwaZulu-Natal. Read more >> The R350-million, 30,000m² Gugulethu Square, the largest shopping centre in Cape Town's townships, will open for business on Thursday 29 October 2009. It is believed to be the biggest single investment in its 50-year history. Mzoli Ngcawuzele, of Mzoli Properties, says it will be officially opened on 28 November when all currently signed retail tenants will have been able to settle into business. Read more >>Corporate Social Investment
 In support of non-profit breast cancer awareness group, Pink Link, Kellogg's Special K is attempting to break the Guinness world record for the world's largest bikini parade on 7 November 2009 at Melrose Arch in Johannesburg. The company will also donate money towards the group. Read more >> Samsung Consumer Electronics sponsored a five-course charity dinner, cooked by five international celebrity chefs, last week at the Palazzo Hotel, Monte Casino and raised R100 000 for two childrens' charities. Read more >> On Wednesday 28 October 2009, 350 underprivileged children from the Kgosi Neighbourhood Foundation (KNF) Wings of Hope School were treated to an afternoon complete with lunch, a cupcake making lesson and a special talk on what it means to be a chef. It was given by members of the South African National Culinary Team (Team SA) as part of a charity drive initiated by Unilever Foodsolutions. Read more >> From 15 November 2009, "Jenna Clifford and Canderel will make a limited number of the Dream Big Canderel pewter sachet cases and rose ring pendants (worth R800) available to consumers who purchase a tube of Canderel 200 Café Sticks as part of a goodwill campaign," says Sarah-Jane Truter from Jenna Clifford. Read more >>A Moment in Time, an online photography charity auction for Missing Children SA is available from the Bell-Roberts Gallery in conjunction with Boss Models and Artist Management. Featuring works by some of South Africa's most talented fashion photographers, each work is an original ie 1/1 and signed by the artist. The auction closes on 30 October 2009. Read more >>CRM
Reward your pizza cravingCol'Cacchio pizzeria is launching its new loyalty programme to reward regular customers for their patronage while encouraging new customers to sign up. The store-specific loyalty card has been introduced at all 17 branches across the country. Ask in-store for the free card and receive one sticker per qualifying bill. Discounts are redeemable on the 5th and 10th visit. The card is only valid at the branch of issue. The loyalty cards further provide an opportunity for Col'Cacchio pizzeria to understand their customers better and create a loyal following which allows for open communication for future marketing campaigns and events.  [Chris Moerdyk] There are a lot of cute little phrases in marketing - most of which make those of us who have been in the business for a while want to go outside and throw up in the gladioli. But, there are some buzzwords that have a huge amount of merit. Such as "exceeding expectation". Read more >>e-Commerce
[Linda Bustos] Social tools are becoming increasingly important as the Web becomes more social - yet retailers are struggling to find social tactics that drive real sales and ROI. Not every social activity is appropriate - it depends on the product a retailer sells, the competition, consumer behavior and the retailer's commitment to invest in the resources needed to develop and maintain social initiatives. Read more >> BRUSSELS, BELGIUM: It's the bane of online shoppers' lives, searches dangling coveted brand-name gadgets, gear or gifts cheaper on websites from another country, but not being able to buy them. Read more >>Exhibitions
The FNB Whisky Live Festival, now in its seventh year, will take place in Cape Town at the CTICC (4-6 November 2009) and Johannesburg at the Sandton Convention Centre (11-14 November). An addition to this year's event is the Sensory Zone with gallery-designed pods offering music, aromas and colours. Read more >> The Good Food & Wine Show Johannesburg opens today, Thursday, 29 October 2009 at the Coca-Cola Dome in North Riding and runs until Sunday, 1 November. Swiss International Air Lines has flown six BBC celebrity chefs into South Africa, who are accommodated by Southern Sun Palazzo, Montecasino. Read more >>Franchising
 Kanhym has announced that it will be offering fresh meat deli franchises to committed and motivated owner-operators. The first store has opened in Gift Acres in Pretoria. Read more >> Fast food restaurant chain Famous Brands on Monday, 26 Ocotber 2009, reported first half diluted headline earnings a share of 91 cents, a 16.6% increase from the 78 cents reported for its first half last year. Read more >>Green sustainability
 The Event Greening Forum has been established to promote and embrace sustainable investment principles within the meetings, incentives, conferences and events industry in South Africa. This development is supported and accepted by a group of role-players in the industry who met at the inaugural meeting in Cape Town on Monday 19 October 2009. Read more >>According to Bruce Thorndike, CEO of Biogreen Diesel, a renewable energy company that is pioneering the conversion of waste oil to a less expensive, pollution-free biodiesel, the trucks delivering concrete to Cape Town's 2010 football stadium are using diesel enhanced by used cooking oil and poultry fat. Read more >>Hospitality
REYKJAVIK, ICELAND: Iceland's two McDonald's restaurants will close on 1 November 2009 due to rising costs brought on by the country's economic collapse, the Icelandic operator of the US fast-food chain said on Monday, 26 October. Read more >> [Muzi Mohale] The very basis of having a website for your bed and breakfast is to increase bookings, which translates into high occupancy rate and profits. Competition on the internet is highly fierce, which requires that you ensure that your website is ready to offer what your potential guests want. Read more >>Import/Export
South Africa is expected to participate in the 27th Havana International Trade Fair in Cuba this week, to promote its exports and investment potential. Read more >>South Africa recorded a trade surplus of R3.9 billion in September, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) announced on Friday, 30 October 2009. Read more >> Announcing that the company's flagship brand Nederburg has just been listed by the major Dutch supermarket chain Albert Heijn BV, Donald Gallow, Distell's international director said the new deal was consistent with Wines of South Africa's (WOSA) aim of building wines sales in Holland's premium segment. Read more >>A Northern Ireland trade delegation will be in Johannesburg from 1- 4 November 2009, 4 - 7 November in Durban and 7 - 10 November in Cape Town to explore opportunities for trade, joint ventures and technology transfer with South African businesses. Most are new to South Africa but as experienced exporters, are keen to develop business relationships with firms, particularly through the appointment of distributors. Read more >>Instore media
Primedia Instore has a mobile technology implementation drive that is aimed at enabling its retail store promotional staff countrywide to report back on individual store campaigns to regional and head offices on-line in real time, no matter where they are. They will use a MyMobility mobile information transfer solution. Read more >>Manufacturing
The Producer Price Index (PPI) for September came in at -3.7% year-on-year, Statistics South Africa announced today, Thursday, 29 October 2009. Read more >>Packaging
Saucy old favourites now in bulkIn response to industry demand, Unilever Foodsolutions is extending its Knorr Sauces range, with the basic white and brown sauces now available in 4kg packs. Suitable for vegans and lacto-vegetarians, the sauces are Halaal certified and contain no added MSG. The new 4kg packs of Knorr Basic Brown and Basic White Sauces are available from all leading food service distributors and Cash & Carry's.  Woolworths' new range of toys for babies and children feature icons on the packaging that assist parents in choosing the right toy for their child's age group and development needs. Read more >>Regulatory
Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Buyelwa Sonjica has announced the new recreational fishing season for West Coast rock lobster (crayfish). Read more >>Research
The Leadership Essence Report 2010, a survey on critical areas of leadership and people development, will be launched at the Institute of People Management (IPM) convention taking place at Sun City from 1 - 4 November 2009. Read more >>Retail marketing
 With nine years of research behind the launch of Enhanced Mobile Communications Network (EMC Network), Qkey, the company believes it will put the power of mobile behind every element of a through-the-line communications campaign and in doing so unleash the full power of mobile. Read more >>Retail services
Global software company HansaWorld has been shortlisted for the Accountancy Age Awards 2009 in the category ‘Mid-tier Software Package of the Year,' scheduled for 18 November 2009 at Battersea Park Arena in London, United Kingdom. It has won this category in 2006 and 2007. The awards recognise the best in business practice and in the public and voluntary sectors across the UK. Read more >>Retailers
Longer shopping hours at Melrose ArchFrom 2 November 209, all 120 shops at Melrose Arch will trade until 7pm on weekdays, opening at 9am daily. They close at 6pm on Saturdays and 4pm on Sundays and public holidays. Adding to the excitement of its retail offering, is the exclusive Edgars concept store - which opens to the public today, Friday 30 October 2009 - bringing with it new brands, quality products, latest fashions, sportswear and an even wider variety. MILAN, ITALY: Top Italian luxury goods firm Versace said Wednesday, 28 October 2009, it will cut a quarter of its workforce and expects to report a loss for 2009 as demand for its products has shrunk in the economic crisis. Read more >>Retail giant Pick n Pay on Tuesday, 27 October 2009, refuted comments made by Shoprite with respect to the market shares of both companies, branding its statistics 'hogwash'. Read more >>Shoprite Holdings said on Monday that its turnover grew by 15.3% for the three months ending September. Read more >>Supply chain
 Following a detailed review of Nestlé's palm oil supply chain, the company announced on Tuesday 27 October 2009, its commitment to using only Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) by 2015, when sufficient quantities are expected to be available. Under its policy on environmental sustainability, it has pledged to give preference to suppliers who strive to improve the efficiency and sustainability of their operations and use of resources. Read more >>A R45 million fish hatchery is to be constructed in Gariep Dam in the Free State to not only supply local community projects, but create employment opportunities. Read more >> The Tshwaraganang Hydroponics project produces 600 cucumbers per week on contract using the 'soil-free' hydroponic farming method. Located in Windsorton, about 65km north of Kimberley in the arid Francis Baard district of the Northern Cape, the National Development Agency (NDA) funded this in August 2008. The project is housed in a multispan greenhouse where production takes place using mineral enriched water in place of soil. Read more >>[Michael Locke] Many organisations in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry are experiencing a trade-off between the benefit of high product volume sales coming at the expense of extreme data complexity. At the same time, these companies struggle to maintain open lines of communication with their retail customers and distributors in order to better manage the upstream flow of product. Read more >> Technology
[Ryan Nakashima] Moviegoers are flocking to 3D films, and theatres showing 3D versions of movies often pick up twice as much revenue as the same cinema showing a 2D version. However, 3D movies are expensive to produce, and the home theatre market is more lucrative to studios. New consumer technologies could make it easier for 3D movies to make money both in cinemas and in homes. Read more >>  TOKYO, JAPAN: The Japanese eyewear company behind Sarah Palin's designer glasses has come up with a high-tech solution for obsessive video-gamers and bookworms whose eyes dry out from lack of blinking. Read more >>Training
 In response to the need to provide hands-on training for staff employed in in-store bakeries, convenience store bakeries, retail bakeries and foodservice operations, Rich Products Corporation has opened a product solution centre and bakery and food service training schools in Johannesburg. Read more >>Retail
 SABC2's new reality talent search, SA's Got Talent, has raised the reality show bar in South Africa - with the support of Cadbury Lunch Bar.~ Read more >>Brand news
 Vital Heath Foods recently launched a winter promotion to highlight to consumers which supplements they can use to boost their immune systems. Pharmacies that participated could gain entry into a national draw for four Vuka scooters. Read more >> Summer is here, the sun is shining and Cadbury Dairy Milk is putting smiles on consumer faces around the country with the launch of its annual Summer promotion and the simultaneous introduction of two new delicious variants. Read more >> Häagen-Dazs has introduced a new exotic limited edition flavour: Mascarpone, Passion Fruit & Truffles. The ice cream will be available until the end of April at selected retail stores and three exclusive shops in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Read more >> Spring 2009 sees the launch of a new ice cream flavour from Häagen-Dazs - Raspberry & Summer Berries Ice Cream Smoothie, an "indulgent blend of creamy fruit ice cream and luxuriously smooth and fruity sorbet". Read more >>Merchandising
 On average South African shopping centres have around 30% of wasted retail space. This is the view of Justin Hawes, MD of Scan Display, which was exhibiting at the recent South African Congress of Shopping Centres (SACSC) in Johannesburg. Read more >>  More  [Sindy Peters] Thieve, another product of the Bellville “rock city” generation, recently launched their debut album, GOLD. Unfortunately, while this northern suburb of Cape Town has produced successful musicians in the form of Fokofpolisisekar, Van Coke Kartel, New Holland, aKING, Die Heuwels Fantasties, Foto Na Dans, Jax Panik and Ashtray Electric, who have all made quite a name for themselves on the South African rock scene, Thieve doesn't quite meet the grade.
 [Ilva Pieterse] This year's CANSA Night of 1000 Stars charity dinner on 24 October 2009, lit up Sonpark Boulevard, Nelspruit with a myriad lights, eccentrically-dressed diners and superb food.
"One secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes." - Benjamin Disraeli "The greatest problem in communication is the illusion that it has been accomplished." - George Bernard Shaw "Whosoever commands the trade of the world, commands the riches of the world and hence the world itself." - Sir Walter Raleigh "Business opportunities are like buses, there's always another one coming." - Richard Branson "Our society's values are being corrupted by advertising's insistence on the equation: Youth equals popularity, popularity equals success, success equals happiness." - John Fisher, The Plot to Make You Buy, 1968 Print - Print any item in this newsletter. Email - Email any item in this newsletter. Comment - Comment on any item in this newsletter. | | Advertisement:
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