NetFlorist CEO Ryan Bacher earlier this week downplayed recent media reports that online retailers across the world are struggling to be profitable, saying that many of South Africa's pure-play online retailers are experiencing "extremely" good growth and profitability.
Johannesburg - Confidence among South Africa's retailers rebounded in the second quarter of 2007, buoyed by still high consumer spending and despite higher interest rates.
RETAIL sales fell 4,2% in April, while annual growth slowed to its lowest pace in 19 months, suggesting that higher interest rate hikes have begun to curb consumer spending, and making another rise in lending rates this year look a bit less likely.
GROWTH in retail sales accelerated to 10,1% in the year to March, a six-month peak, suggesting higher interest rates have failed to dampen consumer demand and raising the risk the central bank will tighten monetary policy again next month.
These days a trip to the grocery store or Target may involve more technological bells and whistles than a visit to the ATM. Shoppers can do their own price checks using special kiosks, ring themselves up at self-checkout lines and sign their receipts on an electronic screen.
Similarly, retailers can receive and check inventory using a portable scanner or PDA.
Trade with Nigeria can be lucrative if you keep your wits about you, writes Sanchia Temkin
STRONG investment activity in Nigeria is a powerful indicator of the level of interest in the country's potential, says Ismail Dadabhay, the Credit Guarantee Insurance Corporation's exports GM.
More than a million square metres of new shopping space is currently planned or under construction in the country and half of it is in Gauteng. The conditions driving this boom in shopping centres and making others extremely lucrative are set to continue.
What do you do when faced with a potential customer who is relentlessly insisting on a discount?
Even though there's no doubt in your mind that your product or service is worth every cent you're asking, you also know that there is an army of competitors ready to cut their price and do whatever it takes to make the sale.
Restrictions on 31 of 36 clothing and textile categories by the Government has worried the retail majors as they are likely to face shortfall of supply before the peak Christmas season making the products more expensive.
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Sheila Rugoyi loves to shop. Not for flash labels but for smart, funky clothes for her three children and the odd set of lacy underwear for herself.
South Africa's first interest rate rise in almost four years in June didn't stop her. Neither did the second, earlier this month. Even the growing prospect of a third isn't enough to keep her away from Johannesburg's sprawling shopping malls.
