Many International brands have been showing interest in expanding into South Africa. Recently, international coffee brand Starbucks expanded into the country, retail giant Wal-Mart Inc. are in the process of taking over South Africa-based Massmart Holdings Ltd. (includes stores such as Game), and now Playboy Enterprises, Inc. have announced their expansion into South Africa in 2011. This was confirmed at their launch party held in Cape Town.

SA to get own Playboy mag

Playboy magazine will launch a South African edition next year, the US-based company announced in a statement.

“Playboy Enterprises... has signed a licence agreement with Sciofon (Pty) Ltd, to launch Playboy South Africa, the 28th edition of the world's leading men's monthly lifestyle magazine,” said Playboy Enterprises in a news release issued last week.

“This new edition of Playboy magazine is expected to be on news stands with an inaugural issue during the second quarter of 2011.”

Sciofon head Johann Botha said he was confident that advertisers would be interested in the magazine, which would be re-appearing on South African news stands after a 13-year absence.

“We are confident that premium brands will welcome this new opportunity to align themselves with Playboy to reach affluent, well-educated South African consumers,” said Botha.

World-wide, 15 million people read Playboy magazine.

starbucks?

walmart says thay will keep local branding and wont rebranc as walmart

That actually makes sense really..

Why throw away the greats brands of Makro and Game and Dion?.. thats part of what Walmart would be paying for.

I met Piegl while in CT, still loads of work to do before they launch Playboy SA, I think first issue is due next year March.

^^ they were in SA moons ago and pulled out, so its more a return than anything and in my point of view these mages have no meaning now with the internet.

ZARA are launching in SA next year. First launch store in Sandton City mid year followed by others in Pretoria, Cape Town (Canal Walk) and Durban (Gateway) before the end of 2011.

Personally, I would not mind seeing Wal-Mart instead of Game, I've not seen a Dion in years, and Macro, ok that can stay.

Playboy is basically a re-launch, as the article says, it could be in the second quarter. Durbs do you know where their offices will be?

I would like to see Starbucks expanding..e.g in CT, to somewhere like the V&A. Where is it in DBN & JHB?

I thought Starbucks would have expanded out of the Southern Sun hotel by now in Cape Town?

Personally, I would not mind seeing Wal-Mart instead of Game, I've not seen a Dion in years, and Macro, ok that can stay.

Playboy is basically a re-launch, as the article says, it could be in the second quarter. Durbs do you know where their offices will be?

I would like to see Starbucks expanding..e.g in CT, to somewhere like the V&A. Where is it in DBN & JHB?

Dion's all got converted to Game and Dion was relaunched as Dion Wired (the technology store). Game as brand has such strong heritage and value perceptions across SA and the rest of Africa that Walmart would be stupid to go and change it. Maybe over time yes, but not to start at all.

Starbucks are only in 5 locations in SA: SunSquare Montecasino, Southern Sun Elangeni, Southern Sun The Cullinan, Intercontinental Sandton and in some random cafe in Westwood Mall Durban that has "Brewed by Starbucks" branding up. So maybe a handful of others like that across SA?

But yes they need to go the full store approach. However when is anyone's guess

Yes i think they should expand

I've noticed in my travels that Durban and Cape Town seem to have different Starbucks mugs for some reason :)

(Cape Town on the left and Durbs on the right)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5166/5257507466_63054d98da_z.jpg

Durbs one is cooler :baeh3:

Yeah definitely :)

^^ they were in SA moons ago and pulled out, so its more a return than anything and in my point of view these mages have no meaning now with the internet.

They pulled out because of apartheid and other government issues. It is a relaunch but as much as I hear you about stuff being found on the internet, the magazine itself will be such of the Maxim in UK. Its not just about naked woman. Well in Playboy SA's case they stop at the top, while girls might not be wearing any bottoms they wont go in detail with those parts. Getting back to the mag, its essentially FHM with titties. They'll have gadget section, motoring, and other x rated material that wouldnt get printed in your YOU magazines.

Playboy is basically a re-launch, as the article says, it could be in the second quarter. Durbs do you know where their offices will be?


Sandton, got a few mates that already got jobs with Pieg's.

Dion's all got converted to Game and Dion was relaunched as Dion Wired (the technology store). Game as brand has such strong heritage and value perceptions across SA and the rest of Africa that Walmart would be stupid to go and change it. Maybe over time yes, but not to start at all.

Yes i think they should expand

Yeah I remember the merger/takeover.

I still would like to see a Wal-mart store. It would be interesting to see the response of the people; do you shop at locally valued Game Stores, or Internationally established Wal-Mart Stores? It could work. I don’t see a problem with rival stores/brands ‘secretly’ having the same owner. This is the case with many international brands which most, have been successful.


Someone in JHB get us a picture of your mugs! CT one is ok, DBN's looks very 'African', would expect JHB's to be similar or like the ones in NY.

Its not just about naked woman. Well in Playboy SA's case they stop at the top, while girls might not be wearing any bottoms they wont go in detail with those parts. Getting back to the mag, its essentially FHM with titties. They'll have gadget section, motoring, and other x rated material that wouldnt get printed in your YOU magazines.



Sandton, got a few mates that already got jobs with Pieg's.

Sounds good. If they would maybe include a fitness/sport section, really making it ‘a guy mag’, this could bring competition to sports illustrated and Mens Health.

All these brands are good for our image, but should we not be supporting South African brands? Is Local not lekker? I think it is, but it's just slow.

Durbs one is cooler :baeh3:

Yeah definitely :)

I've noticed in my travels that Durban and Cape Town seem to have different Starbucks mugs for some reason :)

(Cape Town on the left and Durbs on the right)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5166/5257507466_63054d98da_z.jpg

Its more African and all that blah, but would not say its really better

Shhh I'm trying to stir with our Cape brethren :)

Guys when are we getting a FNAC, now thats one store I would love too have in SA

They pulled out because of apartheid and other government issues. It is a relaunch but as much as I hear you about stuff being found on the internet, the magazine itself will be such of the Maxim in UK. Its not just about naked woman. Well in Playboy SA's case they stop at the top, while girls might not be wearing any bottoms they wont go in detail with those parts. Getting back to the mag, its essentially FHM with titties. They'll have gadget section, motoring, and other x rated material that wouldnt get printed in your YOU magazines.



Sandton, got a few mates that already got jobs with Pieg's.

not sure on that DB, I remember the first playboy and it was around the time Scope started loosing the stars so maybe mid 90s. Closed cos once the flood gates opened the harder stuff took over.

Sounds good. If they would maybe include a fitness/sport section, really making it ‘a guy mag’, this could bring competition to sports illustrated and Mens Health.

Err depends which area of "fitness" you looking at

not sure on that DB, I remember the first playboy and it was around the time Scope started loosing the stars so maybe mid 90s. Closed cos once the flood gates opened the harder stuff took over.

Yes Scope did up the game and go full monty which caused sales of PB to drop, but they still say one of the reasons was Apartheid, could be hiding their take between their legs and making that statement to save face.

Massmart shareholders favour Walmart deal

Massmart shareholders have voted in favour of global retailer Walmart's offer to acquire 51 percent of the local business, according to reports.

Shareholders voted to accept Walmart's bid to buy 51 percent of Massmart for R148 a share in a deal worth around R17 billion, the Associated Press reported.

Members of the Anti-Walmart Coalition had planned to picket outside the Massmart officers in Sunninghill, Johannesburg while the shareholders' meeting took place. They called off the demonstration at the last minute.
http://www.timeslive.co.za/multimedia/dynamic/01115/walmart_1115315b.jpg

"The demonstration didn't take place as the company threatened disciplinary action as a dispute had not been declared," SA Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers' Union (Saccawu) spokesman Mike Abrahams told Sapa.

However, members of the Anti-Walmart Coalition attended the meeting.

"They are inside to present our case," Abrahams said just before 11.30am.

The Anti-Walmart Coalition includes of various trade unions, including the SA Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers' Union (Saccawu), labour federation Cosatu and civil society organisations.

It opposed the Walmart/Massmart deal because of the negative consequences it sees for Massmart workers, the wholesale and retail sector and its supply chains.

"We hope to show how this deal is not in the interests of the country and the national imperatives of transformation, economic growth, job creation and poverty alleviation," the coalition said in a statement on Sunday.

Dion's all got converted to Game and Dion was relaunched as Dion Wired (the technology store). Game as brand has such strong heritage and value perceptions across SA and the rest of Africa that Walmart would be stupid to go and change it. Maybe over time yes, but not to start at all.

Starbucks are only in 5 locations in SA: SunSquare Montecasino, Southern Sun Elangeni, Southern Sun The Cullinan, Intercontinental Sandton and in some random cafe in Westwood Mall Durban that has "Brewed by Starbucks" branding up. So maybe a handful of others like that across SA?

But yes they need to go the full store approach. However when is anyone's guess

Yes i think they should expand

Southern Sun Elangeni is more of a kiosk in the foyer. Unless its changed.

^^ most of the ones i have seen are like that. There is a seating area though. But went once and was like, why am i coming to a hotel to have average coffee... prefer Gloria Jeans which now have 7 Durban stores

Thinking about Starbucks... any news on expansion? I would imagine it would be a good idea to perhaps have a to-go at our airports? ORTIA (if they don't already), CTIA and KSIA? even the waterfront

Playboy SA launches next month

A local edition of Playboy is set to hit South African shelves in late March with the April edition

Is Zara still opening a shop in Canal Walk? I know they're opening in Sandton..

Not sure but I would love it if they do. Only if its as cheap as abroad.

Is Zara Home also opening at Sandton?

Is there IKEA in RSA?

Zara have only announced a Sandton Store and it will only be a Zara clothing store, not homewear.

However i can confirm from a realiable source that works in Zara's global roll out team that stores at the V&A and Gateway will follow within 6 to 9 months of the Sandton launch

International Mobile Networks

Vadacom (Vodafone)
MTN
Virgin Mobile
Red Bull Mobile

Hooters expands in South Africa

Chanticleer Holdings Inc. of Charlotte has opened its newest Hooters location in Cape Town, South Africa.

The restaurant is one of three in South Africa. The others are in Durban and Johannesburg.

“Bringing Hooters restaurants to Cape Town, which is one of the world’s preeminent tourist cities and fastest-growing economies, solidifies our successful track record for extending the Hooters brand in the global marketplace,” says Michael Pruitt, chief executive of Chanticleer Holdings.

“We see tremendous opportunity in South Africa to introduce Hooters brand food, entertainment and hospitality to its vibrant multi-cultural communities.”

A group of private investors led by Chanticleer Holdings purchased a controlling interest in Atlanta-based Hooters of America in January. The Chanticleer-led consortium acquired the company from the estate of Robert Brooks, who died in 2006. Financial terms weren’t disclosed.

Hooters of America has 20 locations in North Carolina. Locally, the restaurant chain has sites in Charlotte, Statesville, Mooresville, Hickory, Gastonia, Concord and Rock Hill.

In Durban there is a also a Hooters Suite at Kings Park...presume they will plan to open one at Newlands too.

Burger King eyes expansion into SA


ANNALEIGH VALLIE
Published: 2011/06/15 06:46:05 AM

SOUTH Africans could soon be snacking on a Big Whopper. Burger King said yesterday it was assessing opportunities in SA as sluggish economic growth in its US home market continues to hamper sales, making emerging markets look more attractive.

Yum Brands, which owns Taco Bell and Pizza Hut, have also been enthusiastic about SA, New York- based Sanford C Bernstein analyst Sara Senatore said yesterday.

"We are currently assessing the opportunity in SA for the Burger King brand," the Florida- based company said.

Burger King said it continuously reviews its "worldwide restaurant portfolio in the course of business. We make strategic decisions based on many factors, including development opportunities, market conditions and restaurant profitability."

Ms Senatore said growth in emerging markets had outpaced growth in developed markets. "There are difficulties when entering developing markets such as infrastructure and regulatory differences, but what any company is looking for is market depth and market growth and SA has that. They are looking for markets which will provide fast growth and are rapidly developing. Any company that can partake in these types of economies will want to, despite these challenges."

Founded in 1954, Burger King is the second-largest fast-food hamburger chain in the world, after McDonald’s, with about 12000 outlets in 73 countries. About 90% of Burger King restaurants are owned and operated by independent franchisees with 665 of these outlets based in the US.

How the company licenses its franchisees varies depending on the region, with some regional franchises, known as master franchises, responsible for selling franchise sub-licences on the company’s behalf.

Absa Securities analyst Chris Gilmour said the burger market in SA was saturated. "I am very surprised they would consider this, unless they are using SA as a springboard into Africa."

But Vestact fund manager Sasha Naryshkine said there was room for a new competitor in SA. "The fast-food sector has done astonishingly well over the past few years, and there is still potential for growth. Burger King is a well- known international brand and could compete with Famous Brands ’ Steers division.

"But its fame would not guarantee its success. Subway is a well- recognised brand and it has not managed to capture the imagination of South Africans."

Famous Brands would be a formidable competitor with its 520 Steers outlets across the country. Steers grew sales 6,5% in the year to February, and said it planned to open a further 20 stores this year.

McDonald’s opened its first restaurant in SA in November 1995 and operates 132 restaurants around the country.

Justin Divaris, CEO of the Daytona Group that brought the Aston Martin brand to SA, is rumoured to be involved in the deal. He declined to comment.


http://www.businessday.co.za/Articles/Content.aspx?id=145867

interesting...i prefer them over McDonalds, and Steers are becoming seriously over priced...but i do not think it will be at all easy for them to enter and set up shop here...

Burger King!!- Yes please, but depends on their prices

Whopper > Big mac

http://imgross.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/whopper-720573.jpg


vs


http://www.mcdonalds.com/content/dam/McDonalds/hero%20images/menuitems/big-mac.png

International Mobile Networks

Vadacom (Vodafone)
MTN
Virgin Mobile
Red Bull Mobile

what about cell c?

^^ I think they only Local. The others are global.

Cell C is internationally owned. Red Bull mobile is not a network its a joke with 5 chommies dialling in

Steers has gone from my favourite restaurant to the most disliked. It is such a blatant rip off these days. Wacky-wednesday used to be R24 a year ago, now its R34! No more Good Guy meal (the get real! burger is half the size)! King Steers meal now comes without a drink even though the huge jump in price (i remember in 2008 a complete meal was R38, now its R49)! IT JUST PISSES ME OFF SO MUCH!! Out of principle, I now painfully avoid it. I now buy from McDonalds...

SO YES, PLEASE BRING BURGER KING!!!!

hearing KFC might bring in their expanded menu as well. Oversea's there are 3 varients. Orginal Recipe (which we got), Grilled (pieces included) and Extra Crispy.

Subway seem to be getting more aggressive in their roll out...well in Durban at least. Now have 9 stores across the city. Same elsewhere?

Haven't really changed over here. Only new store I've seen was at the airport. There are five stores here. They need to open up one in Rondebosch, where students want a good fast-made sandwich (maybe replace the Steers store ;)), and Southern Suburbs in general.

Am I the only person in the world that can't stand the smell of Subway, let alone the taste?

I also don't think Subway has expanded much in CT besides the airport...
Eduard I'm sure there was a subway in Rondebosch before? It was near steers?

Has Starbucks officially left? Have they released a statement?
Seattle Coffee is still surviving

Subway doesn't do much for me. I can't say it has any appeal value. I haven't noticed any new stores here either.

Not sure on Starbucks, but it seems like it judging by what the barrista at the Southern Sun told me.

Not sure Andrew, will ask around. Would like to see them expand as there's no other similar store. I also really like the Italian BMT :)

Pity on Starbucks. If they opened in the Waterfront and Canal Walk, they would have boomed in Cape Town. I know way too many people who like Starbucks.

Fashion Retailing Sector Attracts More Investors in SA
SUBMITTED BY SONWABILE MAKONI ON MON, 06/27/2011 - 13:10


The fashion retailing sectors in South Africa are attracting more and more investors these days and a number of new brands are entering into it.

Recently, Empowerment Company, Brimstone Investment Corporation, has entered into fashion industry by opening its clothing manufacturing capacity. The entrance of world’s biggest retailer, Walmart into the industry has indicated that the retailer may step into fashion retailing catwalk.

Zara, which is owned by Spanish group Inditex is also expected to open its first store in Sandton later this year.

Market analysts believe that the increased popularity of malls and bigger shopping centres has improved the demand of clothing.

Pick n Pay is the market leader at present and it operates 60 clothing outlets: out of which 50 are corporate owned and 10 are franchised. Michael Coles, Head of the Group’s Clothing Division, said that the main of the group is to become biggest clothing retailers across South Africa in the next decade.

South Africa’s clothing retail industry is estimated to be worth more than R50bn/year in turnover. Much of the sector’s growth has been attained over the past two decades.

Zara was pretty average in China, but pretty amazing in Spain.

Related

New McDonald's owner takes over

Johannesburg - It's official - businessman Cyril Ramaphosa now runs McDonald's SA.

"On the 30th of June 2011, Cyril Ramaphosa and McDonald's SA concluded all conditions precedent relating to the developmental licensee (DL) transaction," said a joint statement issued by the Shanduka Group and McDonald's SA on Friday.

According to the DL agreement announced in March, Ramaphosa would own all the assets, including owning or leasing the real estate. He described it as "an honour" to have been awarded the licence.

"We will focus on satisfying our customers, developing our people and maximising business opportunities. This relationship will have a positive impact on jobs, shareholders and ultimately McDonald's customers," Ramaphosa said.

McDonald's SA managing director Greg Solomon described it as an "important milestone" that would "turbo charge" the fast food business.

Neither Shanduka Group, a black-owned investment company, nor McDonald's SA had responded by Friday afternoon to Sapa's enquiries about how much the deal was worth.

Reports that Playboy South Africa are relocating their office to Cape Town.

Big shit after Peigl resigned. Half the staff resigned last week.

Any more news on H&M coming to Gateway?

heard waterfront getting 9000m2 of pure new brands

^^ that sounds exciting

Great news! Anything on the brands? Maybe Zara and H&M?

H&M's been a pretty steady rumour for a while, hasn't it? But where's the fun in friends coming back from London if they don't get to say, "I got these shoes for TWO POUNDS!" I guess there's always Primark.

No joke, I got some shoes for £2 from Topman on sale :D

Topshop and Zara will be making their way to Cape Town. The former will be opening in November.

^^ That's great news! I suspect at the Waterfront, right? And any rumours when Zara will appear?

Yeah, at the Waterfront apparently. I also hear they're looking at stores in the likes of Canal Walk, Cavendish etc.

Not sure on Zara yet. They're apparently being quite secretive.

Sandton City unveils new assortment of leading global retailers
04 Aug 2011 - eProp - LL

Intro
One of South Africa’s premier retail destination recently welcomed the arrival of five world-class retailers, each adding a distinct flair to the Sandton City brand

“We are excited to welcome Dumond, Inglot, Carlo Pignatelli, Miguel Vieira and Kurt Geiger to our retail family,” says Sharon Swain, Centre Manager at Sandton City. “Each of these retailers boasts a unique and premium offering and their arrival brings the best of international trends to our local market.”

Renowned globally for his wedding suits and dresses, Italian clothing designer extraordinaire Carlo Pignatelli offers timeless garments made from top quality fabrics. He is the proud designer of the official suits for the Italian National Football Team and has dressed the likes of Craig David, Sharon Stone, Christian Vieri, Sergio Ramos and most recently Didier Drogba for his wedding in Monte Carlo.

The Sandton City store features a broad collection of sophisticated pieces including wedding dresses, evening dresses, wedding suits, classic formal suits, casual everyday wear as well as shoes and accessories for men and women. The exquisite store design and window displays elegantly highlight the offerings available and the efficient staff are trained to offer customised and personalised service.

Embracing the culture and beauty that is Brazil, the Latin American nation’s leading footwear brand Dumond has opened its most recent store at Sandton City, expanding on its international footprint which includes a brand presence in over 50 countries such as Egypt, Denmark and Spain.

Drawing inspiration from the exotic rainforests and the beautiful people of Brazil, this high-end brand offers a diverse mix of products such as handbags and leather accessories that are recognized for their unique styles and designs. The stylish footwear and accessories are beautifully designed, with each piece featuring precise attention to detail and superior craftsmanship.

Polish make-up powerhouse Inglot recently opened at Sandton City to much fanfare. The Inglot store features an impressive variety of products in a wide colour array and specially trained make-up artists are available to assist shoppers in creating their own personalized palettes perfect for any occasion.

The company – which currently has a presence in over 240 retail locations worldwide - was established over 25 years ago by Wojtek Inglot, a young chemist working at that time in R&D department in pharmaceutical company. His principal objective was to produce high quality products at reasonable prices, using only the best possible ingredients and raw materials from the most reputable suppliers. The brand now offers revolutionary products such as the unique Freedom System which allows customers to experiment with countless shades and colour combinations of different face products, giving them the opportunity to create customized colour palettes. Inglot also recently launched the world’s first ever Breathable Nail Enamel which is available in their store.

Men’s fashion is also set to receive a fresh boost with the arrival of two stores at Sandton City focused exclusively on the needs of the stylish metrosexual male.

From the catwalks of countless European Fashion Weeks to the streets of Joburg’s northern suburbs, Miguel Vieira offers cutting-edge and trendy men’s attire inspired by the latest Latin fashion influences. The acclaimed Portuguese designer has built an international status in the global fashion arena and the presence of this brand in South Africa is set to make a considerable impact on local trending styles and seasonal highlights.

Inspired by the cosmopolitan metropolis that is New York, Kurt Geiger now brings the fashion and flair of The Big Apple to Sandton City. With more than a hint of continental sophistication, the exclusively male offering includes apparel, accessories and fragrances to complement the brand’s stylish footwear selection. Kurt Geiger continues to retain it’s positioning at the forefront of luxury footwear and accessory retailing and the stand-alone store situated next to Spitz is set to cater for the specific needs of the sophisticated man.

“We continuously strive to bring shoppers an offering and shopping component that fuses the crème de la crème of local and international retail leaders,” says Swain. “Sandton City’s location adjacent to the Sandton Gautrain station also means that our diverse offering is easily available to shoppers from as far afield as Pretoria who are now a mere 20 minutes away via the convenient Gautrain from our centre.”

A number of firm favourites at Sandton City have recently undertaken exciting store refurbishments. The Bread Basket, Billabong, Nicci, Cameraland, Hydraulics, Marion & Lindie and Chefs n Icers have all recently unveiled trendy and stylish new store designs and interiors.

“Sandton City is home to over 300 of the most desirable international and local brands, from fashion and décor to beauty and electronics,” concludes Swain. “The arrival of these leading international retail icons bears testament to the shopping centre’s standing as Africa’s shopping gem with a continuous pulse on international trends and forecasts.”

Source: eProp (http://www.eprop.co.za/news/article.aspx?idArticle=13959)

except its still Sandton City.

Zara to open in South Africa on 10th November 2011

Zara will open its first store in South Africa on 10th November. The store will be located in the new extension of Sandton City, Johannesburg. The Sandton City store will have more than 2,600 square meters on one level in which the Woman, Man and Kids collections will be displayed. The launch of Zara in South Africa marks the brands entry into the 80th country in the world.

For the SA consumer, Zara brings with it an innovative shopping experience. Shoppers will have access to fashion on a par with the rest of the world, and not a season behind, as SA will have a collection specifically designed for the Southern hemisphere.

Zara opened its first store in 1975, on a street in the city centre of La Coruña (NW Spain). Zara’s business model is unique, comprising each and every stage of the fashion retail business: design, manufacture, distribution and sale. Zara´s team of designers, made up of more than 350 professionals, continuously assess the customers´ preferences, wishes and demands, offering some 18,000 different models in its stores each year. The availability of the factories owned by the company, together with a wide range of highly experienced external suppliers who have a solid commercial relationship with the concept, allow Zara to manufacture a model and to have it for sale in its stores worldwide within the average term of approximately two weeks. Garments, both those manufactured in-house and those purchased from external suppliers, arrive at Zara’s logistic platforms in Spain, wherefrom they are dispatched to its stores worldwide. Clothes are dispatched twice a week, and this frequency allows a continual renewal of Zara’s fashion offer.

Zara is owned by the Inditex Group, one of the largest fashion retailers in the world with more than 5,200 stores worldwide. In addition to Zara, Inditex has seven other concepts: Pull & Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Oysho, Zara Home and Uterqüe. Inditex achieved a consolidated turnover of 12,527 million Euros in 2010. The Group’s has more than 100,000 employees worldwide.

http://www.timeslive.co.za

the mrs will be up there every month for this. zara is the bomb

At first I used to go to ZARA frequentely to buy clothes for me, my wife and my daughter, but I soon quit going there for I realized that even though I like their collections, their quality lacks a lot. After you wash the clothes once it doesn't maintain its quality. So now I only go to Zara kids, where I buy some of my sons clothes.

Might be old news, but recently noticed that Seattle Coffee has expanded into Fruit & Veg/ Food Lovers Market stores

Retail fashion - Fickle consumers (http://www.fm.co.za/Article.aspx?id=160178)
Lesson in selling (http://www.fm.co.za/Article.aspx?id=160178)

Roxana Gorecki
Thursday, 1 Dec 2011


Chang says the SA consumer has been underestimated.






Spanish retailer Zara, a company in the Inditex Group, entered the SA clothing market with a bang when it opened a store in Sandton City’s new Protea Court on November 11.



The 2700m² store is the trendy retailer’s largest worldwide, and sold all its floor stock on debut. As a result, there is definitely “a lot of nail biting” among local players, says Flux Trends trend analyst Dion Chang.
Others agree. “Zara will clearly have an impact on the retailers,” says Nedbank Group retail analyst Syd Vianello, adding that it will initially affect the established retailers’ growth more than their profits. He estimates Zara could be a R1bn/year business while SA retailers gross up to R10bn/year each. For Zara to be viable in SA it needs to establish at least 10 stores, he adds. Apparently it plans to open in Durban in January and in Cape Town in June.



The company has a unique business model, using the customer as the main business driver. Customer feedback is used to direct Zara’s 250-strong design team, says Chang. New stock is delivered twice weekly to each store, customised for different cultures, shopping habits, local environments and climates, and the shops are in prime locations in major shopping centres.


When it comes to consumer loyalty, Chang says, “I don’t think there is much loyalty at all.” Little wonder that established retailers may be nervous — Zara’s fresh approach to customer care could redefine the market.
Chang says the “SA consumer has been underestimated”. Decisions about what is or is not too outrageous have been made for shoppers for too long. Evidently, locals have reacted positively to the liberty and respect Zara provides . So, though the chain has only one outlet (with two in the wings), its 1750 stores worldwide suggests future expansion in SA. The company declined to comment on the record because, it says, it believes in “humble advertising”.


http://www.fm.co.za/Article.aspx?id=160178

must admit we have been pleasantly surprised at the change in SA offers as far as retail goes. Have found GAP kids in Stuttafprds, Country Road and trenery stores and today found Mothercare and ELC (early Learning Centre) at Wollies.
My aussie wife who is a retail champ is very happy and seems to think there has been a big shift in the quality offered in SA overt the past few years.

Lorna Jane, the Aussie female active clothing brand seems to be rolling stores out around SA. They first opened in Morningside Shopping Centre in Jozi in October and now are also in Sandton City and Gateway. Expect more stores soon.

www.lornajane.com

Packaged Starbucks Coffee now available in Checkers

I wonder if they're merely selling off the old stock left over by Emperica Marketing, who were the company who brought Starbucks to SA. Checkers have said that it's available for a limited time only.

By the way...I heard that Burger King have opened their first South African store in Sandton City. Is this true? I would have thought there would have been more excitement surrounding their entrance.

I also hear that they're looking at opening around 7 branches in Cape Town this year if all goes to plan.

Which checkers is starbucks available at?

And great news with burger king!! Love it :D

Which checkers is starbucks available at?

And great news with burger king!! Love it :D

I'm not too sure whether the Burger King news is true. I have someone swearing that Burger King are open in Sandton City on twitter, but when googling or searching the mall's store directory on its website, nothing comes up. Confusing!

Regarding Starbucks: I'm not quite sure. It's apparently available in all Checkers branches, but I've yet to test that theory myself.

Good point there Lydon.

I'm not sure if it's only available at selected, or all stores. Their television ad simply says "Starbucks Coffee now available at Checkers".

Had Seattle Coffee recently, they seem to still be going strong.

The Starbucks being solf in Checkers is the same Starbucks you can buy in Sainsbury's in the UK. So probably a direct import. Checkers do this with alot of products. They stock many products no other SA retailers do as they directly import themselves from Europe and the east.

By the way...I heard that Burger King have opened their first South African store in Sandton City. Is this true? I would have thought there would have been more excitement surrounding their entrance.

I also hear that they're looking at opening around 7 branches in Cape Town this year if all goes to plan.

OMG, so my letter of invitation might have played a role then?! ;) Yeah! I love Burger King. Had a Whopper meal tonight for dinner infact. Nothing beats flamed grilled :banana:

Gap Stores opens in Johannesburg and Cape Town this week.
http://images.indyposted.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/GAP-LOGO.jpg

GAP is not exciting news... since they have already been hear for ages anyway in Stuttafords... and they are a dying brand globally anyway...


The exciting news is the announcement that Ted Baker will be opening 9 stores within a store in Stuttafords this year. They will range in size between 40m2 and 70m2. The first two will be opening in Sandton and Gateway in May.