South Africa’s informal sector is a vibrant and essential engine of the economy, thriving amidst adversity. Despite facing high food inflation, soaring unemployment and persistent load shedding, the sector not only endures but flourishes. Read more

Informal Trade Trading Environment

In a tough economic environment, businesses are seeking ways to trade more profitably, growing both revenues and margins while balancing competing priorities. This is difficult to achieve without skills and a growth mindset. Read more

Trading Environment

The local tearoom or café was once the cornerstone of suburban South Africa, much as the spaza or the small local super has been in the townships. South Africa has a long history with convenience stores. Read more

Convenience Retail Shopper Marketing Trading Environment

I recently visited the newly renovated Neighborly Lifestyle Grocery Store. Upon my arrival I was greeted by the store owner, who said, “Welcome to your grocery store” – a very ‘neighborly’ thing to do and which made me feel right at home. Read more

Community FMCG Informal Market Shopper / Consumer Shopper Marketing Trading Environment Trends

Since the turn of the century and consistently for nearly a decade before the COVID-19 pandemic ravished global markets, Read more

Business Intelligence Community FMCG Informal Market Manufacturing Problem in South Africa Retail Shopper / Consumer Shopper Marketing Technology Trading Environment Trends Wholesale

25 May 2021 is Africa Day, a day I personally look forward to every year. There is no doubt that the celebrations around this important day will take on a slightly different format and tone this year (like in 2020) as we Read more

COVID-19 International Trading Environment Trends

The informal retail1 sector operates via various channel formats, such as hawkers, small and large spazas Read more

Convenience FMCG Loyalty Point of Purchase Retail Shopper / Consumer Shopper Marketing Trading Environment Wholesale