In today's #BrandManagerMonth top story I chat to Shaun Stemmet, RGBC's brand manager for Tullamore D.E.W, who shares the inspiration behind the brand's new #3xBetter campaign. He also tells us why he believes Africa to be a primary growth market for Irish whiskey.

In related news, Jessica Tennant interviews Sorbet's Jade Kirkel on her role in managing a brand that is fast becoming the 'Starbucks' of beauty salons.

The world's top beauty brands were honoured at the recent Marie Claire Prix d'Excellence de la Beauté Awards. Check out the full winners list of beauty products that are setting the industry's standard.

It was a sad week for Mango and Nine West fans as it was announced that all free-standing stores in SA will be closed by the end of March. The Mango business will move into the store-in-store concept within Edgars, while Nine West will retain a wholesale presence for handbags in the local market, also through Edgars.

Ending off our Seamless Africa conference coverage, I share the advice of Amanda Herson, e-commerce director for the Cape Union Mart Group, on tackling the new omnichannel retail reality. Wise words that are well worth a read!

May the week ahead be a marvellous one...

Lauren Hartzenberg
Retail Editor: Bizcommunity.com


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