Despite the customer experience and engagement benefits that smart technologies can provide, a new study by Oracle Retail reveals that consumers still have a conservative appetite for retail technologies that require personal data and make decisions on their behalf. Basically, customers are keen to take up new technologies that improve their retail experience - as long as they can stay in control.

In other recent headline news, Stellenbrau announced a deal that sees the Stellenbosch-based brewery becoming part of Heineken South Africa. Another big reveal was the StyleBySA campaign launched at SA Fashion Week. The collection is a collaboration between Woolworths and eight of South Africa's most creative young fashion brands.

Last but not least, don't forget to check out which loyalty programmes South Africans are in love with.

It's going to be an interesting week, following Friday's cabinet reshuffle (and marijuana ruling). However you choose to contribute to the resultant dialogue and organised activities, please do so safely and with good intention.

Lauren Hartzenberg
Retail Editor: Bizcommunity.com


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