2021 Forecast - Equator: Unpredictable is the only predictable
Published: 10th Dec 2020
New Germany, KZN, SA - The only thing we can bank on is that the market will remain unpredictable. What we have seen is that SA retail is more stable (to date) than developed markets like US/UK and Australia. The Netherlands is experiencing the biggest drop in Bricks ‘n Mortar sales from what we see, where they predict (once Government Covid-related aid for small retail stops) that up to 40% of independents will close. This is hastened there by the huge swing to online (it had been a highly penetrated online market even pre-covid).
This article s part of a feature set of articles that were published in S&V Footwear & Leather Goods Magazine Vol83 No11 November 2020
- 2021 Forecast for the South African Footwear & Leather Goods IndustryAt the end of 2020 we asked various businesses operating within the footwear and leather goods industry for their 2021 forecast for the sector. ...more
Footwear Industry Articles
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Durban, KZN, SA – The South African handbag manufacturing industry holds significant export potential, “yet it currently receives relatively little intervention”, in the view of SA Footwear & Leather Export Council (SAFLEC) director Nerisha Jairaj.“Over the past few years, I’ve realised that our handbags ...moreIn a difficult global economy, we’ve helped improve the industry’s export readinessSAFLEC 23rd AGM, 06 August 2025, Umhlanga, KZN: Extracts from the reports ...more
Leather Industry Articles
- Mourning My Favourite Boots
How one pair of well-travelled boots made me question footwear sustainability ...moreSam Setter's 'Pills': For readers who need some wry medicinal humourNo limits to luxury’s dirty secrets? There seem to be no limits when it comes to digging out dirt about brands violating their own rules. Another top brand is under investigation, caught red handed by Italian authorities for violating labour laws by employing illegal (Chinese) immigrants, paying them indecently low wages for long wo ...moreTopsoil expands into finished goods
Kafue, Zambia - Topsoil General Dealers Company established a hides and skins trading business in 2009. In 2022, with the help of the Crocodile Farmers Association of Zambia, it established a basic tannery to process lower grades crocodile skins into leather. The tannery installed capacity is 150 skins production per month from tan to fin ...more
PPE Industry Articles
- Not an afterthought – integrating healthcare technology at the very beginning
Today’s modern healthcare facilities have, respectfully, moved beyond bricks, mortar and medical equipment to now include infrastructure that embeds intelligence and resilience, providing the foundation for safer, smarter and patient-centric healthcare environment.In fact, the medical industry is making truly remarkable gains when i ...moreThe Competency Dilemma: Determining Competency for Construction Health and Safety and Designations Outlined in the Construction Regulations (2014)
IntroductionThere are substantial ambiguities and debates about the definition of a “Competent Person” when assigning legal appointments and responsibilities for supervision, oversight, and management of key tasks. These are outlined in the Construction Regulations (2014) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of (1993). Va ...more2 golds for Xylem Africa in UK safety awards
Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA (26 June 2025) – Xylem Africa and its parent, Xylem Water Solutions & Services, between them netted 18 awards – 15 gold and 3 silver – for safety excellence, accountability, and care from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), the world's largest health and safety program ...more
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