Walvis Bay, Namibia - Trading has improved slightly from last year. I have noticed balanced trade across both segments, apparel and footwear. I am hoping for stronger festive trade - 4th quarter. 

New Germany, KZN, SA – In general, our business is up substantially, though I’m not sure where it’s coming from, because many of our customers have downsized their workforces, or even closed.

I’ve tried to analyse it, and I think we’ve picked up new business since North closed. But I think the main reason is that we offer excellent service, good prices and lots of stock, so we’re doing the basics right. And PPE remains a legal requirement.

There are no real issues with imported stock. There are some problems with getting local product on time. With PPE, customers want the product off-the-shelf.

On the footwear side, I’m concerned about the change to the standard, and what that will mean in terms of getting new styles approved. It’s taken the NRCS about 10 years to get existing styles approved, and I think there will be delays and uncertainty about new styles. 

Durban, KZN, SA - Trading was good for the holidays but sadly, it’s soft at the moment. Clearing out the last of winter as we start to stock the stores with summer product.

With the state of the economy and where interest rates are set, you can see the slowdown on the consumer’s pocket. Customers are looking for value-added product with some sort of discount.

We’re expecting a slow start to the summer and a very strong international season as the foreigners will enjoy the week rand.

Stock costs have risen as the dollar has gotten stronger. This will be a challenge for the local market to absorb. 

Randburg, Gauteng, SA - We experienced a boom post-covid, and this year we’re tracking last year – maybe 1% or 2% down – which is still very good. Since I came back here 9 years ago to focus on the 1 shop, business has grown consistently, and in that time, we’ve sold around 30 000 pairs at an average price of R2500.

We focus on service and advice, and not any particular brand. When people are spending that amount, and looking after their health, they want to trust the person they’re buying from. We sell at the full margin, but we make it our goal to sell the person the correct shoe for him or her. That means there is a bit of a problem, because finding knowledgeable, good sales staff is very important. I have 2 good people, and I’d take on another person if I could.

A lot of the brands have diversified into lifestyle, and much of their focus is there, so they don’t keep the depth of technical shoes that they used to. We’re also up against the chains and online stores but, as they’re finding in the United States, there’ll always be a place for stores like ours – for the brands, we’re important for their image, for the runner, we’re important for our advice. 

Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA - The Southern African Vinyls Association’s inaugural “Innovation in PVC” conference will take place on Wednesday, 30 August 2023, at Sasol Place in Sandton. The programme and speakers are available here: programme

The conference brings together industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to discuss advances and trends in the PVC industry, exploring topics from global and local perspectives on the state of the PVC industry to breakthroughs in raw materials, PVC recycling, and new end-markets for both rigid and flexible PVC.

Among the dspeakers will be Dr Ned Monroe, President and CEO of the Vinyl Institute and newly elected chairman of the Global Vinyl Council; David Mokomela, Vice President Base Chemicals at Sasol; and Daniel Martinz, Business Development Manager: Specialty Vinyls at INEOS Inovyn who will deliver a presentation on the winners of last year’s INOVYN Awards which recognises those at the forefront of innovation with vinyl in Europe.

“Each of the speakers will bring a unique perspective and wealth of knowledge to the conference, promising an enlightening and engaging experience for attendees,” says Monique Holtzhausen, CEO of SAVA. “We believe that this conference will offer an unparalleled opportunity for networking, learning, and inspiration and that it will serve as a catalyst for innovation in the PVC industry - driving progress and promoting sustainable practices. By facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration, the event aims to empower attendees with valuable insights and inspire them to take bold steps towards a thriving future for PVC”.

Local PVC industry players, recyclers, and manufacturers will showcase their products and services in an exhibition area.

The sponsors include Sasol, Alpha Plast, Continental Compounders, Isegen SA, and Sun Ace SA. Their commitment to the industry and dedication to advancing innovation in PVC is commendable.

“We look forward to welcoming speakers, exhibitors and attendees from around the country and the world to engage in fruitful discussions, forge connections, and drive innovation in the South African PVC sector,” Monique concludes.

Registrations are still open and tickets for the conference can be purchased online at https://app.glueup.com/event/innovation-in-pvc-conference-77629/. SAVA members pay R2000 + VAT, while non-SAVA members can join the event for R2500 + VAT. The attendance fee covers coffee and tea breaks, lunch, the cocktail function, and conference materials.

For more information, please visit www.savinyls.co.za or email Conference@savinyls.co.za or CEO@savinyls.co.za