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S&V Weekly Newsletter Vol.6 No.42, Oct 19, 2020

This Newsletter is sponsored by SAFLIA

Please note: Click on any ad to go to the advertiser’s website

 

 

Retail

Botswana

'Heading in the right direction'

Kopano Stores, men's outfitter. Majita, safety and uniform footwear distributor.
Gaborone – Trading has improved "slightly", director Zaf Khan said. "In terms of footwear, which is the major part of what we do, our retail business is back up to 40% of the pre-Covid levels, wholesale to 42%, and government tender business to 45%," he said. "It's getting better. We're headed in the right direction."
      Botswana's state of emergency has been extended to March 31, and travel outside the country is still banned. On top of that, exports of diamonds, the country's most important export, have dropped, "which will catch up with us", but he said the government had published 3-year tender documents, "which have helped".

 

Namibia

Pandemic has caused 'record low'

H. Lohmeier cc, men's outfitter, 1 store.
Swakopmund – The pandemic has been "the cherry on top" of 3 years of financial crisis, manager Marko Lohmeier said. He said the business had had to close 1 of its 3 stores before the pandemic, and a second during the lockdown.
      "We've reached record lows here," he said. "It's been particularly bad in this coastal area, the Erongo region, where we had a lockdown for 6. Many, many businesses have closed, there's lots of unemployment, and people don't have money.
      "The only thing we can do to attract business is to discount."

 

 

South Africa

'We've lost a whole year'

Mike's Sports, sports specialist, 1 store and kit manufacturer.
Cape Town, W. Cape – For team sports specialist Mike's Sports, the pandemic has been "horrendous", partner Mike Augoustides said. "We supply kit, footwear and equipment for soccer, rugby and netball, principally," he said, "which are all winter sports. There hasn't been any sport, even at school level. SAFA has just said soccer can now resume, but it's the end of the season."
      Mike's Sports' busiest months are March to June - "That's our Christmas" - with diminishing trade through to September. December is its quietest period.
      "Like half the rest of South Africa, we've resorted to making masks," he said, "and we've produced high volumes, but the margins are very low.
      "UIF made one measly payment, then gave excuses as to why it couldn't pay any more." Between its retail and manufacturing operations, Mike's has 50 staff.
      "During our peak period, turnover was 90% down on normal. Now it's about 30% down on what's normal for this time of year, and we can't expect an upturn before March. We've lost a whole year."

 

Unemployment the problem

Fitwell Tailors & Outfitters, men's outfitter, 1 store.
Newcastle, KZN – High unemployment in northern KZN had hurt trade, manager Nina Harilal said. "It's quiet," she said. "We're surviving."

 

 

They Said It

"Thank you for your note, I was originally surprised that you enquired via Martin about the origins of Shoes & Views. Eventually I saw the light and assumed you elevated my status to that of a living dinosaur. How kind, I have yet to decide whether it be a compliment or not. Either way it is good to know that you have survived the general carnage." - Alastair MacGregor, retired former MD of footwear machinery supplier Colin D. Bailey. At 83, he's sharp as a tack, I can tell you.

 

Got anything you'd like to share?

Do you have any suggestions, comments or experiences about the lockdown that you'd like to share with the industry? We will publish the throughout the lockdown, so please let us know. - tony@svmag.co.za

 

Exchange rates

1. SA Rand (ZAR)

Source: http://www.x-rates.com/calculator/

 
  Euro € GBP £ US $ CNY ¥
2020/01/04 R15.97 R18.71 R14.31 R2.05
2020/01/11 R15.97 R18.76 R14.36 R2.07
2020/01/18 R16.04 R14.47 R14.47 R2.10
2020/01/25 R15.87 R18.82 R14.39 R2.07
2020/02/01 R16.54 R19.81 R15.00 R2.16
2020/02/08 R16.48 R19.41 R15.06 R2.15
2020/02/17 R16.16 R19.44 R14.90 R2.13
2020/02/22 R16.27 R19.43 R15.00 R2.13
2020/02/29 R17.27 R20.08 R15.66 R2.24
2020/03/07 R17.69 R20.44 R15.67 R2.26
2020/03/14 R18.04 R19.94 R16.25 R2.32
2020/03/21 R18.92 R20.50 R17.60 R2.48
2020/03/28 R19.63 R21.93 R17.61 R2.48
2020/04/04 R20.58 R23.37 R19.03 R2.68
2020/04/11 R19.70 R22.43 R18.01 R2.56
2020/04/18 R20.43 R23.49 R18.79 R2.65
2020/04/25 R20.59 R23.53 R19.02 R2.68
2020/04/30 R20.24 R23.27 R18.51 R2.62
2020/05/09 R19.89 R22.69 R18.29 R2.58
2020/05/16 R20.11 R22.49 R18.58 R2.61
2020/05/23 R19.24 R21.47 R17.64 R2.47
2020/05/30 R19.48 R21.67 R17.54 R2.45
2020/06/06 R18.93 R21.28 R16.77 R2.37
2020/06/13 R19.19 R21.39 R17.06 R2.40
2020/06/20 R19.37 R21.28 R17.25 R2.43
2020/06/27 R19.35 R21.28 R17.25 R2.43
2020/07/04 R19.14 R21.24 R17.01 R2.40
2020/07/11 R18.94 R21.16 R16.77 R2.39
2020/07/25 R19.39 R21.36 R16.64 R2.37
2020/08/01 R20.05 R22.28 R17.05 R2.44
2020/08/08 R20.78 R23.02 R17.63 R2.53
2020/08/15 R20.57 R23.73 R17.37 R2.49
2020/08/22 R20.23 R22.45 R17.15 R2.47
2020/08/29 R19.74 R22.14 R16.58 R2.41
2020/09/05 R19.66 R22.06 R16.61 R2.42
2020/09/12 R19.83 R21.42 R16.74 R2.45
2020/09/19 R19.32 R21.08 R16.32 R2.41
2020/09/26 R19.92 R21.81 R17.12 R2.50
2020/10/03 R19.39 R21.40 R16.55 R2.43
2020/10/10 R19.47 R21.48 R16.46 R2.45
2020/10/17 R19.40 R21.37 R16.55 R2.47

Note: For previous rates, see HERE

2. Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)

Source: https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/

 
  Euro € GBP £ US $ CNY ¥
2020/06/20 20.39 22.53 18.24 2.58
2020/06/27 20.48 22.52 18.25 2.57
2020/07/04 20.24 22.46 17.99 2.54
2020/07/11 20.54 22.94 18.17 2.59
2020/07/25 21.18 23.26 18.17 2.59
2020/08/01 21.55 23.95 18.31 2.66
2020/08/08 24.05 24.05 18.42 2.64
2020/08/15 22.08 24.40 18.64 2.68
2020/08/22 22.48 24.94 19.05 2.75
2020/08/29 23.33 26.16 19.60 2.85
2020/09/05 23.27 26.11 19.66 2.87
2020/09/12 23.66 25.56 19.97 2.92
2020/09/19 23.73 25.90 20.04 2.96
2020/09/26 23.26 25.48 20.00 2.93
2020/10/03 23.55 26.00 20.10 2.96
2020/10/10 23.85 26.31 20.16 3.01
2020/10/17 23.71 26.12 20.23 3.02



3. Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL$)

Source: https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/

 
  Euro € GBP £ US $ CNY ¥ Official US$ Rate
2020/06/20 405.54 446.91 361.90 51.17  
2020/06/27 405.98 446.46 361.90 51.13  
2020/07/04 407.08 451.78 361.90 51.21  
2020/07/11 408.89 456.71 361.90 51.70  
2020/07/25 421.71 463.13 361.90 51.58  
2020/08/01 426.09 473.50 361.90 51.58  
2020/08/08 426.53 472.42 361.90 51.93  
2020/08/15 428.56 473.55 361.90 52.06  
2020/08/22 426.90 473.72 361.90 52.30  
2020/08/29 430.86 483.20 361.90 52.71  
2020/09/05 428.42 480.70 361.90 52.89  
2020/09/12 428.70 463.13 361.90 52.95  
2020/09/19 428.45 467.52 361.90 53.46 80.48
2020/09/26 421.04 461.12 361.90 53.04 81.49
2020/10/03 423.96 468.06 361.90 53.29 81.44
2020/10/10 428.11 472.14 361.90 54.06 80.12
2020/10/17 424.13 467.25 361.90 54.04 81.34

 

 

 

 

 

ABSA Agri Trends: Hides & skins prices

Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA (October 12, 2020) - The current average hide price increased by 10.3% to R1.50/kg from R1.36/kg green a week ago. The current price is 146.9% higher than the average price a month ago and is 19.4% lower than the average price a year ago. The domestic hide price was at such a low level that any improvement in price is dramatic. The global hide market has seen an improvement in hide prices due to an improvement in the upholstery sector as people perform home improvements and home décor with a big push for leather upholstery.  Expectations among industry members is that prices will continue to see an improvement in the coming months until reaching a more sustainable level where prices will then likely hold. NB* Hide prices are determined by the average of the RMAA (Red Meat Abattoir Association) and independent companies. - Abrie Rautenbach, head Absa agribusiness, and Paige Bowen, agricultural economist, Absa group.

Hide & skin price progression
Date Hides/Kg Dorper/Skin Merino Skin
2020/01/03 1.38 35.00 46.67
2020/01/10 1.42 28.69 45.71
2020/01/17 1.35 30.74 45.71
2020/01/24 1.39 33.75 48.14
2020/02/07 1.36 33.47 47.50
2020/02/14 1.36 33.75 47.50
2020/02/21 1.32 33.75 47.50
2020/02/28 1.29 37.22 43.89
2020/03/06 1.29 36.50 43.50
2020/03/13 1.31 36.00 43.50
2020/03/27 0.93 37.22 48.33
2020/04/03 0.92 37.78 47.36
2020/04/10 0.89 35.63 42.22
2020/04/17 0.88 39.38 41.25
2020/04/24 0.89 33.82 43.33
2020/05/01 0.82 34.55 46.88
2020/05/08 0.82 32.10 43.33
2020/05/18 0.77 32.10 43.33
2020/05/22 0.72 26.54 40.00
2020/05/29 0.72 25.44 40.00
2020/06/05 0.70 23.65 40.00
2020/06/12 0.72 31.14 45.71
2020/06/19 0.69 23.62 43.13
2020/06/26 0.73 28.92 47.14
2020/07/03 0.67 23.58 43.13
2020/07/10 0.68 24.96 43.13
2020/07/17 0.61 28.83 45.00
2020/07/24 0.51 25.63 43.13
2020/07/31 0.57 25.19 43.13
2020/08/07 0.61 26.77 42.50
2020/08/14 0.58 28.57 43.57
2020/08/21 0.57 25.63 43.57
2020/08/28 0.59 27.88 43.57
2020/09/04 0.61 27.17 43.57
2020/09/11 0.67 27.48 43.57
2020/09/18 0.82 27.40 43.57
Note: For previous prices, see HERE
 

  

19/10/1966: Elize Strauss, Shoe ‘n Do, Reitz.
19/10/19??: Tony Jelinski, retired, formerly Everflex, Pinetown.
19/10/1944: Peter Manley, Secure & Safe Supplies, Durban.
19/10/1965: Björn Jönsson, Lanxess SA, Johannesburg.
20/10/1943: Daya Kisten Pillay, Topline Manufacturers, Durban.
20/10/1946: Steve Bassingthwaighte, retired, formerly agent, Cape Town.
20/10/1955: Dave McDonald, Labora Shoes, Durban.
20/10/1957: Steve Dai, Bruce & Jason Trading, Cape Town.
20/10/1961: Stefan van As, Le Croc, Brits.
21/10/1971: Derek Malcolm Creed, agent.
21/10/1976: Imraan Ahmod, Spunlok, Pinetown.
22/10/1965: Raymond Philander, Nulaw, George.
22/10/1974: Sulaiman Miller, Powerland Group SA Trading, Johannesburg.
22/10/1979: Kevin Govender, Evolution Engineering, Chatsworth.
23/10/1949: Alf Bettoni, ?.
24/10/1956: John Bouwer, Celrose/Eddels, Pietermaritzburg.
24/10/????: Prenisha Dukhipersad, SAFLEC, Durban.
25/10/1969: Leon Buhr, Equator Accessories, Pinetown.
25/10/1966: Michael Schiller, Nakara Leather Tanning & Processing, Windhoek, Namibia.
25/10/1972: Venothan Munsami, Little Slipper Co, Port Elizabeth.
25/10/19??: Chrystal Erasmus, Imaani, Cape Town.

 

In Memoriam this week

19/10/2000: Bill Beckley, (b. 20/07/1927), agent, East London.
24/10/1999: Norma Varley, Edcon, Durban.
24/10/1995: Wally Zwart, Dick Whittington, Pietermaritzburg.
25/10/2000: CIR Rex Van Coller, (b. 12/04/1925), agent, Durban.
25/10/2005: Braam Keyser, (b. 05/09/1957), Feltex Automotive Leathers [closed], Ladysmith.

Have you let us know about your birthday, or the birthdays of your colleagues? Our readers love this section, so please become part of it. This also applies to the In Memoriam section. Help us remember former colleagues.

 

Have a look at these links

We invite businesses to send us links to websites, Facebook pages and the like which they feel would be of interest to others. The links below are from our database:
Contempo, Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA. Women's outfitter chain.
Continental Compounders, Durban, KZN, SA. PVC and TPR compound manufacturer.

 


Classified Adverts




Shoe Material Stock for Sale

Topside Footwear (Pty) Ltd
Please contact: Jack Liu
Cell number: 082 370 9938

 




 

AXLE CONSULTING LTD

About Our Services:
Axle Consulting UK is a marketing and strategic planning agency representing South African companies in the UK and Europe – saving you the cost, time and hassle of having to employ and send representatives from South Africa to find and/or deal with clients on ‘this side’ of the world. At very cost-effective rates, I will represent you in the UK and Europe for the following:
- Presentation of your products and services to prospective clients
- Negotiations with clients and dispute resolution
- Identifying new business opportunities
- Attendance at trade fairs and exhibitions
- Marketing and pricing strategy and research
- General business advice for the UK.

Generally, Axle Consulting works on a retainer basis, and you will receive regular and detailed reports and discussions on all marketing / research activities, client visits, opportunities and suggestions.

About me:
I have been in various business leadership positions in South Africa for the past 30 years and I understand and appreciate the world-class quality of South African products. I was previously Marketing : Key Account Manager for GST / Seton AutoLeather, proudly representing the company at major international automotive OEM clients across South Africa and Europe. From 2008-2017 I was MD/Owner of Vandan Engineering (die-making specialists) and since the sale of the business I have been consulting for various businesses ranging in size from 2-200 employees.

With extensive experience in senior level marketing and results-driven negotiations, both in South Africa and in Europe and the UK, I will ensure that your company is represented professionally, ethically and always with a keen eye on your bottom line!

Being based just outside London means that I have quick and cost-effective access to most major cities in the UK and to all parts of Europe. I also speak German, can travel visa-free in and around Europe (and to the USA), and pride myself on offering a value for money, quality service, and on building long-term, mutually beneficial business relationships.

Contact me for a no-obligation discussion:
Tel: + 44 7502 838 079 [UK] / + 27 83 2988 111 [SA – SMS only]
alex@axleconsulting.co.uk www.axleconsulting.co.uk
Director: Alex Largatzis B Com, MBL, CM(SA)




  

Contact us

News & Classifieds: Tony Dickson, +27 (0)31 209 7505, tony@svmag.co.za

Next newsletter: October 26, 2020.

SAFLIA enquiries: Tel 0800SAFLIA * Email info@saflia.co.za * Website http://www.saflia.co.za

Should you wish to subscribe email tony@svmag.co.za
Our website www.svmag.co.za

 

 

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