Quoting the research results from FASA’s recent franchise survey, which showed that despite a tough economy, the franchising sector continues to grow, the FNB Franchise Leadership Summit brought together speakers that identified key trends in this dynamic space. 1. More Multi-Unit Owners, and franchisees owning multiple concepts What happens once you have mastered the tried and true formula franchises have designed for their franchisees? If you’re like many franchise owners, you start opening another location. And then another. By recreating your success in multiple locations, you can quickly ..read more

Are we finally going to be able to shop at the big malls without being charged exorbitant parking fees? Well, one of the property groups has confirmed that it will scrap parking fees at some shopping centres next year. Redefine Properties, which owns Centurion Mall, Maponya Mall, Southcoast Mall, Benmore Centre, Blue Route Mall, Riverside Mall, Kenilworth Centre and Wonderboom Junction, in a report by Business Insider, will scrap parking fees at some shopping centres and have a capped parking fee of R5 everywhere else. A trial run in July by the group found that by reducing or removing parking ..read more

At the launch of Ipsos South Africa’s inaugural survey measuring the influence that brands have on South Africans, Pick n Pay topped the field in the Top 10 Most Influential Brands in South Africa. The winning top ten are all rooted in South Africa, retain and uphold the traditional uses and values of the brand yet continue to move forward to address what their customers need with line extensions and upgrades when needed. The top 10 Brands Most Influential Brands in South Africa are: Pick n Pay Shoprite/Checkers Coca-Cola Colgate Vaseline Spar Sunlight Whatsapp Woolworths 10. Koo The Most In ..read more

At the Signarama World Expo which recently took place in Cancun, Mexico. Signarama Southern Africa franchisor, represented by Kurt Tyack, received the award for the Master Partner of the Year as the top performing Signarama country network in the World (outside of the US and Australian markets). The award is the culmination of a great deal of hard work, and was accepted with a great deal of pride by Kurt Tyack in Cancun. “This award is testament not only to the work put in by everyone at the Signarama support office in South Africa to develop and grow the brand, but also the hard work put in e ..read more

Sanlam has, for the fifth year, confirmed its sponsorship of the Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA)’s Franchise Surveys. The surveys are an important barometer that track the success of this unique business system which in the latest survey shows an estimated turnover of R721 billion equivalent to 15,7% of the total country’s GDP. Its 865 franchise systems support over 45 000 outlets operated by franchisees who in turn employ 369 573 people. This contribution to the South African economy by the franchise sector has continued on an upward trajectory in spite of adverse economic condit ..read more

South Africa’s foray into the Black Friday frenzy, which is one of the most important pre-Christmas shopping days in the USA marking the beginning of the holiday shopping season – saw both retailers and consumers take to this new marketing trend – and this year should prove to be bigger and better. South Africa’s foray into the Black Friday frenzy, which is one of the most important pre-Christmas shopping days in the USA marking the beginning of the holiday shopping season – saw both retailers and consumers take to this new marketing trend – and this year should prove to be bigger and better ..read more

McDonald’s South Africa has committed to invest R3 billion into the country over the next five years, the company announced at the South African Investment Conference held in Johannesburg recently. With the planned openings of over 120 restaurants in the next 5 years, McDonald’s SA says this capital expenditure will positively impact the construction and manufacturing sector across the country. “Through this expansion, 7,000 new jobs will be created and we plan to recruit matriculated youth across the country to be employed within our restaurants,” says McDonald’s SA CEO Greg Solomon. As part ..read more

Over the past 25 years, Middle Eastern eatery Anat and its founder Anat Apter have risen from humble beginnings to having more than 20 stores spread across South Africa. “I never wanted to be in the family food business, but after falling on hard times, I heard my mother’s voice in the back of her mind saying that if I ever needed cash fast, I should go and sell falafel! So using my grandmother’s recipes, I did,” says Apter. “In the 1990’s Bruma Flea Market was very popular so I decided to start there. There was a long queue of people trying to get a stall and I was right at the back of it. I ..read more

Convenience in today’s stressful, time-constrained lifestyle is what global measurement company Nielsen has found in its survey on global consumer needs. A cue to manufacturers and retailers to get on board with products and services that caters to this new trend. Asked in the survey which products they ‘wish were on the market but are not; 40% want products that make their life easier, 36% would welcome more products that are convenient to use, 25% wanted products for small families and households, 25% wanted products tailored to a specific need. Although convenience means different things ..read more

FASA represents around 17 business sectors in South Africa – a figure that pales compared to other countries that boast anything from 50 to 70% of their business sectors going through the franchise system. FASA is proud to welcome BeztForex as a member that is spearheading a completely new category in the Financial Services franchise sector, offering exciting franchise opportunities in banking space of providing Foreign Exchange products and services to importers and exporters from all market segments. Why invest in a BeztForex franchise, a financial service franchise? BeztForex was founded in ..read more