Online shoppers comprise all ages and incomes now

From the ‘unboxing’ of a new purchase to the many abandoned transactions that are costing online retailers billions—the marketing gurus behind The 2021 South African Digital Customer Experience Report will unpack the compelling, and sometimes, surprising results from the survey during an exclusive panel at the upcoming CEM Africa, taking place from 10–11 November.

CEM = Customer Experience Management
CX = Customer Experience

It is the third major annual study undertaken by marketing and advertising agency Rogerwilco, market research company ovatoyou and certified customer experience professional Julia Ahlfeldt.

“Money left on the table”
The report states that “ecommerce has finally come of age in South Africa, one of the few sectors to find a silver lining in the COVID-19 cloud”. The data shows that income and age are no longer barriers for participation in online shopping. For example, the 50+ category is just as likely to be conducting research and making online purchases as their counterparts in their 20s and 30s, while 73% of those with a monthly household income of less than R10 000 per month are shopping online.

However, the report emphasises that basic flaws in the online experience for customers are costing etailers billions in potential turnover.Cart abandonment, where a consumer adds a product to their cart but does not go through with the transaction, is high among South African online shoppers according to the report (76% of those surveyed), and is estimated to cost online retailers more than R20.4bn.

“Cart abandonment is money left on the table, plain and simple”, notes Julia Ahlfeldt. “A customer has invested the time to choose a retailer, investigate products, and then jumps ship because the experience falls short. This leaves a double whammy of lost revenue and an annoyed customer.”

‘Unboxing’ the purchase
Amanda Reekie, from ovatoyou, believes that even though the fulfilment landscape has matured, challenges remain: “It is going to take real creative thinking and collaboration to open up improved delivery options that are less expensive”.

Delivery, however, was surpassed in the report by the 34% who said unboxing their new purchase was the most memorable aspect of their online shopping experience (the balance spoke to the point at which they made the purchase (19%), the thrill of the research (10%) and the after sales support (4%)).

“Good UX minimizes frustration”
The report further reveals that Takealot is one of South Africa’s most loved and trustworthy brands, thanks to (among others) the user experience (UX) of the online customer.  

According to Rogerwilco CEO Charlie Stewart, good UX minimises frustration, reduces second guessing and stops customers from switching across to a rival site: “Retailers need to recognise that consumers are becoming more loyal to the experience than they are to the brand. Anything that improves the experience creates stickiness”.

CEM Africa’s exclusive panel on The 2021 South African Digital Customer Experience Report will include the authors: Charlie Stewart, Amanda Reekie and Julia Ahlfeldt. Joining them are Joseph Sindaha from Nestlé, and Janine George from Carrol Boyes. The discussion will be streamed live on Day 2 from 09:30am–10:15am SAST on 11 November. 

Honest retellings of CX experiences
The CEM Africa Summit has been around for a decade and has played a leading role in South Africa’s customer experience journey and has connected thousands of CX professionals over the years. 

Confirmed event sponsors so far include Freshworks, Verint, Insider, Infobip, Rogerwilco, Simplify360 and Inquba.

CX experts from some of the most recognised and successful brands on the continent, including Multichoice, Woolworths, Shoprite, Superbalist, African Bank, DHL and Rand Merchant Bank, will share their successes, failures and lessons learnt during the event.

How to join them?
CEM Africa returns via a world-class virtual event platform offering access to the live keynotes, panel discussions and the agenda. Attendees will be able to engage with the speakers and participate in Q&A sessions, polls and surveys. They can also contact exhibitors via chat or video call, exchange business cards with other participants and download brochures. To register and access the full programme, click here.

About CEM Africa
CEM Africa is the largest online CX event on the continent and is organised by Kinetic Events, which is a partner of The Vuka Group (formerly Clarion Events Africa).

Dates and location:
Dates: 10–11 November 2021
Venue: Online

Website: https://cemafricasummit.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cem-africa-summit/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/CEMAfrica/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CEMAfricaSummit

Media registration: You can register to attend for free here

Media contacts:
Adam Fletcher, Chief Marketing Officer, CEM Africa
Mobile: 071 130 9160
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Annemarie Roodbol
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Leading etailing marketers share their insights on COVID-19’s silver linings

Some of the leading global and local pioneers in ecommerce and customer experience (CX) are set to share their insights, case studies and success stories at the upcoming CEM Africa from 10–11 November 2021. This follows the unprecedented, accelerated adoption of ecommerce and online shopping by billions during the last 18 months, and etailing proving to be one of the few silver linings in a pandemic-depressed economy worldwide.

*CEM = Customer Experience Management

CEM Africa speaker and session highlights include:

• Qaalfa Dibeehi is the Dean of the Customer Experience Leadership Institute (The School of Great Moments), at Majid Al Futtaim, a global conglomerate (retail, hotels, property, grocery, luxury, entertainment, cinemas, etc) based in Dubai.
  
  - “The technology we now refer to as CRM stems from the need to have real time customer dialogue” - Source
  
  On Day 1, on Wednesday, 10 November, Qaalfa Dibeehi is delivering the opening keynote presentation entitled: “DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AND LOFI CX - LOW FIDELITY CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE”.
  
  
• Robert Paddock is the founder and CEO of the Valenture Institute. He was the co-founder of GetSmarter, an online education company that has educated over 200,000 professionals from 154 countries, and was sold to Nasdaq-listed 2U in 2017.
  
  - Rob believes that the online experience has got to be designed from first-principles: “The closest analogy [for bricks and mortar schools operating remotely] would be if you’ve got a petrol or diesel engine car and you try to retrofit an electric engine into it, versus a purpose built electric car”. - Source
  
  Robert Paddack is presenting a case study on “ONLINE EDUCATION SECTOR - THE NEW STUDENT EXPERIENCE”.
  
  
• Steve Towers is a Process Management and Customer Experience enabler from the USA. The founder of the BP Group in 1992, Steve was named one of the 30 most influential Global Customer Service Experts in 2021.
  
  - “Without a clear, outside-in line of sight to what your customers true needs and successful outcomes are, you will never be truly customer centric. Change is a must. Every person in the organisation needs to make the customer their True North”.
  
  Steve Towers will deliver a keynote on “THE IMPORTANCE OF EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE AND GLOBAL LEADERSHIP IN THE ADOPTION OF CX APPROACHES”.
  
  
• Simon Hartley is the founder of Wumdrop in South Africa.
  
  - “As of 2021, “informal economy” is a phrase that absolves South African businesses of meaningfully serving the overwhelming majority of South Africans when things get hard, or complicated. And I do mean most of us. Our “formal” retail economy comprises a whole 5% of total outlets in South Africa. We’re not even into double digits”.
  
  At CEM Africa, Simon Hartley is part of a panel discussion on “REDEFINING CX FOR THE NEW ERA”. He will be joined by Kia Abbott, Rewards Programme Manager at the Shoprite Group of Companies, Lynne Blignaut, Group Loyalty and Customer Rewards, Dis-Chem and Clint Payne, Senior Manager – Customer Experience at Multichoice.
  
  
• Julia Ahlfeldt is a South African Customer Experience Professional (CCXP) and one of the marketing experts behind the 2021 South African Digital Customer Experience Report. At CEM Africa, Julia will lead the panel discussion to unpack the compelling, and sometimes, surprising results from the survey. According to the report, South Africa’s most recently reported online spend of R30bn1 suggests that if online stores were to fix key issues they’d potentially generate an additional R11.95bn in revenue.
  
  - “South African consumers have clearly embraced ecommerce,” says Julia. “With improved levels of connectivity and an abundance of online shopping options, there’s no good reason why South Africa should still lag behind. Customer experience is holding it back”. 
  
  
• Chantel Botha, MD of Brandlove Customer Experience, will share “THE SILVER BULLET TO IMPROVING YOUR CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE”, during which participants will create a practical playbook of rituals and cultural practices that will help their organisation thrive.
  
  - “Poor customer experience is only a symptom. Start a cultural evolution to move your organisation to remarkable employee and customer experiences”.

Valuable CX lessons
The CEM Africa Summit has been around for a decade and has played a leading role in South Africa’s customer experience journey and has connected thousands of CX professionals over the years. Confirmed event sponsors so far include Freshworks, Verint, Insider, Infobip, Rogerwilco, Simplify360 and Inquba.CX experts from some of the most recognised and successful brands on the continent, including Multichoice, Woolworths, Shoprite, Superbalist, African Bank, DHL and Rand Merchant Bank, will share their valuable lessons learnt (from success and failure) during the event.

How to join them?
CEM Africa returns via a world-class virtual event platform offering access to the live keynotes, panel discussions and the agenda. Attendees will be able to engage with the speakers and participate in Q&A sessions, polls and surveys. They can also contact exhibitors via chat or video call, exchange business cards with other participants and download brochures. To register and access the full programme, click here.

About CEM Africa 
CEM Africa is the largest online CX event on the continent and is organised by Kinetic Events, which is a partner of The Vuka Group (formerly Clarion Events Africa).

Dates and location: Dates: 10–11 November 2021
Venue: Online

Website: https://cemafricasummit.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cem-africa-summit/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/CEMAfrica/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CEMAfricaSummit

Media registration: Register to attend for free here

Media contacts:
Adam Fletcher, Chief Marketing Officer, CEM Africa
Mobile: 071 130 9160
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Annemarie Roodbol
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

South Africa’s retail organisations, particularly on-line stores, could expect a significant ramp-up in cybercrime ahead of the holiday season. This is the warning from Deon Smal, CEO of Cyber Insight, a Cape-based cyber security assessment firm.

“While data breaches increased alarmingly during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, organisations - particularly those in the ecommerce sector - can expect a ‘tsunami’ of new attacks as the festive season approaches,” he cautions. “This is as a result of intensified on-line shopping activity which creates more opportunities for cyberattacks.” Smal notes that many companies that supported work-from-home employees during the pandemic – and possibly continue to accommodate a hybrid workforce - have had to take short-cuts in terms of security to rapidly protect sensitive data which is accessed on-line.

“These ‘quick-fixes’ are now leaving these organisations vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. They should be addressed as a matter of urgency,” he says. According to Smal, the most common threat facing SA companies is a ransomware attack, in which criminals encrypt files and then demand a ransom to restore access.

He says that globally, ransomware is viewed as the most malicious of the numerous malware models that were experienced this year. “Smal encourages organisations, of all sizes, to accurately and comprehensively assess their cyber security positions. This will expose possible vulnerabilities which could result in breaches of security within the corporate infrastructure. This includes basic facilities, structures and services on which businesses rely.

“They should also consider penetration testing to prove the existence and determine the extent of their weaknesses before committing to a definitive security solution to ensure that it offers an appropriate level of protection against the most evolved threats and determined cyber-criminals,” he adds.

E-commerce sales to account for 18% of retail sales worldwide in 2021

Bringing cash into digital commerce is considered the “last mile of payments” and currently considered the biggest growth opportunity in this sector. An example of a physical voucher that can be redeemed as a debit card payment in online stores is 1ForYou, which will be launched officially in 2022 and offer card vouchers in spaza shops throughout South Africa.

“It could be a game changer,” says Rahul Jain, CEO of Peach Payments, the e-commerce retail experts behind this new initiative. “Cash is still the predominant payment method in the informal economy. We are always looking out for ways to make it easier for business owners to bring their stores and services online and become formal businesses that can build credit history and give them access to a broader set of financial tools and services that then can help them scale.”

Jain is part of a who’s who expert line-up from the e-commerce space, including Woolworths, Massmart, Dischem and AutoTrader, who will share their exclusive insights, case studies and expertise at the upcoming ECOM Africa, a full day virtual event set to run next Tuesday, 21 Sep 2021.

The Peach Payments executive sees digital retail increasingly embedding itself into social media. Jain explains: “Watch how Facebook, Instagram and TikTok all start to make it easier and easier to buy your favourite items -- sneakers, jewellery, football kits -- directly from their platforms. Also, several companies are working on building a “super app” with all the features of a mall and a bank together. Look for this to finally build some traction in the coming years.”

E-commerce 18% of retail sales worldwide

“COVID-19 has pushed companies over the technology tipping point, transforming business forever,” says Terry Southam, the MD of ECOM Africa.

He adds: “companies have accelerated the digitisation of their customer and supply-chain interactions and of their internal operations by years. It is believed that the share of digital or digitally enabled products in their portfolios has accelerated by as much as seven years. To stay competitive in this new business and economic environment requires new strategies and practices.”

In 2021, e-commerce sales are expected to account for 18.1% of retail sales worldwide. It is estimated that there will be 2.14 billion global digital buyers. In retrospect of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rapid acceleration in digital transformation, the ECOM Africa speakers will deconstruct the strategies they have been successful with and how they are preparing for the next wave in e-commerce.

The speaker line-up includes:

• Hanz Rauch, Head of Digital Product for Online, Woolworths
• Rahul Jain, CEO, Peach Payments
• George Mienie, CEO, AutoTrader
• Paul Cook, CEO, Faithful To Nature
• Lynton Peters, CEO, OneCart
• Johann Van Tonder, COO, AWA digital
• Paris Philippou, VP: Game Ecommerce and Digital, Massmart
• Farai Zaranhyika, Head of Ecommerce/Online, Dischem
• Warrick Kernes, CEO, Insaka
• Phil Marais, Head of Africa and Brazil Supply Chain, Cotton On
• Peter Allerstorfer, UCOOK

Key topics

The conference will unpack key topics within the e-commerce space, speaking directly to business operations, store design and optimisation, fulfilment and logistics, payments and security, and marketing and brand building. Attendees can expect to hear case studies on:

• Agile product management
• Secure payments with digital identities
• Inclusion of the informal economy in digital payments
• Business operations and infrastructure
• Fulfilment and logistics
• Conversion rate optimisation
• Commerce media and how to target buyers to deliver rich experiences
• Developing omni-channel strategies
• Leveraging data in digital marketing

Sponsors include Peach Payments, VISA, Freshworks, LexisNexis, uAfrica, AWA digital, RAM, and Criteo who will have a strong presence throughout the event. They will share their experiences with the audiences and will be able to interact digitally with them. The digital platform allows them capabilities to connect with potential customers through virtual exhibition booths, virtual networking, contact swops and educational keynotes and panel discussions.

Next week’s ECOM Africa will be the seventh edition of this flagship, specialist gathering in the e-commerce, retail, and fintech sector.

Register and contacts
To join 1000+ attendees for a full day of in-depth keynotes, panel discussions, online networking and live Q&A sessions, register here.

ECOM Africa dates and location:

• Live virtual event: 21 September 2021

Website: https://ecommerce-africa.com/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/eCommerceConfex
Facebook:  ECOM Africa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ecomafricaconfex/

Media contacts:
Adam Fletcher, Chief Marketing Officer, ECOM Africa
Mobile: 071 130 9160
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Annemarie Roodbol
Mobile: 082 562 7844
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Optimise your business with Microsoft Dynamics 365

In the near future, every business will be a digital business. C-Suite business leaders must now make explicit choices about their strategy to win in a digital economy. 

Organisations need to reassess business operations, aiming to adopt an agile and innovative digital transformation approach to achieve business resilience in a time of disruptive change. 

Leading through digital change requires leaders to have a vision of how to activate the whole organisation in the move from defence to offence to gain and maintain competitive advantage in a digital-first world, addressing the urgent opportunities now. 

Transforming your business to succeed in a digital world requires connected operating models from Finance, HR and IT to marketing, sales, and manufacturing. It means bringing together every function, reimagining your business operations by digitally transforming how you empower employees, engage customers, optimise operations, and data analytics, as well as automation. 

Business digital transformation

 Digital transformation does not happen overnight, even in the fast-moving environments in which we operate our businesses today. Any transformation process goes hand in hand with a potentially sizeable financial investment, as well as a considered and appropriate change management intervention to ensure overall success. 

This transformation will impact all industries and all areas of business going forward. Those businesses that fail to deploy and implement a successful digitalisation strategy will soon be faced with challenges they may find exceedingly more difficult to overcome. Each business should consider their own challenges and conduct thorough research on the changes expected to occur in their industries. 

Organisations and leaders will need to reorganise processes and strategies to obtain the benefits of implementing connected business applications across business operations. An effective enterprise-wide digital transformation strategy will drive business growth and operational efficiency as underlying business models evolve. 

Preparing your organisation for the future of work can no longer wait – the time for leaders to shift their thinking and implement strategies and connected digitalised business to operate like a digital company is now! It’s not about procuring a single solution and deploying only that solution.

The answer lies in a flexible suite of technologies and software solutions to reinvent your business in a digital world. Organisations need to identify scalable solutions that support the digital transformation of the business.  

The benefits of a reinvented digital business

• Business and revenue growth through improved profit margins, increased productivity and improved processes.
• Reduced operational costs and optimised operations.
• Unlock talent and potential of people.
• Allows for collaboration the flow of work with anyone, anywhere.
• Enable organisations to operate as one business, everywhere.
• Data-driven decisions and streamlined operational efficiency.
• Elevate customer experiences – seamless and frictionless.
• Drive connected commerce, providing increased cross-channel visibility. Improve customer retention.
• Enhance financial decision-making.
• Collect and analyse data for real-time insights.
• Gain insight to offer customers and employees personalised experiences.

Technology is both a disruptor and catalyst for growth. The goal is not to simply add capability but to change the business model. In this fast-moving digital era, it is important to pick your technology partners carefully, making sure they not only have the capabilities you need, but that their approach empowers your agility, efficiencies, and differentiation.         

Microsoft Dynamics 365 – Business Applications   

Microsoft Dynamics 365 offers any organisation powerful flexibility and limitless possibilities with its options to tailor and-build on your existing solution using the Microsoft Cloud -Microsoft Power Platform, Microsoft Azure, and Microsoft 365 - or hundreds of other familiar business tools. You can also add mixed reality, artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) for innovative new experiences .

“In today’s fast-paced business environment, productivity is critical to success. Microsoft set out on a mission to increase business agility by creating a digital transformation journey roadmap. The Microsoft Dynamics 365 application stack is designed to enable that digital transformation journey across multiple industries. Parity, a Gold Microsoft Partner is geared to help businesses through the everchanging and improving world of digital transformation”, said Warren Williams, Parity Chief Executive Officer.   

With Microsoft Dynamics 365, you can tap into a connected commerce ecosystem of solutions which makes it easier to integrate and access information for smarter business decisions, greater customer satisfaction, reinventing your digital business. 

To book a demo or workshop session with one of Parity’s experts to take you on a journey to reimagine your business with the Microsoft Dynamics 365 offerings, that will digitally transform your business today. Visit www.paritydigitaltransformation.co.za..  

27 August 2021, Johannesburg - Being in the peak of the digital age, many individuals are turning their houses into smart homes. But where do you begin when it comes to making your home smart?

Firstly, you need a hub to control and integrate all of your smart home devices. The home automation system's nerve center is the hub, which connects all of your gadgets.  A separate, multi-purpose hub has the advantage of allowing you to operate everything from a single app.

Examples of a hub may be an Apple Home Kit, Google Home, or Echo Dot. These speakers allow you to control your house with voice commands or via an app.Light switches, light bulbs, TVs, air conditioners, robot vacuums, doorbells, security cameras, and appliances are all examples of what can be operated by a hub.  Basic commands that you can instruct are ‘play music’ ‘turn on lights’ ‘turn on tv’ or have the speaker wake you up as an alarm, set reminders, and more. 

GeeWiz practically has everything you might want in your ideal smart home, and at a reduced cost.

Meross, which is a brand exclusive to GeeWiz, has a wide variety of smart products ranging from smart plugs, smart light bulbs, home kits, smart switches, and more. Millions of people use Meross products to make their lives smarter and simpler. Meross products are compatible with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings and IFTTT. If you want to automate your home, Meross is for you!

GeeWiz is a major online store in South Africa that sells the newest home automation technology at affordable costs. They provide door-to-door and overnight delivery, as well as free shipping on orders above R550. In Joburg, there is also a pick-up location for same-day purchases.

Shop online now on www.geewiz.co.za 

https://www.geewiz.co.za/2155-meross-products

Contact:
Call: 011 568 0191
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.geewiz.co.za

25 August 2021, Johannesburg - Geewiz, a popular online store in South Africa, has recently launched a wide range of Wi-Fi routers on their website.

You'll need to know exactly what kind of equipment to install when it becomes time to update your home or business Wi-Fi network.  A modem connects your home or business to the internet, while a router transmits that connection to your computers, tablets, phones, as well as other connected devices.

A router splits the internet signal from your modem, allowing multiple devices to connect to the internet at once. A Wi-Fi router, unlike a wired router, does not require a cable to connect to the devices it is powering.

It may be time to upgrade your Wi-Fi router if you're experiencing slow loading times and sluggish internet speeds. Choosing a router can be a difficult task, with hundreds of models to choose from, and confusing terminology. Geewiz not only has a large selection of Wifi-Routers to choose from, but their customer service team can also assist you in making the best decision for your needs. Geewiz offers the best prices on Wi-Fi Routers and handpicks only the highest-quality products.

Geewiz also boasts the leading brand names of Wi-Fi Routers on their website such as Netgear, Tenda, MikroTik, D-link, Google, Orbi, Tp-Link, Huawei, Trendnet, Diewu, ZTE, Ubiquiti and Alcatel.In Johannesburg, Geewiz has a pick-up location for same-day purchases. Orders received by 10 a.m. will be delivered the next day in major cities. For purchases over R550, delivery is free, and purchases come with a seven-day money-back guarantee and a 12-month warranty.

Buy your Wi-Fi Routers online now at https://www.geewiz.co.za/2139-wifi-routers

Contact:
Office: +27115680191
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: https://www.geewiz.co.za/

SEOPros web design is a division of the award winning SEOPros digital marketing agency that started out in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga with a small, but dedicated team with one united focus – to become the best website design and digital marketing agency in South Africa.

Since then the company has experienced phenomenal growth and yesterday, Founder and CEO of SEOPros, Louis Schoeman has announced the opening of a new website design office in Pretoria.

When asked what it is that SEOPros does different to set it apart from all the other companies that offer website design Pretoria services, Mr Schoeman replied  “ In today’s digital age, web design is a vital, if not the most important element of the overall online marketing success of any business. All marketing channels lead to a business’ website and studies and experience in web design have taught us that a website that does not convert is pointless.  Having a professional converting website is probably the biggest investment that any business owner can make. Our expert team of developers make sure that they create a website that specifically targets a customer’s industry and converts prospective visitors into clients. We serve all industries including B2B, B2C, Ecommerce, Enterprise, Education, Non-profit, Start-ups.”

He continued by saying that the website design team in Pretoria has a website portfolio of more than 150+ professionally designed websites that include mobile compatible optimizations. They have clients in almost every industry and over the years they have learned which website layouts convert the best. With their website design team in Pretoria’s critical approach to every industry, they make sure that they have every angle covered for a conversion friendly website. They make use of the available tools such as sitemaps and Google Analytics and they are very data-driven in their web design strategies. They also make sure that they stay on top of improvements on web design at all times. “Our website design team is passionate about what they do and over the years they have succeeded in growing our client’s businesses by 174%” 

Mr Schoeman concluded by saying that he and his website design team is looking forward to assist businesses, not only in Pretoria, but around the country with exceptional website design services –“ if a client’s business succeeds – so do we”. 

With a history that spans some 34 years, the  family owned business, Rugs Original  began its retail  journey with its first store in Cresta Shopping Centre, and now operates across South Africa, supplying both the retail and wholesale markets with quality imported rugs for sale

Part and parcel of recent changes to the structure of the business, is to ensure that Rugs Original propels itself into the digital shopping space, which has grown considerably in the South African market. This has resulted in the creation of a fully integrated website buying platform, affording customers searching for rugs online South Africa to purchase a top quality floor covering from Rugs Original, delivered directly to them.

Further to this, the interior design market was tapped, with a portal being created for this industry, where, once completing a sign up form, login details and preferential pricing is provided, allowing for complete access to ranges and purchases from Rugs Original. The supply chain is serviced via this portal, as an additional business to business function.

The planning of the website takes into consideration the manner in which customers shop online, and ensures that the navigation of the site is simple, but effective, in ensuring customers are not only offered a host of choices, but that the process of finding their dream rug is simple. Rugs for sale categories are compiled by ranges, designs, shapes, areas of use, indoor versus outdoor options, and contemporary versus more classical ranges, and lastly by size.

This, combined with the active social media presence of Rugs Original, on Facebook and Instagram, provides customers with peace of mind when purchasing rugs for sale online. All imagery provides a room setting, a close up of the physical rug, and an even closer 45-degree angle, allowing customers to be shown every angle of their chosen rug, and how the rug would look in their desired space. Further advice is given on the composition of the rug, and its best areas of usage, and those customers who are unsure of their choice, can interact via social media channels, and be provided with the very best recommendations prior to purchase.

2018 saw the introduction and expansion of the Rugs Original brand into the children’s realm, with the addition of Kids Original, which has bought a new dimension to the brand, offering a host of machine washable rugs for baby nurseries, kids and tween bedrooms. Initially offering a small, “tester” range, the success of the Kids Original brand, has seen the offering grow substantially, to include a host of child-friendly décor items.

Rugs Original has retained its retail presence, with nationally based stores, some being of the new concept design, and some larger stores, that also act as clearance outlets.

Whether you’re looking for a simple door mat, Persian rugs for sale, a modern and funky design to be the groundwork canvas for your room, or outdoor rugs to complete your entertainment area, Oriental Rugs , machine woven rugs, machine washable rugs, the Rugs Original collections have something for everyone.  

The main challenge entrepreneurs are facing in Africa is not the lack of great ideas but the fear of turning ideas into reality. With unemployment in South Africa at an all time high, more and more people are trying to make their own way in the economy.The Africa Digital Entrepreneurship events are about turning dreams into action. The series of events aims to enable digital entrepreneurship and the upcoming ‘Bitcoin Nights’ meet-up in Johannesburg on Thursday, 24 October at The Business Exchange Morningside, 150 Rivonia Road is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the digital assets space.

Business networking is the fast track to success and event sponsors such as Zcoin and OVEX believe that entrepreneurship is the way forward for South Africans. Jonathan Ovadia, Co-Founder and CEO at OVEX, a company helping to create an open, trustless and more efficient financial system says “the vision is to break down the barriers that prevent people from entering the traditional financial system. We believe that wealth-creating investment opportunities shouldn’t only be accessible to the wealthy, but should be available to all.”

The event is facilitated by the United Africa Blockchain Association (UABA), a non-profit leading blockchain education and adoption in sub-Saharan Africa. With the help of sponsors, The Africa Digital Entrepreneurship Series’ goal is to provide relevant content on business and technology that helps people learn and grow professionally and personally.The meet-ups provide a conducive environment for networking and ideas exchange, and attendees can look forward to free drinks, giveaways and prizes. Other sponsors include Divi, which makes it possible for anyone to participate in securing blockchains through their one-click masternodes, challenging the notion that you need technical expertise to participate in the blockchain ecosystem. Centbee, a digital wallet company that believes in the power of people to create an abundant future and æternity, a new blockchain technology, designed to deliver efficiency, transparent governance and global scalability are also part of the sponsors who see huge potential in Africa and are actively championing the digital asset revolution.

The theme of the Johannesburg event focuses on the Digital Asset Economy and anyone interested in tech is welcome to attend FREE of charge and benefit from the networking opportunity and inspiring discussions. Speakers will include Adi Kaimowitz, President and CEO of Virtual Actuary, Maushami Chetty of Novate Legal; Mpho Dagada – Commisioner, 4th Industrial Revolution at the SA Presidency; and Yaliwe Soko, Chairperson at UABA.The event aims to inspire participants to increase their appetite for entrepreneurship and get more knowledgeable about the growing trend in digital assets. Africa is a market ready to adopt new technology but lack of emphasis on digital entrepreneurship opportunities in Africa might result in missed economic opportunities for the next generation.

“It’s important to encourage the youth to explore the option of entrepreneurship as a career path instead of waiting for employment opportunities which may never be available to them.Initiatives such as the Africa Digital Entrepreneurship Series focus on creating awareness and demystifying what it means to run a digital enterprise,” said Heath Muchena, Founder of Proudly Associated, a company working with companies developing blockchain-powered technologies that have use cases focusing on emerging economy development to gain adoption across the continent.Whether you’re a student, professional or fledgling entrepreneur, this event will provide valuable insights and an opportunity to learn, grow, network and be inspired all in one. The meet-up will be a relaxed, no-suits-or-ties sort of event so expect to learn and be entertained. 

"The Africa Digital Entrepreneurship Series connects up-and-coming entrepreneurs in all fields. It’s a fantastic way for those interested in tech and online businesses to build a solid support network,” said Grey Jabesi, host of the Grey Ave Podcast, Africa’s top rated podcast which focuses on survival skills for the 21st century.

By attending this FREE event, attendees will:

Learn about new frontiers in digital innovation

Find out how to leverage technology to broaden participation in the global digital economy

Boost digital asset knowledge including digital asset acquisition and management

Learn how to build a fully remote businessDiscover mentorship opportunities

Interact with other entrepreneurs and build business networks

Meet like-minded innovators and go-getters

Be empowered!

GET TICKETS HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/africa-digital-entrepreneurship-series-tickets-77802321839

Event details: 

Admission: FREE (Limited space so make sure you get there early.)

Date: Thursday, 24 October, 2019

Location:  The Business Exchange, Block 4, 150 Rivonia Road, Morningside, Sandton, 2057 Johannesburg.

If you want to sponsor this event or for more information, contact:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.