Launching a new product during a recession can pay off, study shows
Researchers find fewer competitors and lower manufacturing and marketing costs contribute to product-launch successes during a recession.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
SA shopping centre unveils interpreting service for deaf customers
By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025
Deaf and hard-of-hearing shoppers are able to scan QR codes available at key points to connect with an interpreter via video call.
South Africa’s Eastgate Shopping Centre, located just outside Johannesburg, has introduced a real-time interpreting service for its deaf shoppers.
Photo: Eastgate Shopping Centre
The project is a collaboration with Convo South Africa to improve accessibility and convenience for the hearing-impaired community. Convo claims to be the world’s largest deaf-owned business with over 500 employees serving five countries in 10 different languages.
Through this partnership, the shopping centre provides on-demand access to South African Sign Language (SASL) interpreters at customer service points located across the centre. Deaf and hard-of-hearing shoppers are able to scan QR codes displayed at these points to connect with an interpreter via video call.
According to Eastgate, the service is quick, intuitive and offered at no cost to the customer.
“Inclusivity should not be an afterthought,” says Saadiyah Kahn, the centre’s General Manager. “We’ve been looking closely at how we can better accommodate shoppers with varying needs, and this partnership with Convo is an important first move. We are committed to ensuring every customer feels seen, understood and respected.”
In a press release, Eastgate says integrating the technology into its customer-service offering “is a step towards shaping an environment where communication barriers are actively removed. The rollout also signals the need to rethink how public spaces can better serve all members of the community”.
The centre is one of the largest shopping venues in greater Johannesburg and houses 200-plus retailers and various other services.
Corruption remains top ethical concern for African PR professionals
On the positive side, annual study finds that the influence of public relations in African boardrooms is slowly improving.
Nestlé appoints a new CEO for its Central and West Africa region
Samer Chedid moves from a leadership role at Nestlé Indonesia to oversee the company’s business across 25 countries in the region.
KitKat leverages its famous tagline and gives it a modern twist
Campaign suggesting it’s time for modern consumers to ‘Take a Phone Break’ wins an Outdoor Grand Prix at Cannes Lions 2025.
Publicis Groupe wins City of Cape Town’s communications business
City says the agency stood out not only for its integrated capabilities, but also for its ‘deep commitment to collaboration’.
Namibian shoppers are under the whip as food prices rise sharply
Fruit prices rose by a significant 15.5% in May, with notable price increases for watermelons, citrus fruits and avocados.
US pizza chain Papa John’s makes first foray into Central Africa
Brand debuts in the DRC with an outlet in Kinshasa, complementing its existing African presence in Kenya, Egypt and Morocco.
Boost your marketing career in 2025 with the AMC’s short courses
Confederation has fast-paced online Express Courses you can complete in a week, to in-depth studies taking up to 10 months.
Better ports and logistics infrastructure will boost Tunisia’s economy
World Bank report paints positive picture, but emphasises that enhancing ports and related infrastructure could boost GDP by 4-5%.
Australian study finds that confusing labels are driving food waste
More consistent date labels and storage advice – along with bigger print and the use of simple icons – could save consumers money.
Kenya plans to clamp down on the marketing of unhealthy foods
Proposed measures include banning advertisements on television, digital platforms and outdoor media when children are the primary audience.
