Di Wilson, Founder and MD of Shop! SA says that as the newly-launched association gains traction, it is ramping up efforts to foster collaboration, innovation and excellence. However, Wilson says that maximum impact can only be achieved with the participation of founding members — and is on a mission to bring leading industry players on board.

"We are inviting forward-thinking organisations to join Shop! SA as founding members. Not only will they fulfil a vital role in boosting the credibility and influence of our association, but their thought leadership and success stories will serve to inspire our members, thus benefitting the entire industry," says Wilson. 

Shop! SA has announced that Hirt & Carter, H+A, Primedia, Rainmaker Media, 99c and Integer \ Hotspot joined as founding members, and Wendy van Zyl, Category and Customer Executive at Libstar, joined as an honorary member. The vision is for each link in the value chain — marketing and activation agencies, POS print and production companies, retailers and brand and media owners — to be represented by two founding members. 

Speaking on the value of founding members, Des O'Connor, Primedia Instore Chief Revenue Officer, says, "We have a unique opportunity to actively shape the future of retail marketing in South Africa. We believe in the power of collaborative innovation, and Shop! SA provides the ideal platform to drive industry standards and best practices. By working with other industry leaders, we can create more engaging and impactful retail environments that benefit both businesses and consumers."

Justine Bufe, Managing Director at Hirt & Carter, says that the agency is very proud to be a founding member. "Shop! SA provides a meaningful and valuable platform to showcase the best of breed across South Africa's shopper marketing industry. Through this association, we are enabled to add value to the brands and retailers we serve, and we look forward to many years of working with Shop! SA while adding experience and thought leadership in this space," says Bufe. 

Shop! SA's flagship initiative, the annual Shopper Marketing Awards, is attracting more entries and high-calibre judges every year and the association is producing a 'how to enter' master class. The webinar, taking place on Thursday, 27 March, is being hosted by previous judges who will impart nuggets on compiling award-winning entries. Details can be found here.

However Wilson, together with fellow board member Janet Kirkbride, says that Shop! SA is aiming to grow beyond the awards.

"Our next step is a conference, 'From Concept to Consumption,' focusing on optimising shopper marketing campaigns through effective collaboration, integration and execution. More details will be shared in the coming months," concludes Wilson and Kirkbride. 

For more information, visit www.shopassociation.africa. You can follow Shop! South Africa on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of Facebook