PMI shows some signs of green shoots

PICK N Pay Clothing said yesterday it had launched its online shop, and customers could view the full clothing range online for delivery to their doorsteps nationwide.

“This step makes PnP Clothing one of the few large-value clothing retailers to offer its customers an online shop experience,” the retailer said.

PnP Clothing would have a dedicated website, www.picknpayclothing. co.za, but customers with an existing PnP Online profile can use their details to log on to PnP Clothing’s online shop.

Customers would also earn Smart Shopper points, Pick n Pay said.

“The new website launches with PnP Clothing’s Summer range that is now available in stores. More styles will be added in the coming weeks to host the full assortment that customers can expect to find in a large store. Customers will also be able to purchase the popular ‘Buy Two’ deals, all from the comfort of their home,” the retailer said.

Delivery was available anywhere within South Africa at a set rate of R60, and orders were expected to be delivered within three to five working days.

Customers would be able to return or exchange an item for free at their closest Pick n Pay Clothing, supermarket or hypermarket, except for underwear, it said.

Hazel Pillay, the general manager for Pick n Pay Clothing, said: “We are happy to make this a reality for our customers. Our new website means that more customers will be able to view the great range and styles we have in store, but also lets customers order the items online for safe delivery within days.”

She said Pick n Pay had more plans in the pipeline to offer clothing customers a greater range and more convenience, including the launch of a Click n Collect service.

THE SEASONALLY adjusted Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) expanded in July, although at a slower rate compared with the previous month.

The index, which gauges manufacturing activity in South Africa, fell to 51.2 points in July from 53.9 points in June, remaining above the 50-point mark that separates expansion from contraction.

The business activity sub-index ticked down slightly to 62.9 points from 64.6 points in June, Absa said in a statement yesterday.

“The fact that more respondents signalled a further increase in output compared to those seeing further growth in demand, could perhaps be explained by some firms producing more in an attempt to catch up on production lost during earlier stricter lockdown levels,” Absa said.

The employment sub-index showed the manufacturing sector was still shedding jobs even with activity recovering.