The uninvited guest

empty shelves - uninvited guest

The year 2020 is definitely a symbolic year, not only because it’s the 20th year of the 3rd millennium, a leap year and the beginning of a new decade, but also because it is a disruptive year. It’s April 2020 and the year is still making sure that we are alert to the change it promised, woke to the beginning of a new era and transformation – be as it may. It is by far one of the most eventful years for millennials who are the working force, consumers, and business owners.

The sheer jubilation the nation felt when ushering the new year has turned into either panic, fervour, anxiety or profit depending on the side of the equilibrium one finds favourable during this period of the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic. The Coronavirus came in like a thief in the night and as a result forced many to transform into something better or change into something new altogether. The shift in consumer behaviour, the way business needs to now operate and the unstable economy has had a great impact on big and small brands.

There are select brands that have tailored their products and services to ensure consumer participation and are effectively gaining new customers or retaining loyal customers, such as the likes of:

Pick n Pay

A select number of Pick n Pay franchise stores are offering a drive-thru service to their customers in Gauteng, Free State, the Western Cape, Limpopo, Kwa Zulu Natal, Mpumalanga North West and Eastern Cape during the lock-down.

Pick n Pay drive through
Pick n Pay collect direct

Netflorist

NetFlorist, The e-tailer is now offering delivery of fresh fruit and vegetables select areas in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, and Durban. This offering helps consumers shop for fresh produce from the safety of their own homes.

Netflorist fresh produce
Netflorist fresh produce ad

A portion of consumers in South Africa changed their spending habits rapidly and their choices of products and services as well as brands they support are influenced by whether or not their investment, will help alleviate the spread of the virus or sustain a certain lifestyle for the duration of this Coronavirus pandemic.

The business environment understands that its people are what makes the brand (from its employees to its consumers as well as suppliers), and that is why most businesses widely encourage a healthy working environment as well as the health and safety of all stakeholders.

We already know that many businesses have prioritized their stakeholders’ health and safety and the below are those amongst many that are making sure that this global crisis brings the best out of the its brand.

  • Clicks, is offering free flu vaccinations for all their store staff to help build their immunity.
  • Unilever, has put global measures in place for all their people, adhering to the announcement made by the World Health Organization.

The South African brand has an uninvited guest that will affect the already fragile economy and all proudly South African brands, as well as international brands making a profit from consumers in the country, have a big role to play in ensuring that we all come out stronger and better prepared for the next transformative life events or should I say, an uninvited guest.

Sunlight is Bringing Nature into Our Homes

Nothing beats a walk in the park or a refreshing run in the great outdoors. Studies show that elements of nature such as bird song, trees, water etc. have healing powers and physiological benefits for the human body. Can you imagine how we would breathe without the trees which absorb our CO2 while giving us 02 (remember Natural Science class)? Well, Sunlight is going back to the natural source and bringing nature into our homes, with its new range of Sunlight Extra dish washing liquid.

Yoga session

Pat onBrands was invited to spend the morning at the launch of the new Sunlight Extra. The event was attended by our media faves like Letshego Zulu and Azania Mosaka among others. The day started with a yoga session, which reminded us to be mindful of nature because we ought to work together with nature as it is part of our lives. Dr Ela Manga spoke about the healing power of nature, encouraging us to tap into nature and be mindful of our environment. Esteemed interior designer Nthabi Taukubong told her story about how she incorporates nature into her client’s homes because that is where they should find peace and relaxation. With a lot of people trying to make the right food choices, nutritional coach Mpho Tshukudu gave us a few tips on how to connect to nature through food and they are:
• Eat barefoot
• Eat with your hands or a wooden spoon
• Eat outside when possible
• Take a 10 minute walk after a meal
The highlight of the day was when we made our own scrubs using various ingredients like basil, rose petals, lemon, aloe, rosemary and other plants. The scrubs were then used for a pampering hand massage, which left our hands soft and smelling great. The nature inspired experience reminded us to be mindful of nature, connect to nature and to be inspired by nature in our daily lives.

Pat on Brands team member – Lebo making her own scrub

The new Sunlight Extra range, which is inspired by nature and consists of two variants; Nature (which is gentle on the hands) and Antibacterial (which kills 99.9% of germs). The Nature range boasts of natural ingredients like real lemon juice, mineral salt and aloe vera, which is gentle on the hands and has a gentle fragrance. The Antibacterial range includes real lemon juice and mint, with 99.9% germ kill, so there will be no germs spreading with this product in your home. The power of this range was demonstrated using a real-life home situation of grease in cold water and all that could be said was “wow, it’s like magic!”

New Sunlight Extra Range

A Natural Pat on Sunlight for reminding us to appreciate nature and all its benefits, letting us know that “nature knows best” and challenging us to always be mindful and make an effort to connect with nature. So take on the challenge, take daily walks, go hiking, breathe more, disconnect from technology and connect with nature and be inspired by nature.