What’s Happening in Retail 2024

Takealot opens huge new distribution centre in Durban

It’s these types of advancements that will set Takealot apart from its overall competition.

27 November, 2024

Woolies Dash sees sales rise more than 50%

Woolies Dash, achieved a 54.4% increase in sales over the past year. Despite slightly lagging behind competitors like Checkers Sixty60 and Pick n Pay asap!, Woolies Dash contributed to a 6.2% share of Woolworths’ food sales.
This growth underscores the evolving demand for efficient online grocery options in South Africa.

11 November, 2024

Bash underpins 48% rise in TFG online sales

TFG has seen a 48% surge in online sales thanks to its new platform, Bash, which consolidates multiple brands into a single online destination.Developed by Superbalist’s co-founders, Bash now represents 5.6% of TFG’s South African sales, marking a significant shift in the group’s digital retail footprint. This success demonstrates the power of a well-integrated e-commerce approach in driving retail growth.

8 November, 2024

How to succeed in township e-commerce

Some very interesting points and great advice from Andy Higgins
This really is a highly lucrative area of extra trade if you can get it right and it aligns with your retail strategy.

30 October, 2024

SA retailers jittery over Temu, Shein Black Friday plans

South African retailers are bracing for fierce competition this Black Friday as global e-commerce giants like Temu and Shein target local shoppers with steep discounts. With Black Friday sales forecast to reach R22 billion, local stores are concerned that international players’ aggressive pricing could cut into their market share.

25 October, 2024

Major online store shutting down in South Africa

“Zando part of Jumia Technologies announces their closure.”
The Retail online landscape is rather ruthless at the moment.
Big changes however open for new innovation within retailers that continue to adapt to the ever changing landscape.

16 October, 2024

Retrenchments at one of South Africa’s biggest online stores

Superbalist, a major online fashion retailer in South Africa, plans to retrench around 28% of its workforce across various departments post-sale to private equity. The layoffs are part of strategic changes under new ownership, following a previous sale by the Takealot Group.

7 October, 2024

Richemont offloads troubled online retailer

This article serves as a crucial reminder of the power of customer understanding. Tailoring the shopping experience to fit the unique preferences of your customer base, can lead to tremendous success. Conversely, a lack of insight into who your customers are and how they prefer to shop can lead to significant challenges.

7 October, 2024

Temu decline in South Africa

Temu’s popularity in South Africa is declining, facing increased competition and tax scrutiny. Initially successful, its user traffic and search interest have fallen, with rivals like Shein and Takealot gaining ground.

25 September, 2024

With Shein, Temu and Bash threat, can Superbalist ever make money?

Will Superbalist’s new owners be able to make this business profitable.

17 September, 2024

More bad news for Temu and Shein

Seems Tax authorities across the world have their hands full with TEMU & SHEIN.
The U.S. is closing a tax loophole that Chinese retailers like Temu and Shein have been using to ship cheap goods to American customers tax-free.

17 September, 2024

Amazon is in South Africa to stay, marketplace head says

Amazon is here to stay in South Africa, entering the market with a soft launch focused on gradual growth. Amazon is positioning itself for long-term success by getting to know their consumers first.

13 September, 2024

South African online store shuts its doors

This is an exact example of why you need to differentiate yourself to remain competitive.

12 September, 2024

Shein and Temu  go to War

Looks like trouble between two very big players.

11 September, 2024

Bob Box smart lockers pick up steam

If your strategy has a focus on targeting townships, this may be a nice delivery option to include.

5 September, 2024

Shein pop-up store ruffles South African retail feathers

SHEIN popup seems to be well received. Retailers in SA need to think bigger and understand their customers better, the SA customer is going to these retailers time and time again for reasons. Only once retailers address this with honesty and dig into why the SA customer shops with them they will remain a rival.

5 September, 2024

Takealot offloads Superbalist to PE consortium

Superbalist is sold to ‘Black Canvas Capital’, Takealot will continue to provide warehousing and logistic services as part of the agreement.

2 September, 2024

Sars to turn tax screws on Shein and Temu

SARS announces new measures targeting low-cost e-commerce clothing importers and others. Main outcome – From 1 September, Sars will introduce VAT on orders under R500, in addition to the current 20% flat duty rate, as an “immediate interim measure” aimed at protecting South African businesses.

9 August, 2024

Seismic shift in South Africa’s e-commerce

Great outline on some shifts in ecommerce from Justin Drennan that is well versed in this landscape.

26 July, 2024

SHEIN pop-up coming to South Africa at Mall of Africa

This is going to be interesting!

July, 2024

Why South Africans should reject higher taxes on Shein

Despite the appeal of pricing and diverse product ranges from international retailers like SHEIN and TEMU, South African consumers will inevitably continue shopping from these platforms if local options remain limited. It’s not just about competitive pricing; it’s also about the variety offered to the South African market.

22 July, 2024

Amazon South Africa got off to a slow start – but don’t write it off

I have mentioned this in numerous posts recently that I wouldn’t discard Amazons current soft opening as an indicator on how they will preform in the SA market.

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15 July, 2024

E-tailer Temu sees strong demand from SA

Global online retailer Temu has seen strong demand in South Africa since launching locally in January.
Known for its affordability and direct-to-manufacturer business model, Temu offers household essentials at competitive prices.

4 July, 2024

Shoprite expands into B2B e-commerce

Shoprite has launched a new B2B e-commerce platform through its Cash & Carry brand, targeting small businesses, including spaza shops.

3 July, 2024

Amazon gearing up for big fight with Temu and Shein

If Amazon brings this concept to their South African wing, south African retailers have a bigger batttle on their hands that they expected.

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27 June, 2024

Amazon South Africa struggles to find its footing

I wouldn’t take my eyes off of them just yet.

“As one of the world’s largest companies, with an enormous balance sheet, Amazon can withstand a long period of start-up costs in any jurisdiction”

10 June, 2024

Sars takes the shine off Shein

From 1 July all parcels even the ones under the “De Minimis rule” (Under R500) will attract the same duties and VAT as per larger shipments.

This decision adds an administrative burden on Sars, resulting in expected longer lead times and delays at customs processing points.

10 June, 2024

E-com platforms cause air cargo deluge ex-Asia

If you haven’t realised how strong these two brands are across the world yet and why there is concern on how fast their growth has been in SA to date, then take a look at these insane numbers.

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4 June, 2024

Takealot moves to the next level – crushing Amazon in South Africa

Always great to see local triumph, but this is only the beginning.

If Amazon can add the point of difference they are known for to their SA customer then this race may change.

30 May, 2024

Fast fashion Ad – SNL

Abit of a skit and comedy by some top actors on the latest Chinese giants taking over the retail space recently. Funny but ironically sad at the same time.

May, 2024

Google just updated its algorithm. The internet will never be the same

Google search is a powerful tool, and introducing AI may or may not be as positive as it is helping other industries.

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25 May, 2024

Checkers Sixty60 adding 10,000 ‘large items’ – with free same-day delivery

Once again they are listening to their customers and putting their needs into action. Constant innovation keeping them ahead of the game.

17 May, 2024

South Africa firms struggling to adapt to e-commerce wave

I found this article extremely interesting how they have identified three distinct groups of companies dealing with the constant changes eCommerce brings.
 “Champions”, “Coasters” and “Compromisers”.

9 May, 2024

Takealot takes aim at Amazon with Prime-style subscriptions

Trying to keep a competitive edge, however I don’t see it remaining a pro and unique for to long?

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9 May, 2024

Amazon vs Takealot: how their prices compare

Competitive pricing will remain key to who takes market share in the coming months.

Consumers are price conscious and with the age of online allows customers to constantly compare quickly.

7 May, 2024

Amazon launches in South Africa… without any Amazon products

Slight disappointing start for Amazon lovers who eagerly awaited Amazon-specific offerings.

7 May, 2024

Zando launches new unit to counter Shein and Temu

Will the South African consumer move over, it all depends on their offering. But good on Zando adapting to the ever changing retail environment at an appropriate time.

18 April, 2024

Amazon already starting to eat Takealot’s lunch

Some interesting stats and thoughts on Amazons edge over Takealot.

13 April, 2024

Don’t be fooled by online shopping platform Temu’s childlike interface

TEMU presents a gamification type of shopping and many other tactics to attract its shoppers.

9 April, 2024

TEMU is exploding in South Africa

If you run any online shop in South Africa and are close to your Google shopping ads, you may have noticed TEMU is pretty much overtaken across millions of categories.

25 March, 2024

Clicks steps up online shopping drive

Clicks getting more serious about their e-commerce fulfillment offering.

18 March, 2024

Spar steps up battle for affluent and discount shoppers

Some big changes for Spar Group.
1. Opening standalone stores for pets,baby supplies, Clothing and outdoor adventure
2. Entering the discount shopper space

14 March, 2024

TFG bolsters sportswear business with JD Sports franchise deal

TFG brings British sportswear giant JD Sports to South Africa with their recent franchise agreement.

13 March, 2024

Woolies Ventures to boost charge into pets, liquor and new clothing format

Woolies focuses on growing Wallet Share with its new standalone units.
“The biggest opportunity is not in acquiring new customers; it is in growing the share of wallet of our existing customers”.

29 February, 2024

VC firm looks to disrupt SA’s R5bn retail grocery market

Something to watch, super interesting concept.

12 February, 2024

Naspers boosting Takealot investment ahead of Amazon launch

Will the extra investment make a difference? Only time will tell….

10 January, 2024

Get ready for Woolies Pet

Combining Pets into any large retailer is always a great call for convenience for their customers. The implementing stage starts.

10 January, 2024