Gen AI: Easing the Burden of Consumer Decision-Making – Accenture

Posted on by africanretailteam | 22475 Views | 27 min read

By Junaid Kleinschmidt, digital marketing strategy and intelligence lead for Accenture, Africa The South African retail landscape is contending with a range of challenges, such as high unemployment, severe inflation, shrinkflation, and the lingering effects of Covid-19. These pressures have transformed consumer expectations and added layers of complexity to their shopping decisions. Retailers must now

South African Retailers Have Arrived at an E-commerce Crossroads

Posted on by africanretailteam | 30101 Views | 29 min read
South African Retailers

South Africa’s e-commerce landscape has arrived at an important juncture. The explosive growth observed during the pandemic years has slowed down somewhat and consumer spending power has faltered amid low economic growth and a global cost of living crisis. At the same time, competition is heating up. Asian retailers such as Shein and Temu are

Rwanda Welcomes Africa Foods System Forum, for a Packed Four Days

Posted on by africanretailteam | 20686 Views | 14 min read

It was much heralded, and now that is has arrived, it is fair to say that it more than lives up to the advertising. The Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) will host this year’s Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS), for four days, ending on the 6th. A look around the stalls at the Convention centre, leaves

Olam Agri Set to Transform Ghana’s Pasta Industry With New Production Facility

Posted on by africanretailteam | 17334 Views | 11 min read
Olam Agri

Olam Agri, a global leader in food and agriculture, is set to transform the pasta market in Ghana with the construction of a new state-of-the-art pasta production facility and the expansion of its wheat flour production capacity. The facility is planned in two phases, and when completed will have the volume capacity potential to meet

LG Electronics SA Launches Online Store, Redefining Digital Shopping

Posted on by africanretailteam | 19305 Views | 15 min read
LG Electronics

LG Electronics South Africa recently took a giant leap into the future of shopping with their online store which will forever change how South Africans buy their favourite tech. This is not just another e-commerce site—it is a bold move, changing the digital landscape and marking a new chapter in LG’s South African journey, says

Navigating Disruption: How Retailers Can Prepare for the R100 Billion Ecommerce Market

Posted on by africanretailteam | 24920 Views | 16 min read

South African retail has experienced profound transformation over the past few years, with digital platforms and ecommerce reshaping consumer expectations. However, we are just in the earliest phases of digital transformation and SME retailers will need to be agile to keep up with emerging customer demands and new competitors. Steven Heilbron, CEO of Capital Connect,

South African Consumers Lead Global Trend in Prioritising Value Over Price in Beverage Choices – CGA by NIQ

Posted on by africanretailteam | 20359 Views | 12 min read

In a landscape where economic pressures weigh heavily on household budgets, South African consumers are setting a global precedent in their approach to value, particularly when it comes to their beverage choices. According to the latest findings from CGA by NIQ, a remarkable 51% of South African consumers now prioritise value over price in their

The Enduring Power of Sa’s Independent Grocery Trade – Trade Intelligence

Posted on by africanretailteam | 20046 Views | 20 min read

New research underscores the enduring strength and intricate dynamics of South Africa’s independent grocery trade, from big wholesalers to spazas, thriving amid two decades of retail shifts. When retail research business Trade Intelligence was founded in 2004, the formal grocery retail space was dominated by the ‘Big Six’ – Pick n Pay, Shoprite, SPAR, Woolworths,

Prime Opportunity for Private Equity Funds to Rescue African Retail Companies

Posted on by africanretailteam | 27315 Views | 25 min read

By Tobie Jordaan and Jutami Augustyn, Partners, and Paras Shah, Kenya Managing Partner, BowmansThe retail sector in South Africa has experienced significant distress in the last year, with several high-profile retail businesses entering business rescue proceedings. Retail giants like AutoZone, West Pack and Cross Trainer, for example, have all recently entered business rescue, highlighting the

Wasoko & MaxAB Complete Landmark Merger

Posted on by africanretailteam | 20993 Views | 17 min read

Africa’s Largest Tech Merger Fuels Groundbreaking Expansion From E-Commerce to B2B Digital Services Platform African B2B e-commerce pioneers Wasoko and MaxAB have completed the continent’s largest-ever tech merger following the signing of preliminary terms in Q4 2023. Conducted as an all-stock transaction, the deal establishes a truly Pan-African platform for communities to access essential digital

“Tu-Sort Garage NA Shell Lubricants” Promotion Empowers Mechanics Countrywide

Posted on by africanretailteam | 17647 Views | 6 min read

Tu-sort Garage na Shell Lubricants is a countrywide promotion that is empowering garage owners and mechanics by rewarding them with an upgrade of tools at their locations to elevate their workspace and educate them on genuine Shell Lubricants. The mechanics and garage owners can register by dialing 459200# and following the prompts to participate in

Engen Celebrates 700th Quickshop & Co Milestone

Posted on by africanretailteam | 22437 Views | 10 min read

Engen, South Africa’s biggest fuel and convenience retailer, opened its 700th Quickshop & Co store at Engen Summit Convenience Centre in Midrand on 1st August 2024. Located at 386 Olifantsfontein Rd, Engen Summit is designed to serve the early risers, the late-night cravers and the busy bees navigating life’s hectic schedules. Operating 24/7, the site’s

bpSA Redefines Convenience to Meet Customer Needs With New Retail Initiatives

Posted on by africanretailteam | 19998 Views | 14 min read

bp Southern Africa (bpSA) has announced three initiatives in response to market demands – a revamped store design and offer, an inhouse loyalty programme as well as a low carbon battery rental service “Our investment in new convenience offerings, in the year bpSA celebrates 100 years of doing business in South Africa, is testament to

SPAR Zimbabwe Monthly Clean-Ups Continue to Be a Success

Posted on by africanretailteam | 19295 Views | 7 min read

On the first Friday of each month, SPAR Zimbabwe retailers take part in a clean-up in their local communities. This initiative further engrains SPAR Zimbabwe’s roots in the local community. Monthly clean-upSPAR Supermarkets take part in this clean-up alongside other stakeholders over a period of two hours. As well as keeping the local community clean,

Women in Wine Launches Exclusive Range at Shoprite

Posted on by africanretailteam | 14513 Views | 6 min read

Founded by 20 professional black women from diverse backgrounds in viticulture, Women in Wine marks a shift in the traditionally male-dominated wine industry, committed to opening doors for women, including vineyard workers and their families. Advocating for women’s inclusion in leadership roles, Women in Wine have established the Farm Worker Women’s Trust, collaborating with strategic

Pick N Pay Receives R8.2bn in Applications for Its R4bn Rights Offer

Posted on by africanretailteam | 14282 Views | 7 min read

The Pick n Pay Group has successfully completed its Rights Offer. The retailer has raised R4-billion in capital with a high subscription rate and overwhelming market support. The Rights Offer was 106% oversubscribed, with total subscriptions reaching over R8-billion. 98.7% of shareholders followed their rights, and the Group received R4.3-billion in excess applications, underscoring shareholders’

MAGGI Launches “Cook the Difference” Campaign Introducing New Flavours to SA Kitchens

Posted on by africanretailteam | 15789 Views | 7 min read

Mzansi’s most preferred noodle brand, MAGGI, as recognised by the Ask Afrika Icon Awards, is set to elevate South African kitchens with its latest campaign, “Cook the Difference!” Unveiled at an exclusive media luncheon on 25 July, VIP media guests experienced the brand’s magic and versatility. MAGGI showcased its potential to be both a complete

Makro Doubles Comparable Online Grocery Essentials Sales

Posted on by africanretailteam | 24036 Views | 6 min read

As the pace of digital adoption increases in our country, more and more South Africans are browsing and shopping online to ensure they get the best prices. In light of this rise in comparative shopping behaviour and the current challenging consumer environment, Makro has redoubled its efforts to help customers save money so they can

Forging a New Path Under the Agrimark Banner

Posted on by africanretailteam | 16983 Views | 6 min read

In October 2024, Forge stores, operating in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), are changing to Agrimark, a move which promises exciting opportunities for both customers and communities. This change is part of Agrimark’s strategic drive to create a unified brand identity across all regions, integrating the KZN branches with Agrimark. “Forge and Agrimark share a similar product range

Telr Elevates E-commerce With Mastercard’s Click to Pay

Posted on by africanretailteam | 24786 Views | 8 min read

Telr, the award-winning online payment gateway, has announced its strategic collaboration with Mastercard to introduce its digital checkout solution, Click to Pay, across its extensive network of merchants in the UAE. Through this partnership, Telr will deploy cutting-edge payment technologies to enhance the customer experience. Click to Pay is an innovative, seamless, and secure payment

Makro Sees Growth in Online Grocery Essentials Sales in South Africa

Posted on by africanretailteam | 19870 Views | 4 min read

As the pace of digital adoption increases in our country, more and more South Africans are browsing and shopping online to ensure they get the best prices. In light of this rise in comparative shopping behaviour and the current challenging consumer environment, Makro has redoubled its efforts to help customers save money so they can

Paymob and Shopify Join Forces to Accelerate Embedded Payments Opportunity in MENA

Posted on by africanretailteam | 21472 Views | 9 min read

Paymob, a prominent financial services enabler in the MENA region, has announced the launch of its new embedded checkout experiences for merchants, marking a significant extension of its partnership with the commerce platform Shopify. This new initiative is set to revolutionise the way merchants handle transactions, providing them with advanced card and wallet payment options

Braintree Adds Human Touch and Tech Expertise Into E-commerce

Posted on by africanretailteam | 27572 Views | 9 min read

Backed by 20 years of tech expertise, leading IT solutions provider Braintree has seen their retail turnover increase by 1,200% since launching their e-commerce offering two years ago. With the objective of supporting business professionals in both home and office environments, Braintree brings to the tech e-commerce market over 3 000 premium products across 30

Global Retail Specialist Smollan Announces Strategic Alliance With Impact HD Inc.

Posted on by africanretailteam | 24366 Views | 11 min read

Smollan, a leading global retail specialist representing some of the world’s loved brands, has officially entered into a Capital and Business Alliance Agreement with Impact HD Inc. a prominent Japanese company specializing in sales promotion and data marketing. The alliance aims to leverage the strengths of both companies to create enhanced value and develop innovative

Vodacom to Invest Over R500 Million to Expand Connectivity in the Eastern Cape

Posted on by africanretailteam | 21952 Views | 19 min read

Vodacom Eastern Cape region is spending R500 million this financial year on modernising the network, energy projects and accelerating broadband coverage across the region, particularly in townships and deep rural areas of the province. This investment forms part of the company’s commitment to drive digital inclusion in the communities in which it operates. In 2023–2024

PepsiCo South Africa Partners With Standard Bank Partners on Key Initiatives With a Sustainability-Linked Working Capital Facility

Posted on by africanretailteam | 20391 Views | 11 min read

Standard Bank is proud to announce that it has provided PepsiCo South Africa with a sustainability-linked working capital facility to support the company’s renewable energy commitments and support their broader localisation aspirations in relation to their procurement spend in South Africa. PepsiCo is one of the world’s leading food and beverage companies, with a global

Massmart Launches ECONO Samp in Continued Drive to Help Customers Save Money

Posted on by africanretailteam | 26019 Views | 7 min read

The cost of living remains challenging for South African consumers many of whom are hard pressed to meet monthly expenses for basic food items. This situation is typically exacerbated in winter where people need to consume more calories. Consistent with its objective to ‘help customers to save money and live better’, Massmart continues its drive

Africa Is Leapfrogging Into the Future of Retail – Africa Business

Posted on by africanretailteam | 39617 Views | 21 min read

The bi-annual Global Retail Development Index (GRDI), which is a study of the global retailing landscape has revealed Africa is poised to move away from traditional retail models and become the fastest-growing, richest, and most sophisticated market in the world. Prashaen Reddy, a partner at management consulting firm Kearney says that this is thanks to

Döhler Announces Key Expansion of Paarl Plant to Deepen Local Market Connection

Posted on by africanretailteam | 20735 Views | 7 min read

The expansion of Döhler South Africa’s plant in Paarl introduces new, state-of-the-art production lines for compounds and emulsions as well as powdered and liquid flavours. In addition, it substantially increases the company’s capability for processing bulk juice concentrate. From now on, customers will have direct access to the complete portfolio of compounds, which shows Döhler’s

South African Travel Fintech TurnStay Secures Funding for Regional Expansion From DCG, DFS Lab

Posted on by africanretailteam | 20123 Views | 6 min read

The South African fintech startup Turnstay recently secured $300,000 (over ZAR 5.4 million) in investment from two US-based venture capital firms: DFS Lab and Digital Currency Group (DCG). The company plans to use this funding to expand its operations across Africa and strengthen its position in the local market. According to a report, Turnstay, co-founded

POS Versus POS: Selecting the Right Solution Is Far More Complex Than Chasing the Cheapest – redPanda Software

Posted on by africanretailteam | 29272 Views | 25 min read

By Peter Ludi, Business Development Executive at redPanda Software A point of sale, commonly referred to as POS, is a vital cornerstone of any retail business, regardless of whether it sells products or services. However, a misunderstanding of the definition of POS sees many small and medium-sized retailers fall into the trap of buying a

Redefining the Retail Strategy Through Store Reinvention – Accenture

Posted on by africanretailteam | 21960 Views | 29 min read

By Lauren Samaai, senior manager within the Retail business at Accenture, Africa It was just four years ago during the pandemic – with consumers restricted to their homes and mall doors tightly shut, that online commerce began its unprecedented rise. This phenomenon left retailers thinking about the role of the actual store moving forward. Today,

SHEIN Showroom: The First Offline Pop-up Debuts in South Africa

Posted on by africanretailteam | 20557 Views | 8 min read

SHEIN, the global online fashion and lifestyle powerhouse, is thrilled to announce the launch of its first-ever pop-up store in South Africa. Set to take place from 2 – 11 August 2024, at the prestigious Johannesburg Mall of Africa, this ten-day event promises an interactive experience for fashion enthusiasts and casual shoppers alike. Drawing inspiration

Shift to Omnichannel Payments in Retail to Drive Efficiencies and Enhance CX – Ecentric Payment Systems

Posted on by africanretailteam | 21785 Views | 18 min read

By Quintin van der Linde, Head of Business Development & Don Lange, Partner Manager at Ecentric Payment Systems Even as more retailers turn to setting up online storefronts to extend their presence and cater to shoppers looking for convenience, the majority of South Africans still prefer to shop at physical stores, and retailers are looking

Gift of the Givers and Engen Join Hands for Madiba Day

Posted on by africanretailteam | 11797 Views | 9 min read

“There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return.” – Nelson Mandela Engen employees have once again made a difference in the communities to mark Nelson Mandela International Day on 18 July. In partnership with Gift of the Givers, Engenites visited Nomzamo

Vivo Energy Ghana Welcomes Jean-Michel Arlandis as Its New Managing Director

Posted on by africanretailteam | 23490 Views | 8 min read

Vivo Energy Ghana, the marketer and distributor of Shell branded fuels and lubricants is excited to announce the appointment of Jean-Michel Arlandis as its new Managing Director following the end-of term for Kader Maiga. According to the Executive Vice President, West Region, Franck Konan-Yahaut, this change underscores Vivo Energy’s commitment to strengthen its international operations

Africa’s Retail Sector Set to Score Big as AI Adoption Accelerates – SAP Africa

Posted on by africanretailteam | 22536 Views | 15 min read

by Blessed Hwaire, Industry Advisor: Consumer Products, Life Sciences & Retail at SAP Africa A wave of AI-powered innovation is set to sweep across Africa’s retail sector. With a unique landscape marked by diverse consumer needs, a burgeoning youth population, growing levels of technology adoption, and a rapidly changing economic environment, Africa’s retail sector is

Shipping Technology Tackling South Africa’s Tricky Last-Mile Delivery Challenges – Bob Group

Posted on by africanretailteam | 41677 Views | 14 min read

Bob Group’s Ship Logic platform is helping the country’s courier companies overcome faulty address details, failed delivery attempts and poor communication with customers South African ecommerce ecosystem Bob Group is playing a leading role in optimising courier services around the country through its Ship Logic platform, a software solution that enables delivery specialists handling high

Retail and Wholesale Sector Faces Growing Business Interruption Risks, Allianz Risk Barometer Reveals

Posted on by africanretailteam | 31868 Views | 19 min read

Business interruption is the primary concern for the retail and wholesale sector in 2024, according to the Allianz Risk Barometer. It is followed by Natural catastrophes (31%), Cyber incidents (25%), Fire, explosion, and Macroeconomic developments (both with 20%). The report, based on insights from over 3,000 risk management professionals and business leaders, highlights the growing

Growing E-commerce Market: Good for Consumers; But Will Proudly South African Brands Rise? – BCG

Posted on by africanretailteam | 34612 Views | 22 min read

By Thomas Kingombe, Managing Director and Partner and Vishakha Chopra, Project Leader, BCG Johannesburg As global e-commerce giants like Amazon, Shein and Temu set their sights on South Africa’s growing e-commerce space, local retailers may find themselves feeling the pinch. Will South African stalwarts rise to the challenge, or crumble faced with international competition? Although

InstaPay Launches in South Africa: An Innovative Merchant Payment Application

Posted on by africanretailteam | 32889 Views | 19 min read

InstaPay, a cutting-edge new merchant application, has been launched to transform the payments landscape in South Africa. This innovative solution offers unique functionality and competitive rates that surpass traditional card providers, setting a new standard in the industry. InstaPay is the result of combined expertise and technology between Omnea and Amber Pay, two industry leaders

Understanding SA’s Evolving Shoppers: A Call to Action for Brands and Retailers – Trade Intelligence

Posted on by africanretailteam | 30198 Views | 18 min read

As shopper behaviours evolve, brands and retailers are working hard to catch up, using tools to connect with a new generation of increasingly demanding and informed shoppers. South African shoppers are not what they used to be. They’re tougher, savvier, and more in tune with what they are looking for. A combination of COVID and

Jumia Transforms Customer Experience With Sprinklr’s AI-Powered Platform

Posted on by africanretailteam | 25224 Views | 5 min read

Jumia, Africa’s leading e-commerce platform, announces a successful partnership with Sprinklr to elevate customer experience (CX) across its diverse user base. Jumia implemented Sprinklr’s unified customer experience management (Unified-CXM) platform to streamline support for millions of customers, sellers, and employees across 11 African countries. “Sprinklr’s solution is a perfect fit for our diverse customer base

Informal Sector Has a Crucial Role in the Global Economy, Accounting for One Third of Local Jobs – SAITEX 2024

Posted on by africanretailteam | 22367 Views | 33 min read

The informal sector has a crucial role in the global economy, and it needs to be connected to government and businesses properly so that opportunities to collaborate, learn and grow are created. This was the key message discussed during the e-Kasi talks theme on the first day of SAITEX 2024. Driven by micro enterprises across

Makro Cornubia Debuts KZN’s First Top Rated by Kids Judging Event

Posted on by africanretailteam | 15546 Views | 8 min read

Debuting as the province’s first encounter with Makro and Game’s annual Top Rated by Kids event – parents and caregivers gathered as 250 children between the ages 6 and 12 took turns to judge this year’s newest toys. This is an important event for the retailers, as it serves as their guide to the ultimate

From Sustainability to Personalisation – Mid-Year Retail Trends 2024 – Smollan

Posted on by africanretailteam | 18035 Views | 18 min read

Reaching any midpoint, whether it’s to catch one’s breath on a ultra-marathon to gear up for the next stretch, or a project team reflecting on their progress and making necessary modifications – it’s all about positioning for success. So too a mid-year retail check-in offers valuable insights into some of the latest developments shaping how

The SPAR Group Launches ‘R1 Billion in Savings’ Promotion, a First in South African Retail

Posted on by africanretailteam | 18856 Views | 12 min read

The rising cost of living is significantly straining South African consumers’ budgets, with food expenses alone exhausting approximately one-third of their income. In response, The SPAR Group has announced its ‘R1 Billion in Savings’ shopper promotion, exclusive to SPAR Rewards customers. Until 22 July, the promotion aims to provide significant financial relief to consumers struggling

Forecourt Retail Sector Growing Despite Declining Fuel Sales – Trade Intelligence

Posted on by africanretailteam | 14520 Views | 12 min read

A new report by Trade Intelligence reveals a growing forecourt retail sector despite declining fuel sales. The report examines the forecourt retail market, key players and shoppers. As shoppers become increasingly time-pressured, convenience is a growing necessity, and South Africa’s forecourt stores have positioned themselves effectively to meet this need. Understanding the dynamics of this

Scan to Pay Takes Centre Stage in Spenda’s Fintech Suite

Posted on by africanretailteam | 28992 Views | 19 min read

Despite the global move towards digital transacting, 1.4 billion people worldwide remain unbanked. It’s these individuals that payment service providers like Spenda are empowering through the use of innovative payment solutions that address the financial inclusion gap. In its latest move to do so, Spenda has integrated Scan to Pay to launch Spenda Scan to

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa Appoints Rakesh Rajbally as Managing Director

Posted on by africanretailteam | 14498 Views | 11 min read

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) has appointed Rakesh Rajbally as the new Managing Director (MD) and announced further strategic appointments within its Commercial and Manufacturing function aimed at strengthening leadership and driving growth. Rajbally officially took up the position on 1 February, replacing Velaphi Ratshefola who formally retired at the end of January after seven