Data Top Ups (70%), clothing (63%), and groceries (52%) top the virtual shopping list in the region 66% of consumers have embraced online banking, and on average nearly half have used the downtime to upskill on online experiences such as healthcare, cooking, education and more Social media has become an integral platform for connecting consumers
Clothing (62%), Computer and electronics (56%), and health products (55%) top the virtual shopping list in Egypt 4 in 5 people are using the downtime to upskill. Top learning experiences include banking, cooking, dancing, learning a language, and managing their health online Social media has become an integral platform for connecting consumers to online businesses
Clive Potter, Global Head of Consumer Client Coverage, and Ishmael Mohamed, Sector Analyst for Consumer Client Coverage, at Standard Bank Group Traditional retailers in South Africa can no longer defer their omnichannel sales strategies, with the COVID-19 pandemic having significantly accelerated the shift to online shopping. Omnichannel retail refers to sales and consumer interactions that
Retail Engage has been announced as a finalist in the 2020 DMA Assegai Awards in two categories – Integrated Direct Marketing Campaigns and CRM Programmes. In 2013 Retail Engage launched its consumer brand, bonsella® which has grown into the largest shopper rewards and loyalty programme in the independent main market in South Africa. It consists
Consumer spending has swung from total predictability to subtle shifts in product and store selection throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and understanding the whys and wherefores behind these choices is valuable to shops, brands, and even the shoppers themselves. At the behest of government, two local businesses joined forces in recent months to determine and deliver
Mondia (https://Mondia.com), a leading technology company which specialises in the marketing and distribution of digital content and Jumia (NYSE : JMIA) (www.Jumia.com.ng), Africa’s largest e-commerce platform, today announced the launch of Jumia Games, a competitively priced entertainment category on the JumiaPay App. In its first phase, the fully branded gaming portal is available in five
The Shoprite Group is launching a rewards programme for its Shopite branded stores on Monday 12 October 2020. The new Shoprite Xtra Savings card will benefit customers with immediate cash savings and launches a year after the Checkers Xtra Savings rewards programme, with more than 5 million customers signed up for and which put more than a R1bn
South African consumers have faced a barrage of life altering events since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown in March, which has had a profound impact on what, where and why they shop. This insights stem from a new Nielsen report The Covid-19 Behavioural Reset, which delves into how shoppers are redesigning
While not expected to show the same growth as previous years, retail mega-event, Black Friday, could still help local retailers struggling to make up lost lockdown revenue, especially for those with an online presence, says South Africa’s largest payment gateway, DPO South Africa’s PayGate. “The bleak economy, dented disposable income and a very uncertain future
The Hollard Insurance Group, one of South Africa’s largest insurers, has partnered with TymeBank, the leading South African digital bank, to offer South Africans Family Protect, a funeral cover that provides a three-month income benefit for living expenses, with no delay or paperwork. The partnership leverages TymeBank’s superior banking platform technology and Pick n Pay’s
Checkers this week launched its Sixty60 on-demand one-hour grocery delivery service in the Eastern Cape and Free State. Sixty60 first launched in a few neighbourhoods in the Western Cape and Gauteng in late 2019. Customer response has been exceptional due to the service’s lightning fast service and ease of use. “COVID-19 has also seen a
President Ramaphosa confirmed the much publicised rumours that South Africa would indeed move to Level One as from midnight on Sunday, 20 September. While the hard lockdown saw e-commerce activity skyrocket to unprecedented levels, trade volumes in brick and mortar stores have already started to see a pick-up during the previous shift down to Level
The Consumer Goods Council of South Africa (CGCSA), in partnership with its members in the manufacturing and retail industry, has launched a toll-free hotline number the public can use to anonymously report information related to illicit and counterfeit manufacturing and trading of products in South Africa. Abraham Nelson, CGCSA Head for the Crime Risk Initiative
wiGroup has launched a new self-service digital rewards and gifting platform. Wrapped links South African individuals, SMEs and corporates looking to seamlessly issue digital rewards and gifts, with some of the country’s leading fashion, electronics, pharmacy, hospitality and lifestyle brands. wiGroup currently issues over R100 million in digital rewards value per month assisting corporates who
The logistics behind implementing real-time resolution into the modern, digitised contact centre. The Microsoft Global State of Multichannel Customer Service Report underscored the value of resolving customer issues at speed and the importance of equipping contact centre staff with the right knowledge. This customer demand is dictating the rise in real-time resolution solutions at contact
By Andrew Dawson, MD at MACmobile Globally, the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) market had to quickly adjust to the challenges that came with conducting a business in a world of social distancing, hand sanitiser and masks. Today, most formal retail outlets operate effectively within the parameters of prescribed health protocols and measures. However, for the
Basha Pillay, Modern Platform Business Unit Lead at Altron Karabina The retail environment has come under increasing pressure given both the challenging economic environment and increasingly sophisticated customers who are looking for an integrated digital experience. This requires a rethink on how best to create an enhanced customer experience while also improving operations from a
Developing customer relations through excellent service delivery is a key perquisite in the highly competitive Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry. Assessing whether sales and marketing activities are hitting the mark forms an integral part of short-and long-term customer retention strategies. Technology provides an important tool in the food and beverage industry’s efforts to manage, mobilise
SMEs can accept touchless payments from their smartphones at no additional hardware costs Game changing solution allows small and micro merchants to enter omni-channel commerce space Mastercard has launched a new low-cost payments solution that enables small business owners to move their businesses online and accept a range of digital payments from their customers. The
Shoprite has launched its new Money Market Account, a free transactional account to give customers more ways to save, send or spend their money. The Money Market Account is available on the new Shoprite app or USSD and its main benefits include: No monthly fees, no load fees, no transaction fees. No debit orders –
Bidvest Waltons and Karri, powered by Nedbank, are proud to announce their partnership to ensure a safe, simple and convenient Back To School experience for South Africa’s Learners, Parents and Teachers. Almost 30 years ago – Bidvest Waltons established the Back To School Stationery sales solution in which they partnered with schools to give parents
Local brands have had to adapt quickly to retail and customer-facing environments deeply affected by the coronavirus pandemic. In trying to balance their survival with safe practices, an overwhelming majority of businesses believe that customer behaviour will change in a post-pandemic world, and major disruption to supply chains has left many struggling to adapt. These
With the Covid-19 pandemic seriously limiting retail sales in physical stores, online sales are booming like never before in South Africa. Pioneering the way is the discount online grocery retailer eButler which aims to reach every sector of the South African marketplace including those in townships and rural areas. According to global forecasts and statisa.com, ecommerce
Africa’s leading money transfer and remittances provider Mukuru is launching a shopping discount initiative in which every SA-based Mukuru customer sending money home will gain access to R500 in grocery discounts. The discounts will be available on over 60 staple products (such as canned items, household cleaning products, maize meal, baby products, dairy products, etc.),
South Africans have had to adjust their promotion obsessed purchasing habits during the COVID-19 lockdown, with R14-Billion fewer goods being sold on promotion during April & May 2020 compared to the same time last year. The significance of this is evident, considering the fact that Nielsen research in 2019 found that South Africa was the
Shell customers are set to benefit from an enhanced customer care experience each time they drive into any of the over 150 Shell service stations countrywide. The development is a result of Vivo Energy’s recent launch of a customer service training facility, the Retail Academy, whose core mandate is to upskill its entire spectrum of
While an omnichannel approach has become the norm across most industries, forward-looking businesses are considering the next level to gain competitive advantage. According to Andrea Tucker, Research and Development Head at e4, to disrupt a market using omnichannel strategy businesses will need to turn to Artificial Intelligence (AI). “AI has become a tool that is
The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred unprecedented growth in ecommerce, accelerating local adoption rates by as many as three to five years. However, as online shopping continues to boom, many online retailers have struggled to cope with the demand and disruptions to their supply chains. As internet and mobile penetration increases, businesses will need to embrace
The V&A Waterfront is the first attraction in South Africa to adopt the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp, the world’s first ever global safety and hygiene stamp for Travel & Tourism, designed specifically to address COVID-19 and similar outbreaks The V&A joins an international list of 80 top travel destinations and
As businesses emerge from the sombre trenches of the past few months, eyes are on those who offer financially stressed consumers a silver lining and according to franchisee Rudolph van Zyl, Cash Crusaders is one of them. “Cash Crusaders stores will be able to meet an immediate post lockdown need,” says Rudolph, “and not only
The nature of South African shopping trips has shifted during the COVID-19 lockdown from an initial focus on bulk, stock up shopping to everyday needs shopping, which is up a significant 10 points from pre-COVID-19 levels, both online and offline. This data stems from a significant new Nielsen study ‘The New Shopper Normal’ conducted at
Ongoing innovation in PnP stores to make banking more accessible and convenient for all customers Customers can now make cash deposits directly into their own bank account at any Pick n Pay till point, anywhere in South Africa. Deposits at till points is another first for the retailer as they increasingly become a one-stop-shop where
By: Leon Coetzer, Managing Director UK of redPanda Software Retail sector investment into mobile apps and platforms has been accelerated by the global pandemic. There can be no doubt that the next era of retail success will be defined by the friction-free, or ultra-convenient, shopping experience. This will hold true for both the online and
Spur Corporation restaurants are ready to welcome customers from Monday, 29 June 2020, following the detailed regulations announced on Friday by the Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, relating to the operation of sit-down restaurants during advanced level 3 lockdown. It is important to note that each one of our restaurants is independently owned and operated,
Hima Cement and Jumia Uganda have announced an exciting Partnership which is aimed at driving flexibility and convenience for cement customers. Starting 1st July 2020, customers can now access the wide selection of Hima cement solutions on Jumia, Uganda’s number one e-commerce platform. The service starts in Kampala, Wakiso and Mukono, giving customers the chance
Computicket, which launched virtual grocery vouchers to help people in need during the Covid-19 pandemic, has sold almost 200 000 vouchers valued at over R50 million since the start of the lockdown. It is also live streaming events and partnering with SA Rugby to raffle tickets for Food Forward SA and Gift of the Givers. The ticket seller, whose
Schneider Electric’s line of APC uninterruptible power supply solutions are now available and on sale for both consumers and businesses in Algeria following an agreement between the company’s distributors and Jumia, the largest e-commerce platform in Africa. Jumia customers will be able to buy APC products online from the comfort of their home or their
Since Game’s inception in 1970, South Africa’s retail industry has continued to evolve – and retailers have had to do the same to remain relevant. “When Game entered the market, South Africa’s retail environment was already well-developed. Our founders had a mission to make shopping fun and exciting – essentially to make it a game.
South Africa’s top five fuel station brands – BP, Caltex, Engen, Sasol and Shell – are leading the way in the customer satisfaction stakes, with one of the highest industry Customer Satisfaction scores across 10 sectors polled in the South African Customer Satisfaction Index (SA-csi), conducted by Consulta. This is the first time that fuel
Study shows consumers worldwide opting for touch-free, secure and seamless ways to pay The way we shop is changing. With constraints imposed on our daily lives due to COVID-19, consumers are adopting new payment habits at an accelerated pace, according to a global study by Mastercard conducted in 15 markets. Consumers are increasingly moving away
Initiative comes as new study finds consumers are increasingly embracing ecommerce and digital payments over cash and cheque. Study finds consumers are considerably more cautious with 69% avoiding rush hour. Shopping habits transformed during COVID-19 with 69% of consumers only visiting shops for essentials, though 30% of consumers say that they still use cash on
Service workers can receive cashless tips directly to their card account, thanks to a new feature of the Way4 Tip Payments solution by OpenWay. Acquirers on OpenWay’s Way4 platform can introduce Way4 Tips Payments to restaurants, delivery services, taxis, hotels, and beauty salons – any service sector merchants whose customers often leave tips. According to
Apollo Brands Pty LTD (the official distributor of Under Armour in South Africa) launched their Ecommerce platform in South Africa on Monday the 8th June 2020. Amidst an ever-evolving retail landscape, the business pulled out all the stops to take the development head-on despite a global pandemic and stringent national shutdown laws. Timing could not
By Jaco van Jaarsveldt, Client Decision Analytics Officer at Experian South Africa South Africa moved to level three lockdown allowing more businesses to operate, essentially opening up the economy. However, the COVID-19 crisis and lockdown in South Africa has had a significant impact on most industries directly or indirectly. Further compounding this issue is the
Arcserve Southern Africa has revealed the results of research conducted by Arcserve, LLC, the world’s most experienced data and ransomware protection provider. The research aimed to measure how cybercrime influences purchasing behaviour and brand loyalty. It found that while most consumers are taking necessary security precautions to protect their online accounts, businesses may not be
The V&A Waterfront is partnering with one of South Africa’s leading Click and Collect service providers, to offer an alternative for shoppers who want to avoid possible exposure to COVID-19 by queuing in shops, but who still want to collect their own goods. The new Click and Collect Drive Through service will allow customers to
Consumers can now pay for services from thousands of small businesses, schools, and non-profit organisations by scanning a QR code with their mobile phone Leading payment solutions provider Netcash has collaborated with Mastercard to launch Quick Response (QR) code payments across its multi-channel billing platform, as part of its efforts to help Small and
By Gareth Hawkey, Group CEO of redPanda Software South Africa’s small but aspirational e-commerce sector has been ushered into sharp focus as a result of the entirely unexpected shock of Covid-19 and the resulting national lockdown. As consumers have turned to online offerings to avoid the need to travel and come into contact with others,
Easing of lockdown restrictions reflected in trends across retail categories; DIY and sportswear recover while growth in home office and electronics supplies levels off Global eCommerce sales continued to show strong growth in May, with certain sectors experiencing triple-digit year-on-year growth, according to an analysis by ACI Worldwide of hundreds of millions of eCommerce transactions from global
Delivering tastier, healthier and value to nutritional dairy products that benefit consumers whilst supporting the dairy industry; is one of the important pillars of Nestlé across the East and Southern Africa Region (ESAR). This was a view shared by the company as it marked today’s celebration of World Milk Day. Twenty years ago, the Food and Agriculture Organisation
