In the face of rising food, fuel and electricity prices, recent Walmart acquisition OneCart has unveiled a revolutionary new shopping app that allows customers to instantly compare pricing between multiple retail stores. They can then place an order from as many stores as they’d like, and have their curated basket delivered in a single transaction,
In an African retail first, Checkers has launched Xtra Savings Plus, a monthly subscription offering unlimited free Sixty60 grocery deliveries, even more personalised offers and an additional in-store discount. After a successful beta trial with customers, the subscription offer is now being made available to all its consumers, at the same price of only R99
The ‘Retail Store of the Future’ is no longer a distant concept. With the integration of cutting-edge technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID), digital advancements and data science, it’s already a reality. To be at the forefront of this evolution, the synergy between business and technology is critical. Technology and business should not
Unified Payments (UP), Nigeria’s premier financial technology service provider, has successfully launched its e-commerce gateway services built on the new state of the art payment gateway platform from Compass Plus Technologies. The strategic move further strengthens the 18-year partnership between the two technology titans and has enabled UP to become the first institution in the
Started by 4 friends with the goal of enabling more South Africans to access premium products and technology, Rentoza has become the country’s first pure play subscription model for digital goods and appliances. Their bold mission to democratize and dematerialize ownership of technology devices and appliances has enabled them to secure R 18m in finance
Global cloud communications platform Infobip has partnered with Spryker, a leading composable commerce platform for sophisticated use cases in B2B Commerce, Enterprise Marketplaces, and Thing Commerce. The collaboration aims to help businesses deliver more personalized shopping experiences, optimize customer engagement, and drive revenue growth. In today’s fast-paced digital world, consumers crave conversational experiences with their
By Clive Roberts, Segment Lead: CPG – Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric Africa is home to one of the world’s fastest growing populations, reaching a projected 2.5 billion people 2050. It is also this demographic advantage translates into a vast consumer base that is youthful, aspirational, and urban-centric. As a result, the demand for diverse
From surviving to thriving in the post-COVID world, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Africa are optimistic about 2023 revenue projections. These are the findings of the second edition of the Mastercard Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA) SME Confidence Index. The 2021 inaugural SME Confidence Index delved into the impact of the pandemic
Selected Pick n Pay formats are ushering in a new era of shopping convenience and affordability with the launch of PayJustNow, one of the fastest-growing Buy Now Pay Later providers in South Africa. PayJustNow empowers customers to split payments into three convenient instalments – through a completely digital application process – which is free of
By Nikki Quinn, retail lead for South Africa at GfK – an NIQ company South African consumers face a difficult economic environment, characterised by high inflation, low economic growth and persistent load shedding. These challenges have helped to exacerbate the already wide divide between different population groups, making it more important than ever for brands
The latest findings from NIQ’s State of the Retail Nation analysis for Quarter 2, 2023, based on its comprehensive *Retail Measurement Service (RMS) shows that South Africa’s FMCG sector has achieved R621-Billion in annual sales in 2023 reflecting a 13.5% increase. These results unfold against the backdrop of continued global inflation, which has reached record
Spurred on by unpredictable market trends, changing customer behaviours, and the rise of e-commerce, businesses are having to redefine their operations. One industry in particular feeling the weight of this change is retail. Research from the PWC Global Consumer Insights Survey shows that 28% of South African in-store shoppers are bothered by stock shortages while
With petrol prices set to soar, now’s the moment to make your money go the extra mile. Makro has partnered with Unilever to help South Africans get their favourite products for the best possible prices, until the end of September. Additionally, Makro, South Africa’s one-stop-shop for affordability and convenience, is running a competition to make
The Argility Technology Group (ATG) – this year celebrating forty-five years of operations and latterly owned by Smollan, has a new CEO. Tanya Long takes over the role from Marko Salic who now moves to the position of Chief Data Officer (CDO) for the Smollan Data & Technology cluster and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for
In the dynamic business landscape, growing enterprises encounter an escalating array of challenges that demand innovative solutions. Amplifin recognises that as businesses expand, their concerns multiply – from financial intricacies to operational complexities. The organisation understands that these enterprises require access to cutting-edge technologies, akin to those embraced by larger corporations, but without the financial
By Peter Ludi, MD Solutions at redPanda Software In the wake of the rapidly evolving digital landscape, retailers are continuously confronted with a myriad of software solutions. Implementing these systems often requires a considerable investment of resources, frequently resulting in a patchwork of fragmented systems and siloed operations. One can only browse through recent media
It is with profound sadness that we announce the death at the age of 92 of visionary South African, and founder of Pick n Pay, Raymond Ackerman. He is survived by his wife, Wendy, children Gareth, Kathy, Suzanne, and Jonathan, his 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Raymond Ackerman founded Pick n Pay in 1967 along
Famous for its artisan cheeses, its wine, and well, its adorable goats and their residential Goat Tower, Fairview has now launched a plant-based range of cheeses and ice cream too. Fairview has built its reputation as a business that is rooted in family and heritage, and the new plant-based range tells a story of how
It can be a slippery slope – loadshedding, the economy, post-pandemic aftershocks, communities facing hardships and even the chill of winter. However, as we ease into spring the retail pendulum is shifting as an optimistic breeze starts blowing in South Africa (SA). Joanne Gould CEO, Smollan South Africa plugs in to this renewed energy, highlighting
South Africans who have a Luno wallet will be able to pay at Pick n Pay with crypto in one easy step by simply scanning a QR code. Crypto payments have been available at over 1 500 Pick n Pay stores since February 2023. But the payment process required customers to download two apps to
In terms of paragraph 3.59 of the Listings Requirements of the JSE Limited, Famous Brands is pleased to advise shareholders that Mr William Mzimba has been appointed as an independent non-executive director to the board of directors of Famous Brands (“the Board”) with effect from 1 October 2023. William, who holds an MBA, BA (Hons)
By Pieter Engelbrecht, Chief Executive Officer In many aspects our 2023 year was extraordinary. The Group gained record levels of market share, saved customers over R13.5 billion in Xtra Savings and still managed to increase profits and dividends, despite the prohibitive cost to the business as a result of unprecedented levels of load-shedding. Sales growth
Most of us have engaged in eCommerce one way or another and are likely to frequent our tried and tested online providers for years to come. We can navigate B2C eCommerce comfortably and enjoy the ease of finding great products, seamless services, and fast delivery. In fact, the eCommerce user experience (UX) continues to get
With the holiday season fast approaching, many businesses are working on gift lists and incentives to thank employees and reward loyal clients. And while the reliable (if somewhat boring) box of chocolates is still appreciated by some, what better way to thank someone than to let them choose their own perfect gift? That’s just one
For over five decades, Spur Steak Ranches has been committed to meeting the changing needs of its customers. Spur’s iconic restaurants are getting a refreshed look, promising new experiences, and allowing for even greater moments of joy. The brand concept will be showcased at a pilot site in the Vaal Mall, Vanderbijlpark on 1 September
Woolworths Holdings Limited (WHL) has announced strong full-year results for the 52 weeks ended 25 June 2023. HIGHLIGHTS Turnover up 7% to R85.7 billion Profit before tax up 29.5% to R6.7 billion Adjusted diluted headline earnings per share up 35.6% to 508.3cps Total dividend declared up 36.4% to 313.0cps Return on capital employed up 6.7
Helping companies deliver excellent customer service has been at the heart of 1Stream since the business was launched 15 years ago. While much has changed over the last decade and a half, the essence of what makes 1Stream Southern Africa’s leading CRM and cloud-based contact centre provider remains the same: a commitment to delivering leading-edge,
Vivo Energy Uganda, the company that distributes and markets Shell-branded fuels and lubricants in Uganda, is thrilled to announce the addition of ten new Shell fuel stations to its network. The newly opened fuel stations are Shell Ndagire Road, Shell Nabweru, Shell Rushere, Shell Mayuge, Shell Zana Shell Nakiyanja, Shell Kira Mulawa, Shell Mityana Highway,
More than 2,500 people took part in the 2023 SPAR Zimbabwe Rainbow Run, which raised $20,000 for two of its long-time charity partners Childline and Zimbabwe National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Zimbabweans of all ages and walks of life came together to take part in the SPAR Zimbabwe Rainbow Run. More
As the world’s population continues on its course to reach 10 billion people by 2050, investments in sustainable food retail and storage are urgently needed to ensure we are able to feed the growing number of people on the planet. The pressure is growing, both on energy demand and costs, and on the need to
To align with Woolworths’ vision of achieving ZERO packaging waste to landfill and its commitment to environmentally friendly practices, the retailer has made a significant investment in eco mannequins. These eco mannequins have been deployed in the newly launched WEdit stores and a selection of eco ‘plus size’ mannequins have been introduced into 80 selected
Spur Corporation overcame mounting pressure on consumer spending to deliver a resilient trading performance in the year to June 2023 as franchised restaurant turnover grew 23.0% to R9.5 billion and revenue increased by 27.4% to pass the R3.0 billion mark. Headline earnings increased by 75.9% to R213 million. The group increased sales in retail company
Leading tech and financial gateway service provider PAYM8, announced the expansion of its e-commerce offering. This comes in response to the South African e-commerce market’s projected growth of 11.89% in the next five years, reaching a market volume of US$9.97 billion, roughly R75 billion, by 2027. As consumers increasingly value the convenience, time savings, and
As of August 2023, Shoprite customers will now be able to purchase non-food items using leading digital credit provider, Mobicred. The fully digitised system will give shoppers access to credit offerings via their Money Market accounts, enabling them to pay off higher ticket items over a period of up to 12 months. Commenting on this
By Gerhard Nortjé, MD of redPanda Software Data has emerged as a vital asset for businesses looking to gain a competitive edge. The ability to leverage customer and operational data has become crucial in shaping the customer experience and driving sales. Data has the potential to revolutionise retail if used effectively. Personalisation It all begins
Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) and Murang’a County have signed a partnership that will see KBL support farmers growing sorghum in the area. This is part of the efforts by the alcohol manufacturer to empower communities through gainful employment as well as contribute to the shared growth of KBL. Speaking during the official signing ceremony at
The Board of Directors of Vivo Energy Mauritius Limited (“the Company”) hereby announces, pending the fulfillment of requisite formalities, the appointment of Mr. Fouad Khfifi as the Managing Director of Vivo Energy Mauritius Ltd, effective from the 1st of September 2023. Mr. Khfifi will assume this pivotal role, succeeding the incumbent Managing Director, Mr. Matthias
By Johan du Toit, Strategic Sales Executive for SYSPRO Africa Simply put, consumers must be able to trust the food they buy. Quality control issues can easily and quickly lead to consumer dissatisfaction and negative sentiment towards a brand or product line. They may also lead to a costly product recall, or in the worst-case
As e-commerce grows globally with online shopper numbers expected to continue to increase by 18 percent annually in Africa, a report by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) projects that such growth could be higher if we invest in the women entrepreneurs on e-commerce platforms. The industry presents South Africa with a clear opportunity for women
By Nevo Hadas, Partner at DYDX Smartfill Packaging costs can contribute significantly to the overall price of products and services, with estimates suggesting that it can account for up to 40% of the total cost, although some products may see as low as 10%. However, groundbreaking experiments conducted in Tembisa by retailing services powerhouses Smollan
The Board of Directors of the Cape Union Mart Group this week announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, Mike Elliott. Elliot brings almost 30 years of retail experience, having held various senior leadership roles in retailers like Edgars, Sunglass Hut, Luxottica and Naartjie. “As we celebrate our 90th birthday with Mike at
Vivo Energy Rwanda has announced the grand opening of its latest service station, “KICUKIRO 250,” situated in Niboye sector. The inauguration took place on Wednesday, 2 August, 2023, at 3:00 PM, as part of Vivo Energy’s strategic growth agenda. Strategically located in a thriving area, “KICUKIRO 250” connects various high-potential zones encompassing commercial, residential, and
Consistently growing in popularity, the SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi has witnessed a surge in participants in recent years. It provides an opportunity for women of all ages, fitness levels and backgrounds to participate over 10km or 5km distances. The event also forms part of the SPAR Grand Prix series, in what is expected to be
With waste being increasingly recognised as a serious issue in many cities around the world, SPAR volunteers roll up their sleeves and undertake community clean-ups. Not properly disposed or recycled waste pose a great threat to the environment, animals and humans, with decomposing waste impacting both the soil and animal habitats. Furthermore, significant volumes of
Attention all shopping enthusiasts! Get ready to experience your favourite retail destination in a whole new way! Somerset Mall, located in the heart of the picturesque Helderberg region in the Western Cape, understands the need to continually evolve and enhance the shopping environment. This inspired the mall to embark on an ambitious redevelopment project. Brace
The Traditional Trade sector in South Africa has experienced an impressive post COVID-19 resurgence, reaching new heights in total FMCG sales (incl Liquor & Tobacco) in 2023 according to the latest NIQ South Africa analysis. The sector achieved R187-Billion in annual spend in the 12 months up to the end of June 2023 compared to
Have you ever heard the saying: “Good customer service costs less than bad customer service”? This is particularly true today because modern customers aren’t afraid to share a negative experience and they have plenty of options when looking for places to do so. Here’s where the right ERP solution can help. When retailers deploy an
You’ll be hard pressed surfing news sites without reading about the age of AI and the rise of the bots. While the impact of AI on our lives is debated, the jury is in on AI in contact centres and the verdict is unanimous. AI is transforming contact centres in profoundly positive ways. Here are
Massmart, in its bid to become the leading retail and wholesale eCommerce destination in South Africa, is reaping the benefits of re-setting and upgrading its online order fulfilment infrastructure. This started with creating a centralised eCommerce Pickup & Delivery capability comprising approximately 60 specialists across functions which include eCommerce Operations, Customer Operations and Inventory Optimisation.
By Peter Ludi, MD Solutions at redPanda Software In the wake of the rapidly evolving digital landscape, retailers are continuously confronted with a myriad of software solutions. Implementing these systems often requires a considerable investment of resources, frequently resulting in a patchwork of fragmented systems and siloed operations. One can only browse through recent media
