Shoprite Holdings has launched an online platform focusing on bulk shopping for small businesses. This new online platform enables small business owne
Shoprite Holdings has launched an online platform focusing on bulk shopping for small businesses. This new online platform enables small business owners to browse and order a wide range of products at competitive wholesale prices.
The platform also offers free delivery within a 50km radius, helping reduce transportation costs—a major challenge for spaza shops and other informal retailers. By easing the burdens of logistics and supply, Shoprite aims to empower small businesses with improved cash flow management and consistent stock access.
User-friendly features
Mark Cotton, Shoprite Group’s head of B2B eCommerce, emphasizes that the platform is tailored to the needs of small retailers, with user-friendly features like saved orders for repeat purchases and flexible payment options, including EFTs, cash, and Shoprite’s Money Market Account.
This launch follows a recent surge in South African e-commerce, with a 29% growth rate in 2023. A report by World Wide Worx, Mastercard, Peach Payments, and Ask Afrika projects the sector to surpass R100 billion (US$5.4 billion) by 2026. The timing of Shoprite’s launch aligns with Amazon’s entry into the South African market, signaling increased competition in digital retail alongside local giants like Makro and Takealot.
Shoprite’s digital platform is expected to be a valuable tool for South Africa’s informal sector, streamlining access to essential goods for small businesses and reinforcing the company’s dedication to adapting to market demands while supporting small enterprises in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.