Tag: online shopping

The rise in South Africa’s e-commerce market is not slowing down following its sharp uptake during the Great Pandemic of 2020. Intelligent tech powers transport systems that support this growth, streamlining how goods are stored, moved and delivered. What was once seen as a nice-to-have is proving to be an increasingly central shopping channel for South Africans.

Online shopping may be convenient, but there are pitfalls for the unwary consumer. This is especially true when transacting with online platforms that host third-party suppliers, commonly referred to as a ‘marketplace’. Fortunately, the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA) provides some protection against poor online trading practices. This protection is important for buyers.

The findings of PwC’s inaugural Voice of the Consumer Survey highlight changing attitudes toward responsibly sourced and eco-friendly goods. Released in May 2024, the findings are based on 15 years of research and insights from over 20,000 shoppers in 31 countries. 46% of respondents reported buying more sustainable products to reduce their personal environmental impact. These evolving attitudes have caught the attention of South African e-commerce businesses, given the growth of online shopping.

As Black Friday approaches, millions of consumers prepare for one of the busiest shopping days of the year. The excitement of discounts and limited-time deals drives online shopping. However, this also creates an opportunity for cybercriminals to exploit the surge in activity.

It is no secret to everyday consumers and industry professionals that South Africa’s retail industry has faced many obstacles throughout the years. Between the rise in load shedding hours, the extended economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, poor infrastructure, inflation, constrained consumer spending and unemployment, SA’s retail giants have certainly had to overcome some tough challenges.

Digital advertising in South Africa is on the rise, driven by business-oriented trends. The annual report, conducted in partnership with PwC, seeks to accurately measure the total revenue generated by domestic online media, including mobile advertising. While we have witnessed how the digital ecosystem has become a lot more creative, driving performance and connecting with audiences to build trust, the power of generative artificial intelligence (AI), retail media and social communities continue to provide opportunities for marketers and business growth alike.

E-commerce, e-tail or online shopping – whatever you call it, its adoption among South Africans has almost reached ubiquity, sitting steady at 6% of the total retail pie (on and offline purchasing), with 86% of online consumers (49% of which have a household income of less than R10,000.00 per month) reporting that they have purchased online. This is according to the sixth annual South African Customer Experience Report.

Online shopping is prevalent due to the ease and convenience with which consumers can purchase goods or services. Consumer decisions to purchase branded goods or services range from the repute of the brand and whether there is an event taking place which is endorsed by or associated with the brand for example a major sporting event, to customer reviews.

Let’s not pretend! Times are tough! A flailing economy, escalating costs, load shedding, geopolitical tensions and elections coming up in 2024 - to name a few challenges. So how do we keep our heads down and our businesses afloat? Often, the same strategies that help achieve success during ‘easier’ years still largely apply – albeit with a heightened focus.

Consumers in South Africa are under immense pressure with a cascade of bad news resulting in increased prices at the till. Producer Price Inflation continues to rise, with the latest figures showing an increase from August’s 4.3% to 5.1% in September: things are going to keep becoming more expensive following higher fuel prices, a high lending rate to try to keep inflation in check and a weak, volatile Rand. Despite this, retailers have to sell goods and consumers need to buy goods.