South Africa's retail sector is in the midst of a significant digital revolution, led by remarkable growth in both the apparel and grocery shopping sectors, according to a new report . Recent financial reports from the countrys leading retailers paint a clear picture: online channels are no longer a minor part of their business but have become primary engines of revenue growth. This transformative shift signals a fundamental change in consumer behaviour and corporate strategy, with e-commerce on track to account for nearly 10 per cent of all retail sales by the end of 2025.
The story is particularly dynamic in the grocery sector, where on-demand shopping apps have become a staple for consumers. Shoprite's interim FY2025 results highlighted the extraordinary pace of this transformation, with digital sales through Checkers Sixty60 surging by 47.1 per cent for the half year. This remarkable growth rate translated into approximately USD 1 billion in sales, a figure that was unimaginable for on-demand grocery just a few years ago.
Supermarket chain Pick n Pay reported a 60.6 per cent increase in its online sales for FY2024, driven by strong momentum in its on-demand and scheduled delivery platforms. The fierce competition between these two retail giants is a clear sign that on-demand delivery has moved from an experimental service to a critical driver of sustained revenue growth.
