Shoprite, South Africa’s leading supermarket chain, is making a bold move in the online shopping arena. The company announced today that its upscale brand, Checkers, will now allow customers to purchase general merchandise alongside groceries on its on-demand delivery app, Sixty60. This move is set to stir the pot in the country’s rapidly growing e-commerce market.
Why It Matters
The COVID-19 pandemic has fueled a surge in online shopping in South Africa, presenting a golden opportunity for retailers to expand their digital reach. Shoprite, recognizing this trend, is doubling down on its e-commerce investments to grab a larger slice of the online market pie.
Checkers has a history of being a trendsetter in South Africa’s grocery retail landscape. They were the first to launch an on-demand delivery service, leaving competitors like Pick n Pay, SPAR, and Woolworths scrambling to catch up. Now, Checkers is raising the bar yet again by offering a wider selection of products beyond just groceries.
More Than Just Groceries: A Shopping Revolution
With the new Sixty60 app, customers can now shop for over 10,000 general merchandise items, including:
- Camping and outdoor gear
- Small appliances
- Kitchen and home electronics
- Gardening equipment
The best part? These items can be delivered within a one-hour window on the same day they’re ordered.
What They Are Saying
Shoprite is confident that this expansion of Sixty60 will disrupt the online retail landscape in South Africa. They’re currently beta testing the new app features and have invested in a fleet of delivery vans specifically designed to handle these larger items. This is a significant shift from their typical motorbike deliveries for groceries.
“We’re confident that the next iteration of Sixty60 will again disrupt online retail in South Africa,” Neil Schreuder, Chief of Strategy and Innovation for the Shoprite Group said.
Shoprite said it is beta testing the new version of its app and has introduced a fleet of delivery vans to deliver the larger products. It usually delivers grocery items by motorbike.”
The launch of the expanded Sixty60 app pits Checkers directly against South Africa’s e-commerce giant, Takealot.com, which primarily focuses on general merchandise. Additionally, Amazon’s recent entry into the South African market adds another layer of competition.
Bottom Line
Shoppers in Cape Town will be the first to experience the new Sixty60 features. The rollout is expected to expand nationwide soon, offering consumers greater convenience and a wider selection of products at their fingertips. This move by Shoprite is sure to shake things up in South Africa’s e-commerce space, ultimately benefiting consumers with more choices and potentially faster delivery times.
