E-commerce trends to watch in 2023
The explosion of ecommerce seen over the past few years is set to continue its upward trajectory well into 2023. "Customers' need for convenience has only accelerated in the wake of the pandemic," says Nerdware director Shiko Mamotheti. "Not only are households more...
SA brands can’t ignore Amazon, but some hard lessons from abroad can help
The launch of Amazon in South Africa next year continues to cause speculation in the market and, while the world's biggest digital marketplace remains tight-lipped about details, there are some surprising lessons to be learned from other global markets, all of which...
Consumers enforce their rights against online retailers
A sharp increase in consumer complaints about online shopping in 2020-21 reflects many retailers' inability to cope with the surge in demand during the Covid-19 pandemic, write Wendy Tembedza, partner, and Qaasim Ganey, candidate attorney from Webber Wentzel. The...
Cheaper and faster deliveries now possible
Warehousing hubs are enabling retailers, ecommerce and healthcare providers to provide cheaper and faster deliveries. Smart logistics technology provider Picup has partnered with Stor-Age Property to provide decentralised hubs in city centres around the country,...
Edgars expands delivery services with click and collect
Edgars, recently acquired by the Retailability group, is prioritising convenience for customers by partnering with last-mile logistics company Pargo for nationwide Click & Collect. The retail group is also adding over 100 of its own stores to the growing network...
Online retailers can include insurance in their customer journey
When smart insurance is offered at the point of purchase, it can be the missing factor retail businesses need to thrive. By the same token, policyholders are benefiting from the associated efficiencies and cost savings. Louw Hopley, CEO and co-founder of digital...
Partnership expands pickup point access in informal settlements
ICT company, Silulo Ulutho Technologies and smart logistics company, Pargo have teamed up in a partnership that aims to create access to those previously shunned from online shopping. Many South African consumers who reside in rural areas have previously been excluded...
Are big retailers ensuring online shopping drivers remain alcohol-free on the roads?
Whether on the road or in the workplace, alcohol testing is required by law for the safety of others. When the road is the workplace for businesses that contract drivers to collect, deliver or fulfil orders, it is essential that these companies ensure a strict alcohol...
Entersekt partners with Capitec Bank
Entersekt has announced that Capitec Bank has implemented its EMV 3-D Secure solution that boosts the security of e-commerce payments, while reducing friction for cardholders. Entersekt's solution leverages behavioural analytics from NuData Security, a Mastercard...
Achieving flexibility, agility and cost efficiency in the e-commerce era
E-commerce companies and platforms in South Africa experienced a rise in activity and profits triggered by Covid-19 lockdowns and social distancing restrictions in early 2020, while retailers and other businesses that had not previously developed an online presence...
In the convenience economy, online retailers must strive to be best in class
The past few years have sparked significant change in society and the global (and local) economy. By Karmany Reddy, head of strategy and marketing at Orderin Most businesses, where possible, transitioned to working remotely and quickly became the new norm for...
Chatbots could revolutionise retail and e-commerce
Considering that the retail industry is so competitive, a retailer's (in)ability to automate is often an indicator of their success or failure. By James Bayhack, sub-Saharan Africa director at CM.com And, even though retailers realise the importance of providing a...