retaillatest news & developments
Simbisa Brands, the Zimbabwe operator of Nando’s and Steers restaurants in that country raised revenues over the year to June 2026 by 20%, boosted by an 11% increased customer counts and higher average spending.
RETAIL

Tills chime for Zimbabwe Nando’s and Steers operator

Zimbabwe's Simbisa Brands increased total dividends for its 2026 financial year by 45% to R25.46 per share.

  • Tawanda Karombo
3 min read
Rex Trueform has a significant interest in the retailing of fine-quality women’s and men’s clothing and related accessories through its ownership of Queenspark.
RETAIL

Rex Trueform’s headline earnings fall 48.7% as refinancing talks continue

Rex Trueform reported a 48.7% decline in headline earnings per share for the year to 30 June 2026, while revenue increased and the group engaged lenders over borrowings maturing…

  • Edward West
2 min read
Spencer Sonn will join Pick n Pay as CEO-designate in February 2027, working alongside Sean Summers ahead of the planned leadership transition.
RETAIL

Pick n Pay appoints Spencer Sonn as CEO-designate

Africa Bitcoin Corporation says Warren Wheatley resigned on 21 September 2026, while interim CEO Stafford Masie remains in place as the board works on a permanent leadership…

  • Edward West
2 min read
One of many March and March protests through May and June 2026.
RETAIL

Businesses assess impact of 30 June anti-immigration protests

AVI and Sun Slots reported disrupted sales and trading after businesses and distributors prepared for unrest linked to South Africa’s June 30 anti-immigration protests. Analysts…

  • Tawanda Karombo
3 min read
Blind boxes are booming in South Africa, with sales at Toys R Us more than ten times higher than last year as consumers embrace collecting, surprise and social media driven discovery.
TOYS

Blind box boom: South Africans embrace mystery collectibles and unboxing culture

Blind-box sales are growing at Toys R Us South Africa as collectors chase rare finds, trade duplicates and share unboxing videos online.

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
Shoprite has opened its 100th store in the Western Cape in Lotus River, creating 35 new jobs and offering Halaal-certified Fresh departments, including a butchery.
SHOPRITE GROUP

Shoprite opens 100th Western Cape store with Halaal certified Fresh departments

Shoprite has opened its 100th store in the Western Cape in Lotus River, creating 35 new jobs and offering Halaal-certified Fresh departments, including a butchery.

  • Ashley Lechman
2 min read
Recent disputes involving guide dogs and service animals have exposed gaps in disability awareness among South African businesses, with experts warning that poor staff training could result in discrimination, legal consequences and reputational damage.
GUIDE DOG

South African businesses warned: service animal access is a legal responsibility, not a choice

Recent disputes involving guide dogs and service animals have exposed gaps in disability awareness among South African businesses, with experts warning that poor staff training…

  • Ashley Lechman
7 min read
Woolworths South Africa delivered solid turnover and concession sales growth of 5.4% in the 52 weeks to June 30, 2026. Trading momentum moderated to 4.1% in the second half, with particular weakness in the fourth quarter.
RETAIL

Woolworths online sales offsets slower demand

Woolworths Holdings reported 4.2% full-year turnover growth to R82.8 billion, supported by Food and online sales, while weaker consumer demand pressured its second-half…

  • Tawanda Karombo
3 min read
Smart shopping in action: bypass eye-level marketing traps by looking up and down the shelves to find true value.
SHOPPING

The supermarket trap: Science-backed tricks shaping your grocery bill

Why are bread and milk always at the back of the store? Retailers force you past high-margin temptations just to grab the basics.

  • Alyssia Birjalal
6 min read
Shoprite Group's South African grocery stores were the top performers during the 2026 financial year. It said the SA stores segment added R15.2 billion in sales for the year, higher by 7.1% at R228.7bn compared to the previous year.
RETAIL
Breaking News

Shoprite lifts full-year dividend 11.8% as sales rise in a tight consumer economy

Shoprite reported a 12.5% increase in adjusted headline earnings per share to R15.79 for the year ended 28 June, while group sales rose 7.1% and the full-year dividend increased…

  • Twanda Karombo
3 min read
Discover how Pick n Pay is transforming grocery shopping in South Africa with its innovative Pick n Pay Inspire feature, integrating social commerce and AI to enhance the shopping experience.
PICK N PAY

How Pick n Pay is integrating AI and social commerce into grocery shopping

Discover how Pick n Pay is transforming grocery shopping in South Africa with its innovative Pick n Pay Inspire feature, integrating social commerce and AI to enhance the…

  • Ashley Lechman
3 min read
e-commerce
E COMMERCE

South Africa's e-commerce boom is hiding a profit crisis

"As South Africa's e-commerce sector is set to surpass R130 billion, the industry faces a hidden crisis: shrinking profit margins that threaten sustainability.

  • Angus LePine Williams
4 min read
With household finances under pressure, South African consumers are increasingly using AI to research products, compare prices and assess whether brands are delivering genuine value.
AI

South African shoppers using AI to get more value

Amid rising living costs, South African consumers are turning to AI to make smarter shopping decisions, but are brands keeping up with their expectations?

  • Ashley Lechman
5 min read
Various stakeholders led by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications conducted three-day high-impact surprise raids this week in the Joburg CBD to seize unsafe goods and hold non-compliant traders accountable.
ILLICIT ECONOMY

Why surprise raids alone can't dent illicit goods market in South Africa

Illicit markets in South Africa are costing the economy billions annually.

  • Rapula Moatshe
4 min read
Spur Corporation opened 42 restaurants and closed 14 in South Africa during the year to June 30, 2026, bringing its total outlets encompass 751 restaurants across 14 countries that include Zimbabwe, Namibia, Nigeria and Mauritius among others. In South Africa,
RETAIL

Spur Corp earnings plunge 38.4% after provision for rib-processing litigation

Spur Corporation experiences a 38.4% drop in earnings due to litigation costs, but reports growth in franchise turnover and remains optimistic about future expansion

  • Tawanda Karombo
3 min read