Apple’s Premium partner Istore has launched an automated one-hour delivery service for Apple devices in select urban areas in SA, alongside same-day delivery and 30-minute click-and-collect options nationwide, setting new standards for speed and efficiency in the retail sector.
The one-hour delivery service is available in Sandton, Johannesburg, the City Bowl in Cape Town, and Umhlanga in Durban. For Pretoria, Bloemfontein, and Gqeberha, the retailer offers same-day delivery at no additional cost.
Customers can also schedule deliveries at their convenience during checkout, making it ideal for both urgent and planned purchases, Istore said.
“SA customers have come to expect quick deliveries for groceries and fast food, but the idea of receiving a newly purchased Iphone in under an hour is truly ground-breaking, even by global standards. No other Apple retailer, not even in the US, can match this level of speed," said CEO Chris Dodd.
Istore attributes its speed to its partnership with IT solutions company Xpand and its state-of-the-art Johannesburg distribution centre.
“This system is highly compact and powered by advanced robotics and machine learning, allowing us to operate at a fraction of the space and cost traditionally required. It can even run autonomously 24/7, further boosting efficiency and security,” said Dodd.
“This level of automation is unmatched in the local logistics space and provides us with the flexibility to eventually establish more distributed, smaller fulfilment centres in key areas around the country.”
Istore’s advanced setup enables it to process 50% of online orders directly from its physical stores, streamlining operations and reducing delivery times further. The retailer said it has also introduced a 30-minute click-and-collect service at all its stores to ensure immediate access to Apple products and enhance convenience for tech-savvy shoppers.
“Customers also benefit from free delivery on all orders, without a minimum purchase threshold. We want every customer to enjoy hassle-free, fast delivery without needing to fill up their cart. From urgent phone replacements to essential accessories, our approach is designed for both flexibility and customer satisfaction,” Dodd said.
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