Amazon continues to try to lure local consumers to its SA e-commerce unit, announcing a new storefront that features products from a list of chosen local businesses.
Amazon.co.za has launched Shop Mzansi, a curated storefront on the platform “showcasing unique local products that reflect SA’s rich and diverse cultures”.
The US company said the portal features thousands of products across different categories — including toys, home and kitchen appliances, outdoor and braai, baby, luggage, and beauty — “making it easier than ever for millions of customers to find products from local small businesses in SA”.
Amazon officially opened its SA unit in May, marking a pivotal moment for the country’s e-commerce sector, and launching an onslaught against major retailers in the R1.3-trillion market.
Even with the deep pockets of the world largest online retailer behind it, Amazon.co.za faces stiff competition from established local players like Takealot online, and traditional operators such as TFG, Mr Price, Shoprite, while also feeling the heat from China’s Shein and Temu.
Underperformance in the face of this onslaught of competition is part of the reason Naspers-owned Takealot recently sold off its clothing unit, Superbalist.
According to a report by World Wide Worx, compiled in partnership with Peach Payments, Mastercard and AskAfrica, the local e-commerce sector is approaching R71bn in sales. It is expected to account for 10% of total retail sales by 2025.
“Shop Mzansi showcases more than 160 brands from new, emerging, and established SA businesses, each with their own unique story,” said Robert Koen, Amazon MD of Sub-Saharan Africa.
“SA’s entrepreneurial spirit is undeniable and we are thrilled to provide a dedicated online store that provides opportunities to support the growth of small businesses so they can thrive in our economy.”
He said the launch was a continuation of the company's promise to “continually invest and innovate on behalf of our customers, while providing independent sellers with customer reach and the tools and services needed to grow”.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.