Amazon online shopping comes to South Africa

Amazon’s entry into the African market could not have come at a better time given the continent’s embrace of online shopping, partly owing to the pandemic in 2020, as seen in the newspaper; the East African.

Amazon.co.za will provide same-day and next-day delivery from over 3,000 collection stations. Customers will receive free delivery on their first order, followed by free delivery on future orders above 500 rand ($27.07), according to a statement.

Amazon would offer goods from 20 different categories. It would also make products from international and local vendors available on its platform.

Over 60% of the things sold in Amazon shops worldwide come from independent sellers, the bulk of which are small and medium-sized enterprises.

“Building a strong relationship with South African brands and businesses is incredibly important to us. We want Amazon.co.za to be the place where they can reach millions of customers,” the managing director of Amazon Sub-Saharan Africa, Robert Koen, stated.

The East African also noted that the International fast fashion e-commerce shops Shein and Temu have also drawn attention to South Africa’s expanding and changing retail industry. Their quick ascent is fueled by strong demand for their affordable clothing. Temu made its debut in the nation early this year.

With the increase in internet access and smartphone usage in the nation, retailers are also increasing their spending on e-commerce.