Tag: Retail

New index categorically shows Black Friday is the single-biggest retail bonanza of the holiday period

This article highlights the findings of South Africa’s first formal Black Friday Index, showcasing that Black Friday to Cyber Monday remains the most lucrative retail period of the year. The index, based on data from Ecentric Payment Solutions and World Wide Worx, reveals substantial transaction and revenue growth, with online and in-store retail seeing significant surges. Key insights emphasize the continued dominance of e-commerce, the resurgence of in-store shopping, and the necessity for omnichannel integration and data-driven strategies for future success in the retail sector.

Omnichannel retail in 2025: The boundaries between digital and physical shopping continue to crumble

As the retail landscape evolves in 2025, the boundaries between digital and physical shopping are increasingly merging, creating a truly omnichannel experience. Retailers in South Africa must adapt to trends such as data-driven strategies, the rise of retail media networks (RMNs), and the rapid growth of marketplaces like Takealot and international platforms like Amazon. With the advent of AI and social commerce, retailers have new opportunities to innovate and personalize the customer journey. As competition intensifies, delivering a seamless, personalized experience across all channels is crucial for success in this interconnected environment.

Is cash dead? If your answer is yes you’re missing the point… and millions of customers

Is cash truly dead? With the rapid rise of fintech innovations and digital payment solutions, one might think so. Yet, despite the digital revolution sweeping across African societies, cash remains very much alive—and for millions, it is still the preferred way to transact. In the article, Cat Denoon-Stevens, Head of Product Incubation at Mukuru, discusses how cash remains an essential element of financial inclusion for millions. Fintechs must embrace this reality, offering flexible solutions that meet customers where they are—whether in the physical or digital realm.

3 strategies to maximise your Return On Ad Spend this retail season

Daniel Levy, Co-Founder of ad and data-tech platform Flow, believes the answer to staying competitive lies in first-party data. By harnessing the power of data already at their fingertips, local retailers can target customers more precisely and get the most out of their marketing budget. Levy, alongside experts like Woolworths’ Zack Nossel, reveals how brands can use data-driven insights to create hyper-targeted offers and boost sales in the weeks ahead.