As our broadband networks expand, online shopping is becoming more accessible and popular in Africa. Here is a countdown of the top e-commerce websites in South Africa.
5. Takealot.com
Takealot launched a mere three years ago in 2011 and is one of the fastest growing ecommerce sites in Africa today with a large network of countrywide couriers and warehouses in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The website sells various products including books, DVDs, games and gadgets. In August Takealot announced that they will be retailing Google’s anticipated new eyewear product Google Glass which was launched in South Africa in the same month.
4. Groupon.co.za
Groupon launched in 2010 and affords buyers the opportunity to purchase goods, services and holidays at a reduced cost by providing a mass demand for the sellers. Groupon has since become a popular way for online shoppers to save money on desired purchases.
3. BidorBuy.co.za
Bid or Buy was founded in 1999. It is referred to as Africa’s largest marketplace and can be said to be the African eBay. The website allows users to buy and sell items at a fixed price or host online auctions. The website makes money from charging a sales commission of up to 5% on all successful sales and from listing fees on items such as property and automobiles.
2. Amazon.com
The international online retailer is gaining more popularity with reduced shipping costs and the wide variety of goods which would otherwise be unavailable to South Africans. The Fortune 100 company founded in 1994 is a big player in the international online retail market with annual revenues of over US$74 billion.
1. Kalahari.com
The Americans have the Amazon rainforest, we have the Kalahari Desert and in South Africa it reigns supreme. With around one million unique visitors per month, Kalahari is South Africa’s leading online retailer of goods such as books, electronics, DVDs and other items. The retailer offers free delivery on certain items and also provides the opportunity for users to sell their stuff on the platform.
Other notable mentions includes sites like Computicket.com, YuppieChef.com, PicknPay.co.za and Superbalist.com which are among the most popular websites to have gained the support of the growing market of online retailers in South Africa. Ecommerce grows by a steady 30-40% annually and with an industry value of over R500 billion, it promises to introduce more contenders in the market. This is excluding other categories of websites like South African tourism sites and News sites, which each have their own local and international followings.