PICTURE: PEXELS/ ONLINE SHOPPING
Takealot remains the undisputed leader in South Africa’s online retail scene, despite the rising presence of international platforms like Temu and Shein, according to a recent consumer survey.
In a survey conducted by Media24 with Temu, 89% of South African online shoppers reported using Takealot, making it the top e-commerce platform in the country. Temu followed at 40%, while Shein secured 39%, Superbalist 30% and Bash from TFG captured 24%. This survey, which was based on nearly 1 800 responses from South African consumers, also revealed interesting insights into the growing local e-commerce market.
While Takealot dominates in terms of usage, the survey highlights that Temu is quickly gaining traction, offering competitive prices and appealing value for money.
However, shoppers on Temu reported mixed opinions about the quality of items, rating it as ‘average.’ Temu’s value proposition, despite this, still positions it as a strong contender among local platforms.
Price sensitivity is a prominent feature in South African online shopping, with many consumers prioritising affordability and convenience. An increasing number of shoppers – 64% – are now purchasing more online than a year ago.
Groceries, electronics, and apparel dominate online shopping carts, with clothing and footwear being the most popular choice at 62%. Temu’s shoppers, in particular, favour clothing, with 63% listing it as their go-to category.
When it comes to grocery shopping, platforms like Checkers Sixty60 and Pick n Pay’s ASAP! rank highly, with Checkers leading the pack. Temu also saw solid engagement in groceries, with 49% of all respondents buying food online.
However, there are areas where Temu could improve. Consumers pointed to issues like hidden fees – especially import duties and delivery charges – as significant pain points.
Transparency around pricing is key to gaining more trust from hesitant shoppers. Despite these concerns, Temu’s appeal continues to grow, driven by its competitive pricing and broad product range.
As online shopping continues to expand in South Africa, it seems that Takealot will maintain its lead, but the competition is intensifying as platforms like Temu refine their offerings.
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First published by Cape Town etc
Compiled by Aiden Daries
Also see: Explore safe online shopping ahead of Black Friday
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