Checkers Little Shop minis sell out, leaving shoppers in a frenzy

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Shoppers across South Africa were disappointed as the Checkers Little Shop mini collectables sold out. The promotion, launched on 23 September, offered one free mini for every R200 spent at Checkers, Checkers Hyper, Checkers Foods, and Checkers Sixty60. Just six weeks later, fans struggled to complete their collections, with many reporting that stores had run out of stock and the Checkers Sixty60 app no longer offered the minis.

The return of the Little Shop minis

Checkers launched the Little Shop promotion in 2016, quickly becoming a hit with shoppers. After two successful campaigns, the third edition launched in September with a new set of 44 miniatures, sparking excitement. The promotion aimed to meet the high demand for the collectables, which have become a beloved tradition among South African families.

This year’s minis were made from 100% recycled plastic and featured glow-in-the-dark, scratch-and-sniff, and sparkle effects. The pink Discovery Vitality trolley emerged as the most sought-after item. Shoprite Holdings explained that the eco-friendly minis were crafted from recycled materials like washing machines, refrigerators, and water bottles, reflecting the company’s commitment to sustainability. Despite the efforts to meet demand, the minis sold out quickly.

Growing frustration as stock runs out

Demand for the Little Shop minis soared, prompting shoppers to flock to social media and WhatsApp groups to share tips on where to find stock. Many customers were told at checkout that the minis were out of stock, while others found their Sixty60 orders unavailable. Fans have turned to Facebook Marketplace, where items like the Checkers mini trolley were listed for up to R1,000.

Shoprite Holdings confirmed to The Citizen that all stores had run out of the popular collectables. With the promotion nearing its end, many are wondering if Checkers will bring back the minis in the future or if the craze will fade away.

The evolution of the Little Shop minis

Since its debut in 2016, Checkers has continually updated the Little Shop minis. The third edition featured 44 miniatures, including South African favourites like Oros, All Gold, Sunlight, and Kit Kat, plus fun items like a mini air fryer and a Scania truck.

This year’s minis included interactive features, such as scratch-and-sniff scents for Jacobs coffee and a temperature display on the mini air fryer. Shoppers could also decorate the Scania truck with stickers or scan QR codes to shop on Sixty60 or learn more about Little Shop products. A special collector’s case allowed fans to display their minis, enhancing the overall appeal.

Collectors turn to resale markets

The craze created a secondary market where locals sold their minis, particularly on Facebook Marketplace. Popular items like the Checkers mini trolley were listed for R500 to R1,000, depending on rarity and condition. Some collectors paid premium prices to complete their sets.

In addition to the collectables, Checkers offered an exclusive prize for Xtra Savings members. By purchasing participating products and swiping their loyalty card, customers could win a seven-night cruise for four on the Icon of the Seas, valued at R270,000. The competition runs until 10 November 2024.

Will the minis return?

As the Checkers Little Shop promotion winds down, many are eager to know if the minis will return. Given the overwhelming popularity, it’s likely Checkers will bring back the collectables. For now, collectors are left empty-handed, continuing their search for the final mini across malls, social media, and local marketplaces.