South Africa’s Internet retailing continues to generate strong positive growth, recording a strong double-digit current value CAGR in the process. Sales in internet retailing increased by 23% in 2016 to reach ZAR8.1 billion and the growth recorded in the channel in 2016 was slightly higher than what was seen during the preceding year.
The increasing numbers of internet users in the country due to the consistent improvements being made to internet infrastructure and the falling cost of internet subscriptions are some of the key factors driving the strong and rapid growth of internet retailing in South Africa. In addition, this trend is also being complemented by expansion in the use of convenient consumer electronic devices such as tablets and smartphones.
Source: Euromonitor International
Media products; apparel and footwear; food and drink and consumer electronics were the most popular categories in internet retailing in 2016. The year saw many apparel and footwear players increasingly developing and launching online stores. Store-based retailers such as Mr Price and Truworths opened online stores. Moreover, many pure online apparel and footwear players such as Fashionhub, Spree and Zando also appeared on the market. Home care products were the least popular products sold through internet retailing in 2016.
The emergence of flexible payment methods also boosted internet retailing value sales. Consumers have seen online payment methods became simpler, encouraging them to shop online. In addition to the use of credit cards as the most widely accepted online payment method, consumers are now able to make online payments using options such as Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), debit cards, Bitcoin, loyalty points and digital payment apps such as MasterPass, Zapper and Snapscan. The high penetration of mobile internet access in South Africa continues to boost m-commerce sales. As a result, many industry players are investing heavily in mobile-friendly websites to capitalise on this trend.
Source: Euromonitor International
What lies ahead?
Internet retailing is expected to increase in value at a CAGR of 15% at constant 2016 prices over the forecast period. The growth expected in the category over the forecast period is expected to be stronger than the 12% value CAGR recorded in the category at constant 2016 prices.
Predictions show, store-based retailers from across various channels are expected to continue investing in online platforms in an attempt to supplement store-based sales and widen consumer reach.
The availability of simpler payment methods is expected to boost demand for online shopping over the forecast period by enabling consumers to make transactions more easily online. In addition, the continuing development and launch of online mobile proximity payment systems such as Snapscan, FlickPay, Zapper and GustPay is also expected to drive growth within internet retailing in South Africa.
As a result, online players in the channel are expected to invest more in mobile-friendly platforms, mainly in an attempt to capture sales in a country where the majority of people access the internet from their mobile phones. Therefore, growth in m-commerce during the forecast period is expected to be driven by the rising penetration of smartphones and tablets.