Retail in South Africa

May 2026
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Overview:

Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Retail industry in South Africa with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.

Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.

Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to the following key categories, where applicable:

  • Convenience Stores
  • Discounters
  • Hypermarkets
  • Supermarkets
  • Traditional Grocery Retailers
  • Apparel and Footwear Specialist Retailers
  • Electronics and Appliance Specialist Retailers
  • Health and Beauty Specialist Retailers
  • Home and Garden Specialist Retailers
  • Department Stores
  • Variety Stores
  • Warehouse Clubs
  • Direct Selling
  • Homeshopping
  • Vending

If you're in the Retail industry in South Africa, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.

The Retail in South Africa report includes:

  • Analysis of key retail trends
  • Detailed segmentation of offline and online retail sales
  • Historic channel sizes (retail value sales, outlet counts, and selling space)
  • Company and brand market shares (retail value sales and outlet counts)
  • Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
  • Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country

This report answers:

  • What is the market size of Retail in South Africa?
  • Which are the leading retailers in Retail in South Africa?
  • How are products distributed in Retail in South Africa?
  • How is the rise of e-commerce and the expansion of modern grocery retail impacting traditional retail?
  • How significant are discounters and private label in South Africa?
  • To what extent are sales shifting towards digital channels?​
  • What is the long-term outlook for bricks-and-mortar? 
  • How is macroeconomic and political uncertainty affecting the retail industry?​
  • What types of retailers are seeing the fastest growth in digital sales?​
  • What is the future of retail?

Retail in South Africa

Cautious Resilience Amid Macroeconomic Pressure and Evolving Value-Driven Retail Dynamics

Key Data Insights

Chart 1 Key Industry Trends for Retail
Cautious Resilience Amid Macroeconomic Pressure and Evolving Value-Driven Retail Dynamics
Discounters and Supermarkets Capture Shoppers through Affordable Pricing
Chart 2 Skubu redefines affordability in South Africa
Rapid E-Commerce Growth Is Driven by Convenience, Affordability, and Digital Platform Expansion
Chart 3 The Checkers Website Brings Sixty60 to Millions of Users
Chart 4 Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 5 Value Sales by Category 2025
Chart 6 Analyst Insight for Retail
Supermarkets Will Expand Reach as Urbanisation Fuels Demand for Convenience
Retail E-Commerce Is Set to Accelerate as Digital Access Widens and Payment Security Improves
Niche Entrants Will Diversify Offerings as Consolidation Limits New Expansion Routes
Chart 7 Forecast Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 8 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2025-2030
Shoprite Holdings Consolidates Its Leadership as South Africa’S Retail Market Intensifies
Strategic Consolidation and Premiumisation Concepts Reshape Competition
Chart 9 Woolworths Launches Its New Store Design in Tygervalley
Chart 10 Pantry Introduces Ultra-Luxury to South African Convenience Stores
Chart 11 Company Shares 2025
Chart 12 Brand Shares 2025
Informal Retail
Opening Hours for Physical Retail
Summary 1 Standard Opening Hours by Channel Type 2025
Seasonality
Christmas
Back to School
Chart 13 Economic Context for Retail
Chart 14 Real GDP Growth 2020-2030
Chart 15 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 16 Consumer Context for Retail
Chart 17 Population 2020-2030
Chart 18 Population by Generation 2025

Convenience Retailers in South Africa

Key Data Insights

Convenience Retailers Delivers Resilient Growth Driven by Outlet Expansion, Digital Partnerships, and Evolving Consumer Demand
Chart 19 Key Industry Trends for Convenience Retailers
Convenience Retailers Delivers Resilient Growth Driven by Outlet Expansion, Digital Partnerships, and Evolving Consumer Demand
Chart 20 Woolworths Introduces Its after Dark Delivery Service
Convenience Retailers Shift toward Experiential Formats as Digital and Physical Innovation Converge
Chart 21 Pantry Expands Its Ultra-Luxury Convenience Store in South Africa
Chart 22 Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 23 Value Sales by Category 2025
Chart 24 Analyst Insight for Convenience Retailers
Convenience Retailers Is Set for Sustained Growth Driven by Urbanisation, Lifestyle Shifts, and Forecourt Transformation
Competition Will Intensify through Loyalty Systems and Q-Commerce Growth
Premiumisation and Fintech-Driven Innovation Reshape the Future of Convenience Retailers
Chart 25 Forecast Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 26 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2025-2030
Convenience Retailer Consolidates as Forecourt Innovation and Format Diversification Reshape Competition
Chart 27 Company Shares 2025
Chart 28 Brand Shares 2025
Chart 29 Economic Context for Convenience Retailers
Chart 30 Real GDP Growth 2020-2030
Chart 31 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 32 Consumer Context for Convenience Retailers
Chart 33 Population 2020-2030
Chart 34 Population by Generation 2025

Supermarkets in South Africa

Key Data Insights

Strong Growth Despite Weak Consumer Confidence and Modest Economic Expansion
Chart 35 Key Industry Trends for Supermarkets
Strong Growth Despite Weak Consumer Confidence and Modest Economic Expansion
Chart 36 Woolworths Unveils Its New Food Emporium
Artificial Intelligence and Experiential Retail Are Redefining How Supermarkets Compete and Deliver Value
Chart 37 Checkers Pilots Its Checkers Xpress Smart Trolley
Chart 38 Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 39 Analyst Insight for Supermarkets
Growth Is Set to Be Driven by Rising Middle-Income Demand, Expanding Competition, and Continued Format Innovation
Supermarkets Will Be Reshaped by Digitalisation, Sustainability, and Intensifying Competition
Chart 40 Forecast Value Sales 2020-2030
Supermarkets Is Becoming More Concentrated as Shoprite Holdings Strengthens Its Dominance through Scale, Innovation, and Digital Leadership
Chart 41 Company Shares 2025
Chart 42 Brand Shares 2025
Chart 43 Economic Context for Supermarkets
Chart 44 Real GDP Growth 2020-2030
Chart 45 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 46 Consumer Context for Supermarkets
Chart 47 Population 2020-2030
Chart 48 Population by Generation 2025

Hypermarkets in South Africa

Key Data Insights

Walmart’S Entry Accelerates Competitive Intensity through Physical Expansion and Omnichannel Scaling
Chart 49 Key Industry Trends for Hypermarkets
Walmart’S Entry Accelerates Competitive Intensity through Physical Expansion and Omnichannel Scaling
Chart 50 Walmart Opens Its First Branded Store in South Africa
Checkers Sixty60 Hyper Drives Digital Transformation and Reshapes Competition
Chart 51 Checkers Sixty60 Hyper Elevates On-Demand Delivery
Chart 52 Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 53 Analyst Insight for Hypermarkets
Hypermarkets Is Set for Strong Growth as Walmart Reshapes Competition and Consumer Expectations through Value and Digital Innovation
Experiential Retail and Data-Driven Technology Redefine Customer Engagement and Operational Efficiency in Hypermarkets
Chart 54 Forecast Value Sales 2020-2030
Shoprite Holding Ltd Strengthens Market Leadership through Omnichannel Expansion While Competitors Reposition to Defend Share
Private Label Expansion and Loyalty Innovations Drive New Growth Opportunities
Chart 55 Company Shares 2025
Chart 56 Brand Shares 2025
Chart 57 Economic Context for Hypermarkets
Chart 58 Real GDP Growth 2020-2030
Chart 59 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 60 Consumer Context for Hypermarkets
Chart 61 Population 2020-2030
Chart 62 Population by Generation 2025

Discounters in South Africa

Key Data Insights

Automation and Outlet Expansion Strengthens Value Growth in Discounters
Chart 63 Key Industry Trends for Discounters
Automation and Outlet Expansion Strengthens Value Growth in Discounters
Chart 64 Shoprite Partners with Azoteq to Deploy Smartsense
Refill Concepts Signal a Shift Towards Value Innovation and Sustainable Retail Formats
Chart 65 Skubu Introduces Automated Refill Concept in Discounters
Chart 66 Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 67 Analyst Insight for Discounters
Discounters Is Set to Accelerate Expansion into Underserved Markets
Private Label and Loyalty Programmes Will Reinforce Price Leadership and Shopper Engagement
Selective Digitalisation and Operational Efficiency Will Underpin Long-Term Resilience in Discounters
Chart 68 Forecast Value Sales 2020-2030
Boxer Retail Ltd Accelerates Outlet Expansion to Strengthen Market Leadership and Drive Share Gains
Chart 69 Company Shares 2025
Chart 70 Brand Shares 2025
Chart 71 Economic Context for Discounters
Chart 72 Real GDP Growth 2020-2030
Chart 73 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 74 Consumer Context for Discounters
Chart 75 Population 2020-2030
Chart 76 Population by Generation 2025

Small Local Grocers in South Africa

Key Data Insights

Growth Is Supported by Community Demand and Entrepreneurial Expansion
Growth Is Supported by Community Demand and Entrepreneurial Expansion
Value Chain Development and Manufacturer Focus Reshape the Channel
Chart 77 Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 78 Analyst Insight for Small Local Grocers
Steady Growth Is Set to Be Supported by Government Funding and Formalisation Initiatives
Refill and Circular Economy Models Are Set to Reshape Sustainability in Small Local Grocers
Fintech and E-Commerce Will Accelerate Modernisation and Growth
Chart 79 Forecast Value Sales 2020-2030
Highly Fragmented Structure Limits Dominance and Reinforces Localised Competition in Small Local Grocers
Chart 80 Company Shares 2025
Chart 81 Brand Shares 2025
Chart 82 Economic Context for Small Local Grocers
Chart 83 Real GDP Growth 2020-2030
Chart 84 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 85 Consumer Context for Small Local Grocers
Chart 86 Population 2020-2030
Chart 87 Population by Generation 2025

General Merchandise Stores in South Africa

Key Data Insights

Value-Driven Demand and Experiential Retail Supports Growth in General Merchandise Stores
Chart 88 Key Industry Trends for General Merchandise Stores
Value-Driven Demand and Experiential Retail Supports Growth in General Merchandise Stores
Chart 89 Woolworths Unveils Its New Concept Store at Tygervalley Shopping Centre
Takealot Drives Digital Inclusion through Township Franchise Hubs
Chart 90 Takealot Group introduces TTEI
H&M Invests in Experiential Retail, Sustainability and Circular Economy
Chart 91 Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 92 Value Sales by Category 2025
Chart 93 Analyst Insight for General Merchandise Stores
Value Retailing and Evolving Consumer Demand Are Set to Drive Future Growth in General Merchandise Stores
Experiential Retail and Omnichannel Integration Will Reshape Competition
Chart 94 Forecast Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 95 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2025-2030
Experiential Retail, Format Evolution and Value-Driven Expansion Reshape Competition
Chart 96 Company Shares 2025
Chart 97 Brand Shares 2025
Chart 98 Economic Context for General Merchandise Stores
Chart 99 Real GDP Growth 2020-2030
Chart 100 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 101 Consumer Context for General Merchandise Stores
Chart 102 Population 2020-2030
Chart 103 Population by Generation 2025

Apparel and Footwear Specialists in South Africa

Key Data Insights

Apparel and Footwear Specialists Grow Steadily as Consolidation and Value-Driven Retail Reshape Competition
Chart 104 Key Industry Trends for Apparel and Footwear Specialists
Apparel and Footwear Specialists Grow Steadily as Consolidation and Value-Driven Retail Reshape Competition
Chart 105 Pepkor Retail Acquires Choice Clothing
Shein’S Aggressive Online Expansion Disrupts Local Manufacturing Jobs
Chart 106 Cross-border sales continue to threaten local manufacturers despite closed loophole
Consumer Expenditure Rises as Affordability and Outlet Expansion Boost Demand
Chart 107 Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 108 Analyst Insight for Apparel and Footwear Specialists
Sustained Growth Is Set to Be Driven by Credit Innovation and Retail Expansion
Regulatory Reform and Local Sourcing Will Strengthen the Competitiveness of South Africa’S Apparel and Footwear Specialists
Technology Integration and Data-Driven Retail Models Will Redefine Operational Efficiency and Customer Engagement
Chart 109 Forecast Value Sales 2020-2030
Apparel and Footwear Specialists Consolidate as Leading Players Scale, Restructure, and Intensify Competition
Competitive Divergence Intensifies as Digital Leaders Gain Share and Structural Exits Reshape the Market
Chart 110 Company Shares 2025
Chart 111 Brand Shares 2025
Chart 112 Economic Context for Apparel and Footwear Specialists
Chart 113 Real GDP Growth 2020-2030
Chart 114 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 115 Consumer Context for Apparel and Footwear Specialists
Chart 116 Population 2020-2030
Chart 117 Population by Generation 2025

Appliances and Electronics Specialists in South Africa

Key Data Insights

Affordable Technology and Flexible Payments Drive Growth in Appliances and Electronics Specialists
Chart 118 Key Industry Trends for Appliances and Electronics Specialists
Affordable Technology and Flexible Payments Drive Growth in Appliances and Electronics Specialists
Mtn Momo Accelerates Rent-To-Own Smartphone Adoption with Flexible Repayment
Chart 119 MTN MoMo joins South Africa’s rent-to-own smartphone
Hisense Elevates the Consumer Experience with Flagship Technology Store Launch
Chart 120 Hisense Introduces Its First Premium Brand Store in South Africa
Chart 121 Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 122 Analyst Insight for Appliances and Electronics Specialists
Growth Is Set to Be Driven by Affordability, Regulation, and Digital Adoption
Circular Economy Initiatives and E-Waste Regulation Are Set to Reshape the Market
Chart 123 Forecast Value Sales 2020-2030
Moderate Market Concentration and Fintech-Driven Disruption Reshapes Competition
Chart 124 Company Shares 2025
Chart 125 Brand Shares 2025
Chart 126 Economic Context for Appliances and Electronics Specialists
Chart 127 Real GDP Growth 2020-2030
Chart 128 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 129 Consumer Context for Appliances and Electronics Specialists
Chart 130 Population 2020-2030
Chart 131 Population by Generation 2025

Home Products Specialists in South Africa

Key Data Insights

Home Products Specialists Deliver Resilient Growth as Macroeconomic Easing and Last-Mile Innovation Reshape Demand
Chart 132 Key Industry Trends for Home Products Specialists
Home Products Specialists Deliver Resilient Growth as Macroeconomic Easing and Last-Mile Innovation Reshape Demand
Chart 133 Temu Introduces Same Day Delivery to Boost Retail Convenience in South Africa
Home Improvements Drive Sales, While Pet Retail Delivers Strong Value Growth
Spar’S Pet Storey Accelerates Pet Humanisation and Retail Consolidation through Immersive, Experience-Led Expansion
Chart 134 Spar Group Launches Pet Storey
Chart 135 Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 136 Value Sales by Category 2025
Chart 137 Analyst Insight for Home Products Specialists
Macroeconomic Recovery and Strengthening Consumer Fundamentals Will Drive Market Expansion
Omnichannel Acceleration and Credit Solutions Are Set to Support Sales
Sustainability and Localisation Will Influence Long-Term Competitive Positioning
Chart 138 Forecast Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 139 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2025-2030
Consolidation and Acquisition-Led Expansion Reshape Competition in Home Products Specialists
Chart 140 Company Shares 2025
Chart 141 Brand Shares 2025
Chart 142 Economic Context for Home Products Specialists
Chart 143 Real GDP Growth 2020-2030
Chart 144 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 145 Consumer Context for Home Products Specialists
Chart 146 Population 2020-2030
Chart 147 Population by Generation 2025

Health and Beauty Specialists in South Africa

Key Data Insights

Steady Growth as Wellness Demand Supports Sales through Health and Beauty Specialists
Chart 148 Key Industry Trends for Health and Beauty Specialists
Steady Growth as Wellness Demand Supports Sales through Health and Beauty Specialists
Private Label Expansion Reshapes Competition as Retailers Scale Affordable, Value-Driven Offerings
Chart 149 The Foschini Group?Expands into Beauty Retailers
Experiential Retail and Online Competition Redefine Beauty Shopping
Chart 150 Arc Relaunch Its Store in Sandton City with Interactive Zones
Chart 151 Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 152 Value Sales by Category 2025
Structural Reform Will Underpin Sustained Market Growth and Strengthen the Central Role of Pharmacies
Intensifying Competition and Category Convergence Will Reshape Market Structure and Accelerate Fragmentation
Digital Transformation and Service Innovation Will Redefine the Role of Health and Beauty Specialists
Chart 153 Forecast Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 154 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2025-2030
Clicks Group and Dis-Chem Pharmacies Expand Loyalty and Service to Defend Their Leaderships
Competition Intensifies as Non-Traditional Entrants Expand Formats While Consolidation Remains Limited
Chart 155 Company Shares 2025
Chart 156 Brand Shares 2025
Chart 157 Economic Context for Health and Beauty Specialists
Chart 158 Real GDP Growth 2020-2030
Chart 159 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 160 Consumer Context for Health and Beauty Specialists
Chart 161 Population 2020-2030
Chart 162 Population by Generation 2025

Vending in South Africa

Key Data Insights

Drinks and Tobacco Vending Maintains Its Dominance, Driven by Urbanisation and Convenience
Drinks and Tobacco Vending Maintains Its Dominance, Driven by Urbanisation and Convenience
Foods Vending Outpaces Other Vending Areas as Urban Consumers Seek Convenience
Operators Pivot to Vaping Products as Health Concerns and Regulation Reshape Demand for Traditional Tobacco Products
Chart 163 Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 164 Value Sales by Category 2025
Vending Is Set to Grow Steadily Despite Regulatory Pressure on Tobacco
Health Innovation, Sustainability, and Cashless Adoption Are Set to Redefine Vending
Chart 165 Forecast Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 166 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2025-2030
Vending Market Remains Highly Concentrated as Abi Products and Nestlé South Africa Maintain Their Leads
Chart 167 Company Shares 2025
Chart 168 Brand Shares 2025
Chart 169 Economic Context for Vending
Chart 170 Real GDP Growth 2020-2030
Chart 171 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 172 Consumer Context for Vending
Chart 173 Population 2020-2030
Chart 174 Population by Generation 2025

Direct Selling in South Africa

Key Data Insights

Direct Selling in South Africa Grows Modestly Amid Economic Recovery, Cautious Consumers, and Stricter Data Regulation
Chart 175 Key Industry Trends for Direct Selling
Direct Selling in South Africa Grows Modestly Amid Economic Recovery, Cautious Consumers, and Stricter Data Regulation
Digital Migration Empowers Sellers but Heightens Competition for Retention
Chart 176 Avon Launches an Integrated Digital Ecosystem to Engage Consumers
Health and Beauty Selling Retains Its Sales Lead as Fashion Direct Selling Leads Growth
Chart 177 Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 178 Value Sales by Category 2025
Chart 179 Analyst Insight for Direct Selling
Steady Growth Is Set to Be Driven by Digitalisation, Health and Beauty Demand, and Shifting Consumer Preferences
Direct Selling Will Accelerate Digital Shift as Social Commerce, Livestreaming, and Influencer Models Redefine Growth
Direct Selling Is Set to Be Supported by Entrepreneurship Policies
Chart 180 Forecast Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 181 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2025-2030
Direct Selling in South Africa Becomes More Fragmented as Digital Transformation and New Entrants Reshape Competition
Chart 182 Company Shares 2025
Chart 183 Brand Shares 2025
Chart 184 Economic Context for Direct Selling
Chart 185 Real GDP Growth 2020-2030
Chart 186 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 187 Consumer Context for Direct Selling
Chart 188 Population 2020-2030
Chart 189 Population by Generation 2025

Retail E-Commerce in South Africa

Key Data Insights

Retail E-Commerce Growth Accelerates as Marketplaces and Grocery Delivery Reshape Consumer Behaviour
Chart 190 Key Industry Trends for Retail E-Commerce
Retail E-Commerce Growth Accelerates as Marketplaces and Grocery Delivery Reshape Consumer Behaviour
Chart 191 Takealot pilots its fast delivery service through TakealotNOW
Smart Fulfilment and Quick-Commerce Redefine Convenience in Retail E-Commerce
The Foschini Group’S Bash App Reshapes Shopper Journeys through Omnichannel Integration
Chart 192 The Foschini Group is gaining traction with its Bash app
Chart 193 Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 194 Value Sales by Category 2025
Chart 195 Analyst Insight for Retail E-Commerce
Logistics Expansion and Marketplace Dominance Drive Structural E-Commerce Growth
Buy Now Pay Later Accelerates Financial Inclusion and Reshapes Online Purchasing Behaviour
Omnichannel Engagement and Social Commerce Redefine Digital Retail Experience
Chart 196 Forecast Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 197 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2025-2030
Retail E-Commerce Becomes More Fragmented as Takealot’S Lead Eases and Shoprite Gains Share through Logistics-Led Omnichannel Expansion
Chart 198 Company Shares 2025
Chart 199 Brand Shares 2025
Chart 200 Economic Context for Retail E-Commerce
Chart 201 Real GDP Growth 2020-2030
Chart 202 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 203 Consumer Context for Retail E-Commerce
Chart 204 Population 2020-2030
Chart 205 Population by Generation 2025

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The following categories and subcategories are included:

Retail

      • Fashion Vending
      • Health and Beauty Vending
      • Appliances and Electronics Vending
        • Alcoholic Drinks Vending
        • Hot Drinks Vending
        • Soft Drinks Vending
        • Tobacco Products Vending
      • Foods Vending
      • Home Products Vending
      • Other Products Vending
        • Apparel and Footwear Direct Selling
        • Personal Accessories Direct Selling
        • Eyewear Direct Selling
        • Beauty and Personal Care Direct Selling
        • Consumer Health Direct Selling
        • Tissue and Hygiene Direct Selling
      • Appliances and Electronics Direct Selling
      • Drinks and Tobacco Direct Selling
      • Foods Direct Selling
      • Home Products Direct Selling
      • Other Products Direct Selling
        • Apparel and Footwear E-Commerce
        • Personal Accessories E-Commerce
        • Eyewear E-Commerce
        • Beauty and Personal Care E-Commerce
        • Consumer Health E-Commerce
        • Tissue and Hygiene E-Commerce
        • Consumer Appliances E-Commerce
        • Consumer Electronics E-Commerce
        • Toys and Games E-Commerce
      • Drinks and Tobacco E-Commerce
      • Foods E-Commerce
        • Home Care E-Commerce
        • Home and Garden E-Commerce
        • Pet Care E-Commerce
      • Other Products E-Commerce
        • First-Party (1P) Marketplace E-Commerce
        • Third-Party (3P) Marketplace E-Commerce
      • Grocery E-Commerce
      • General Merchandiser E-Commerce
      • Apparel and Footwear Specialist E-Commerce
      • Appliances and Electronics Specialist E-Commerce
      • Home Products Specialist E-Commerce
      • Health and Beauty Specialist E-Commerce
      • Leisure and Personal Goods Specialist E-Commerce
      • Other E-Commerce Retailers

Retail

Retail is the sale of new and used goods to consumers from a business for personal or household consumption from retail outlets, kiosks, market stalls, vending, direct selling and e-commerce. Retail is the aggregation of Retail Offline and Retail E-Commerce. Excludes specialist retailers of motor vehicles, motorcycles, vehicle parts. Also excludes fuel sales, foodservice sales, rental transactions, wholesale sales (e.g. Cash and Carry), and sales through cannabis dispensaries in markets where cannabis is sold legally. Sales value excluding or including VAT/Sales Tax. Retail also excludes the informal retail sector. Informal retailing is retail trade which is not declared to the tax authorities. Informal retailing encompasses (a) sales generated by unregistered and unlicensed retailers, i.e. retailers operating illegally, and (b) any proportion of sales generated by a registered and licensed retailer that is not declared to the tax authorities. Unregistered and unlicensed retailers operate predominantly (although not exclusively) as street hawkers or operate open market stalls, as these channels are harder for the authorities to monitor than permanent outlets. Activities in the illegal market, which is usually understood to refer to trade in illegal, counterfeit or stolen merchandise, are included within our definition of informal retailing. Activities in the “grey market”, which is usually understood to refer to trade in legal merchandise that is sold through unauthorized channels – for example cigarettes bought legally in another country, legally imported, but sold at lower prices than in authorized channels – will be included as informal retailing if no tax is paid on sale by the retailer. However if the retailer pays tax – for example on cigarettes bought legally in another country but sold at a lower price than standard – the sale is included within formal retail.

See all of our definitions
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