Retailing

Retailing saw a surge in current value sales as inflation rates soared in 2022. With retailers still struggling to recover post-pandemic, consumer purchasing power was hit by rising retail prices. Consumers made cutbacks and focused on essential…

Retail in Kenya continued to expand in 2022, with new stores opening while there was increased footfall at brick and mortar stores. However, not all modern retailers are finding success in Kenya, with some players being forced to exit the market.…

The Moroccan retail landscape is gradually modernising across all channels. Traditionally dominated by conventional channels, there has been a timid entry into digital sales. However, with increasing competition and the impact of the COVID-19…

2023 commenced with significant challenges for retail in Nigeria, including a cash crunch in the first quarter triggered by the central bank's redesign of the local currency. This adjustment impacted many consumers in Nigeria's cash-based economy.…

In 2023, the retail landscape in South Africa remained challenged by the operating environment, translating into slow economic growth, which left unemployment at a relatively high level. As inflation remained above the South African Reserve Bank…

Rising incomes and urbanisation are broadening the appeal of modern retailing, with more consumers able to access these channels. However, informal retail remains strong, while poor infrastructure is hindering retail development. Younger consumers…

The digital revolution has been rewiring retail for years, leading to new business models, commerce ecosystems and channels for reaching and engaging consumers. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this transition, as e-commerce became the default…

The digital revolution has been rewiring retail for years. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this transition as e-commerce became the default setting for many homebound consumers. The crisis-inspired surge in e-commerce is leading to a permanent…

The persistent challenge of inflationary pressure continued to hinder growth in retail in Tunisia in 2022, despite concerted government efforts to alleviate the issue. This economic strain remains and is especially pronounced in discretionary goods,…

The lifting of COVID-19 restrictions boosted the economy and helped resolve some supply chain issues. However, high inflation put pressure on incomes thus limiting stronger growth in some retail channels, with consumers focusing on their primary…

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, health protocols had to be implemented altering the shopping experience of Ethiopians. The use of masks and social distancing among consumers and staff were strictly enforced in stores. The pandemic and the war in Tigray…

Rising incomes and urbanisation are broadening the appeal of modern retailing, with more consumers able to access these channels. However, informal retailing remains strong, while poor infrastructure hinders retailing development. Younger consumers…

Small local grocers in Egypt continued to dominate grocery retailers in outlet and value sales terms in 2023. The US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has confirmed the dominance of traditional grocery retailers in Egypt towards the end of the…

In 2023, government intervention played a pivotal role in bolstering the resilience of small local grocers against mounting competition from modern retail formats. Recognising the economic importance of these traditional outlets, the government…

Small local grocers in Nigeria experienced rapid growth in 2023 due to their strategic advantages over larger retailers. Their proximity to consumers allowed for convenient access to essential goods, particularly for those living in densely populated…

With relatively low bargaining power, small local grocers in South Africa have become more exposed to the persisting inflationary pressure since they often source their products from wholesalers. The latter tend to have higher markups in comparison…

The performance of supermarkets in Egypt is positively impacted by the government’s “We Are All One” initiative. Introduced and monitored through the Egyptian government, the initiative aims to push retailers and suppliers to offer consumers extra…

Moroccan consumers exhibit a pronounced sensitivity to prices and often rely on traditional supply methods, prioritising trust and availability when selecting vendors. A positive store image is thus crucial in their purchasing decisions. While rural…

In 2023, supermarkets in Nigeria navigated a dynamic retail landscape characterised by inflation-driven shifts in consumer behaviour, intensified competition, and adaptations to economic challenges. The high inflation rate in Nigeria significantly…

After a relatively strong performance during the pandemic, due to lockdown restrictions, supermarkets in South Africa once again benefited in 2023 from consumers’ renewed focus on essential products due to economic pressures. The channel’s…