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It has been an ‘open secret’ for a while, but global online retail and tech giant Amazon on Tuesday finally officially confirmed that it will be launching Amazon.co.za in the South African market in 2024.
The move is likely to shake up the local bricks-and-mortar and online retail sector, putting further pressure and increased competition on traditional retailers like Pepkor, Pick n Pay, Mr Price, Shoprite, TFG, Woolworths Massmart and Retailabilty, as well as Naspers-owned Takealot.com. Local consumers and shopaholics, however, stand to benefit from wider choice and hopefully better prices.
The share prices of all the major retailers listed on the JSE were down by midday on Tuesday, following Amazon’s announcement. SA tech giant Naspers and its sister company Prosus were both also trading around 2% weaker.
Amazon, which already has a strong presence in SA through its Amazon Web Services (AWS) tech business and operations in Cape Town and Waterfall City, said in a statement that Amazon.co.za would provide South African-based sellers the ability to reach customers across the country.
“More than 60% of sales in Amazon’s store are from independent sellers – most of which are small and medium-sized businesses – providing a vast selection of products, competitive prices, and great convenience for consumers,” it said.
“Starting today [17 October 2023], independent sellers in South Africa can register their businesses on sell.amazon.com/south-africa,” Amazon added.
“We look forward to launching Amazon.co.za in South Africa,” said Robert Koen, general manager of the Sub-Saharan Africa region for Amazon.
“[Amazon will] provide local sellers, brand owners, and entrepreneurs – small and large – the opportunity to grow their business with Amazon, and delivering great value and a convenient shopping experience for customers across South Africa,” he said.
“The launch of Amazon.co.za in 2024 will provide independent sellers throughout the country an opportunity to rapidly launch, grow, and scale their businesses while leveraging the innovative capabilities provided by Amazon,” the group’s statement reiterated.
