Shoprite Holdings has introduced an online shopping and bulk delivery service aimed at small businesses, including spaza shops. This marks the first move by Shoprite-owned Cash & Carry, a wholesaler, into e-commerce, offering competitive prices and free delivery within a 50km radius.
The new Cash & Carry digital platform provides reliable stock access and addresses challenges such as high transportation costs and overstocking for small retailers. Mark Cotton, head of B2B e-commerce for Shoprite, highlighted that the platform frees up cash flow and allows business owners to focus on growth.
A statement made by the company said: “Bulk-buying customers can now browse and purchase a wide range of goods at highly competitive prices through a fully automated online shopping system, with free delivery within a 50km radius,”
“Spaza shops and smaller retail businesses often face significant obstacles, including high transportation and fuel costs, and difficulties in meeting demand within the informal sector. Overstocking can also result in high carrying costs, increased risk of theft and cash flow challenges,” it added.
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The head of B2B for Shoprite, Mark Cotton, said: “The new Cash & Carry digital platform provides customers with reliable and visible stock access and delivery services that eliminate the need to store excess inventory, frees up much-needed cash flow, and gives business owners more time on the shop floor to focus on their customers and business growth.”
Following Shoprite’s acquisition of brands from Walmart-owned Massmart, including Rhino Cash & Carry and Cambridge Foods, the system also streamlines purchasing and fulfilment, enabling traders to access customer and product information and save orders for future use.
