May 13, 2020
South African's love shopping online more than ever in 2020. According to the research company, Worldwide Worx, South African's may spend approximately R20 billion at the end of 2020, which would be double what it was in 2016.
There are many online shops to choose from across almost every imaginable category in South Africa. There are dozens of online stores for every product or service category too.
Some online stores deliver to more areas than others, which could be a deciding factor when making your next online purchase, especially for those that live in some rural areas.
“Best” or "top" are subjective terms, and we couldn’t list every excellent online shopping website. So, if an online store is missing from this list, don’t let that stop you from buying products or services on those websites. Let's explore the 5 top online shops in South Africa for this article but there are many more amazing online stores.
How does one decide with so much choice available? Here is a list of several online shopping websites, in no particular order, which could be considered to be some of the best local online stores.
Takealot.com is one of South Africa’s popular online stores that sells almost anything from baby products to TVs. The company refers to itself as “SA’s best online marketplace platform” which sells goods to over 1.8 million people.
Takealot.com offers free delivery on orders that are over R450. Orders can also be picked up at collection points around the country. The company accepts returns up to 30 days after you made your purchase.
There are daily deals and other more seasonal deals such as Black Friday to take advantage of on this online store and most other online shops too.
Makro.co.za is in the same category as Takelot.com except that it offers a business-to-business online store as well. Makro also has physical stores across the country, which are famous for their bulk product deals, electronics and more.
Makro has a 14-day return policy. Orders can be collected instore, at collection lockers and can be delivered as well. Delivery fees are calculated based on the weight of your purchase and distance travelled by the respective delivery vehicle regarding your order.
This online shop is centred on women’s and men’s fashion, including accessories, clothing and shoes. Superbalist.com also sells children’s fashion items, sports apparel, beauty products and home décor products. As an added bonus, you get R250 off your first purchase.
This company was bought by takelot.com, so, it offers the same free delivery for orders of R450 or more, pick-up/collection option, and with a 30-day return policy as well.
Mr Price or MRP for short is famous for its clothing that caters for the whole family in their chain of stores across the country and online. Mrp.com sells clothing, accessories, beauty products and more, which have come with a 30-day return policy. Deliveries for purchases from MRP for over R350 are free.
MRP, the company, sells other products such as home décor (MRP Home) but not via mrp.com.
All major South African supermarket or retail companies, like Woolworths, have online stores as well. Woolworths sells a wide range of products, including beauty products, clothing, food, and homeware.
Woolworths offers first-time online shoppers’ free delivery with their first purchase. The retailer has a 60-day return policy. Food that is bought is eligible for delivery the following day.
As with everything in life, please read all of the fine print before you shop online to avoid any surprises.
Now you know more about several online stores. Online shopping can be highly convenient, with many potential perks. Buying car insurance online could also be an option worth considering. Are you looking for affordable car insurance with premiums that don’t increase* and a reduce to zero excess*, which is on offer with PMD?
Sources:
November 7, 2023
November 7, 2023
