Pick n Pay has set a new standard in affordability and accessibility with the launch of its store-to-store Domestic Money Transfer service. At R8.00 per transaction, it is the cheapest price for customers within retail stores.

By Mike Smollan, Chief Growth Officer at Smollan

With technology constantly on the move, the retail industry has no choice but to adapt to keep pace and up to speed with the broader changing face of consumer expectations.

By Nicola Allen – Senior Retail Analyst, Trade Intelligence

Retail trends do not occur in isolation; they are the result of macro influences that shape consumer and shopper behaviour and retailer strategies. In the ever-evolving world of retail, understanding the broader landscape is essential to anticipating and adapting to emerging trends.

By: Myles Illidge - MyBroadband

FNB recently slashed the pricing of its licence disc renewal service from R171 to R99, including delivery, making it the cheapest provider in South Africa.

By: Anita Nkonki - IOL

Reports that global retail giant Woolworths will go cashless sometime this month have been met with fierce opposition on social media.

Pick n Pay Smart Shopper has introduced ‘Smart Hopper’ – an exciting game in its relaunched app which customers can play daily to win vouchers, helping them save even more.

In a series of first-in-South Africa partnerships forged to stimulate local economies and revolutionise the shopping experience for township residents, The SPAR Group is collaborating with local providers to power its SPAR2U delivery service in underserved areas across the country. This move is challenging the notion that townships are high-risk areas and cannot be adequately serviced. 

The SPAR Group has begun roll-out of its electric vehicle fleet for deliveries ordered via online shopping platform, SPAR2U.

The trick’s in the treats with Pick n Pay’s new affordable ‘confined brand’. Launched just in time for spooky season, the in-house Treat Street range is the retailer’s latest offering in the sweet aisle. In a stubbornly high-inflation environment, private labels are seen as a significant growth lever for retailers, while providing more choice for stretched consumers.  

Currently, private labels comprise about 20% of South African supermarkets’ shelf space, versus about 50% in international markets, indicating significant growth potential. Confined brands – which are manufactured for specific retailers under unique branding – form part of private labels.  

Lauren Bolton, Special Occasions & Rewards Product Developer at Pick n Pay, says the retailer wants to surprise and delight customers with beautiful confectionery that will satisfy their cravings but not break the bank. “We’ve identified an opportunity to offer our shoppers not just any confectionery product but a quality, affordable experience under our brand. Treat Street is exclusive to Pick n Pay, serving as a hallmark for all our sweet offerings.” 

What makes this new brand such a treat?  

The inspiration behind the new Treat Street range was the intent to offer loyal shoppers a range of fresh new flavours and variety that differs from everyday brands. This competitively priced range, from R16.99 to R31.99, offers customers affordable options without compromising on taste or quality, for example, the gummy sweets are the cheapest on the market at R24.99*. We need to stay attuned to market trends and we are deeply committed to meeting customers' needs and desires.” 

Wonka-levels of innovation at affordable price points: 

Innovation is the name of the game with Pick n Pay’s new Treat Street range, which includes top sellers such as the Watermelon Slices, Fruity Quenches, Strawberry Kisses, Sour Mix, and the Giant Rainbow Mallows. 

The private label movement: 

Local retailers like Pick n Pay, have seen double-digit growth in their private-label or own-brand products, proving them to be a strategic business imperative. In the US alone, private label sales rose by 8% in the first half of 2023. Globally, private labels continue to gobble market share as consumers shift buying behaviours, driven by price sensitivity in a tough economic climate.  

Treat Street is the latest offering to join Pick n Pay’s suite of house brands, and the retailer is optimistic it will follow the impressive performance trends of many of its other lines.  

Bolton concludes, “Our new Treat Street range offers shoppers more choices, unique products, and pocket-friendly prices. Pick n Pay is continuously delivering innovative, high-quality, and value-for-money products that South Africans can love and afford. We’ve launched it just in time for Halloween so South Africans have something sweet to treat excited little people with on one of the most enjoyable holidays of the year.”