Shoprite Launches eCommerce Service for Wholesale Buyers

Shoprite launches e-commerce service for its Cash and Carry stores to streamline wholesale shopping.

The South African wholesale brand is entering the e-commerce market with a service that allows wholesale customers to “browse and purchase a wide range of goods at highly competitive prices via a fully automated online shopping system, with free delivery within a 50km radius,” according to a press release on Wednesday (July 3).

“In addition, the new system streamlines the purchasing and order fulfillment process for Cash & Carry store salespeople by allowing them to log in, access customer and product information, and place and fulfill orders more efficiently,” the release added.

Shoprite accepts a variety of payment methods for online and in-store purchases, including credit and debit cards, EFT, store credit card, cash on delivery and your Shoprite money market account.

The company noted that smaller retailers can face a number of challenges, including high transportation costs and difficulty meeting demand from the informal sector. Excess inventory can also result in higher costs, increased risk of theft and cash flow problems.

“We are committed to supporting small businesses by delivering innovative solutions to the specific challenges they face,” said Mark Cotton, Head of B2B eCommerce at Shoprite Group, in a statement. “The new Cash & Carry digital platform provides customers with reliable and visible access to inventory and a delivery service that eliminates 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 customers and growing their business.”

In the U.S., small business owners said they were more optimistic in May than at the beginning of the year, but less so than in previous years, PYMNTS reported last month.

The report cited data from the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index, which rose 0.8 points in May to 90.5. That is the highest level in 2024 but still below the historical average of 98.

As reported by the NFIB at the time, the indicator remained below the historical average for 29 consecutive months.