NIQ South Africa has released its latest State of the Retail Nation analysis for the last quarter and full year calendar year of 2024, showing moderate increases in retail sales despite a strong festive season finish.

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, sustainable competitive advantage is largely a myth.

Several key trends have emerged in recent years, and they will likely continue to define the ecommerce landscape in South Africa for 2025 and beyond.

The ecommerce landscape has had to quickly embrace advanced technologies to adapt to changing consumer expectations.

With ecommerce sales in South Africa projected to grow by double digits in 2025, businesses are racing to adapt to an ever-changing landscape.

Over the year to come, we can expect the rise of retail media networks (RMNs) to rapidly reshape how brands in South Africa sell and market to the consumer.

The infusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into ecommerce is revolutionising the industry, creating smarter strategies that enhance consumer experiences and streamline operations.

Retail continues to undergo a digital revolution that is redefining industry standards and reshaping how businesses compete and thrive.

Neil Schreuder is chief strategy and innovation officer for the Shoprite Group and MD of ShopriteX.

The online grocery delivery sector is experiencing revolutionary changes.