Discovery Bank’s SpendTrend24 report, in collaboration with Visa, sheds light on the burgeoning influence of Amazon’s US website in South Africa’s eCommerce landscape. The report, drawing insights from data collected from Discovery Bank’s clients and over 60 million Visa cards globally, reveals Amazon’s rising prominence as the third most visited eCommerce platform in the country. This revelation underscores the increasing preference of South African consumers for online shopping, particularly on established international platforms.
Despite facing economic headwinds, South Africans have exhibited resilience in their spending habits, with online shopping experiencing exponential growth. The report highlights that online spending outpaced in-store purchases by five times, indicating a significant shift towards digital commerce among South African consumers. This trend aligns with broader global patterns, demonstrating the increasing reliance on eCommerce platforms for everyday purchases.
Moreover, social commerce has emerged as a significant trend, with a notable portion of South African consumers making purchases through social media platforms. This integration of social media into the shopping experience reflects the evolving nature of consumer behavior and preferences in the digital age.
The report also delves into the growing trend of South Africans shopping from international platforms, driven by factors such as the expansion of streaming services, gaming, and the availability of a wider range of products. Despite the delayed launch of Amazon’s dedicated South African website, the platform has already garnered substantial popularity among local consumers, highlighting its strong brand presence and global appeal.
Additionally, Discovery Bank clients frequently engage with other global eCommerce platforms such as AliExpress, Shein, Wish, and eBay, showcasing the diverse shopping preferences of South African consumers. This diversity underscores the dynamic nature of the eCommerce landscape in South Africa and emphasizes the need for businesses to adapt to changing consumer behaviors and preferences in the digital era.
