Retailing

Lockdown restrictions imposed on shopping centres during the pandemic were particularly challenging for department stores in South Africa, which often occupy prime rentals in such locations. For Woolworths, the situation was worsened by civil unrest…

In 2023, general merchandise stores in Nigeria faced a notable decline in sales, primarily due to shifting consumer preferences driven by high inflation. As the cost of living rose, consumers found themselves grappling with reduced purchasing power,…

Morocco is embarking on a new trade strategy focused on bolstering local production and fostering job creation, signalling a transformative shift in the market. Collaborative efforts between the government and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce…

General merchandise stores in Egypt registered retail value (constant 2023 prices) growth in 2023. This was due to the performance of departments stores, with variety stores seeing a drop in retail value sales in real terms. Less positively, the…

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has shaken up the consumer goods, services and payment industries in Sub-Saharan Africa, putting pressure on supply chains and depressing sales, as lockdowns and job losses squeeze discretionary spending. As a result of the…

During the review period, e-commerce remained the fastest-growing distribution channel in MEA. This trend was driven by increased consumer demand for convenience, which prompted the diversification of retail strategies. Besides, low penetration of…

In 2023, discounters in South Africa continued to record dynamic growth across all indicators. Despite decelerated food inflation, estimated at an average of 8.5% over 2023 as a whole compared to a 14-year high of 14.4% in March, South African…

Despite the potential for affordability offered by discounters, the overall spending power of Nigerian consumers experienced a decline, dampening the growth for this retail channel in Nigeria in 2023. With inflation soaring, consumers became…

Moroccan households continued to grapple with economic constraints in 2023, driving heightened price sensitivity and bolstering demand for discounters. With inflation reaching a decade high in the previous year, consumers increasingly sought…

Discounters in Egypt benefited from significant company activity at the end of the review period. In April 2023, Development Partners International (DPI) announced a USD165 million equity investment in Kazyon Ltd, the UK parent of the largest…