TFG is leaning on its local advantage, using faster delivery times and a robust logistics network to counter international rivals' typical 10-day waits, CEO Anthony Thunstrom said in an interview.
"South Africa might have been slower to start in terms of proper online penetration," he said. "But that trend is global. And once it starts, it's fairly mathematical," said Thunstrom.
South Africa's e-commerce landscape has seen a notable shift with prominent local e-retailers like Superbalist and Zando exiting or restructuring.
Zando, under Jumia Technologies, announced plans to shut down operations in South Africa by the end of the year, citing challenging economic conditions and fierce competition from international companies such as Shein and Temu.
The arrival of these low-cost e-retailers has raised the bar for local firms, demanding strong logistics. Superbalist, another major local online retailer under Takealot, was sold to a South African consortium in September after facing intense competition and financial headwinds.
