South Africa’s retail landscape is undergoing a dramatic shift, with Shoprite’s on-demand delivery service, Checkers Sixty60, now generating sales nearly equivalent to the entire market capitalisation of competitors Spar and Pick n Pay.
Launched just five years ago, Sixty60 has grown into the country’s leading grocery delivery platform, capitalising on the boom in e-commerce and changing consumer habits. The service allows customers to order groceries via an app and receive them within an hour, a convenience that has rapidly cemented its dominance in the online retail space.
Market analysts say Sixty60’s explosive growth is unprecedented. Shoprite disclosed in its latest trading update that annualised sales from the platform are approaching the combined market value of Spar and Pick n Pay, underscoring the disruptive power of digital channels in an industry traditionally dominated by brick-and-mortar stores.
“Sixty60 has redefined customer expectations in South Africa,” said retail analyst Dineo Mahlangu. “Its growth shows that convenience and technology-driven services are no longer just add-ons—they are at the centre of retail competition.”
While Shoprite has invested heavily in logistics, technology, and partnerships to scale Sixty60, rivals have struggled to keep pace. Pick n Pay has rolled out its asap! delivery service, while Spar has partnered with third-party platforms, but neither has matched the traction of Sixty60.
The success of Sixty60 is also reshaping investor sentiment. Shoprite’s market capitalisation has surged in recent years, while Spar and Pick n Pay have come under pressure amid sluggish sales growth and rising operational costs.
Industry experts suggest the gap could widen further as Shoprite leverages its vast store network and economies of scale to fuel Sixty60’s expansion into smaller towns and rural areas. “They are not just building a delivery app they are building an entire digital ecosystem around grocery retail,” said Mahlangu.
Consumers, meanwhile, continue to embrace the service for its speed and reliability. Johannesburg resident Sipho Nkosi said, “I barely shop in-store anymore. Everything I need is on Sixty60, and it arrives before I even have time to cook dinner.”
The milestone highlights a broader trend in South Africa’s retail sector: the growing importance of digital innovation. As competition intensifies, traditional retailers may have no choice but to double down on technology if they are to remain relevant in an increasingly digital-first market.