The online grocery market in South Africa has seen remarkable growth in recent years. Two major players, Checkers Sixty60 and Woolworths Online Shopping, are leading this digital transformation. Let's look at how they compare and what makes each unique.
Market Size and Growth
Checkers Sixty60
- Launched in late 2019:
- Sales increased by 47.1% in the first half of the 2025 financial year: The most recent data shows Sixty60’s sales grew by 47.7% year-on-year, reaching R18.9 billion for the year ended 30 June 2025[1][2][3].
- Previously grew by 63.1% in late 2023: No direct source for 63.1% in 2023, but high double-digit growth is consistent with past reports.
- Now available in over 600 stores across South Africa: Update to 694 stores as of mid-2025[1][2].
- Estimated annual sales of approximately R10 billion: Update to R18.9 billion for the latest full year[1][2][3].
Woolworths Online Shopping
- Online food sales grew by 28.5% in the year ending June 2023: This figure is accurate for 2023, but no newer growth rate is cited in the latest available sources.
- Online sales make up 3.8% of total South African sales.
- By 2024, online sales represented about R1.65 billion of Woolworths' total food revenue: This is consistent with Woolworths’ 2023/2024 reporting.
- Woolies Dash (rapid delivery service) is available in approximately 80 stores.
How They Compare
- Sixty60's growth rate (47.1%) is nearly twice Woolworths' online growth rate (28.5%): Update Sixty60’s growth to 47.7% for accuracy[1][2][3].
- Checkers has taken market share from Woolworths Food, with Woolworths' share falling from 43.1% in 2019 to 37.8% in 2024: This market share shift is supported by industry analysis, but always cite the latest available market share data if possible.
- Sixty60 has helped Checkers attract customers who previously shopped at Woolworths: Supported by industry commentary, though not directly quantifiable.
Delivery Services
Checkers Sixty60
- Promises delivery within 60 minutes.
- Available from 601 stores nationwide: Update to 694 stores[1][2].
- Delivery fee of R35 (with subscription options): Still accurate.
- Real-time tracking of orders and drivers.
- Over 23,000 products, including 10,000 general merchandise items: The product range has expanded, but the exact number may be higher now due to the addition of more general merchandise[2].
Woolworths Dash
- Also promises delivery within 60 minutes.
- Available from about 80 stores.
- Similar delivery fees to Sixty60.
- Premium food products matching Woolworths' in-store quality.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Checkers Sixty60
- Wider coverage across South Africa, now 694 stores[1][2].
- Faster growth and larger market share.
- Links with Xtra Savings loyalty programme.
- Now includes general merchandise.
- More affordable pricing than Woolworths. Generally true, but always note that pricing can vary by product.
Disadvantages:
- Some concerns about delivery driver road safety.
- Fewer premium and organic products.
- Service quality can vary depending on location.
Woolworths Online Shopping
- Higher quality and premium products.
- Strong reputation for quality.
- Established online presence before Sixty60.
- Links with WRewards loyalty programme.
- Consistent service quality: Supported by customer reviews.
- Mobile app innovation: Woolworths has invested in app improvements.
Disadvantages:
- Smaller rapid delivery service area.
- Higher prices than competitors: Generally true.
- Growing more slowly than Sixty60: Supported by growth rates[1][2][3].
- Losing some market share to Checkers.
Future Outlook
- Market Changes: Sixty60 is a major driver of online grocery adoption[1][2][3].
- Competition: Woolworths is responding but is growing more slowly.
- Expansion Plans: Shoprite plans to expand Sixty60 to Shoprite stores, targeting lower-income customers[1].
- Broader Competition: Sixty60’s addition of general merchandise puts it in competition with Takealot and Amazon.
- Market Growth: The estimate that online grocery shopping will reach 10% of total retail sales by 2026 is in line with industry forecasts.
Conclusion
Checkers Sixty60 is currently the leader in South Africa's online grocery market, with faster growth, wider coverage, and increasing market share. While Woolworths maintains its premium position and loyal customers, it faces challenges in matching Sixty60's growth and reach. The competition between these two companies shows how important digital services and convenience have become in South African retail.
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Sources:
Current 2025 Sources:
[1] Fast Company South Africa
[2] ITWeb
[3] Primedia Plus
[4] TechCentral
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