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
- Previously grew by 63.1% in late 2023
- Now available in over 600 stores across South Africa
- Estimated annual sales of approximately R10 billion
Woolworths Online Shopping
- Online food sales grew by 28.5% in the year ending June 2023
- Online sales make up 3.8% of total South African sales
- Woolworths rapidly growing South African online shopping market shows the company is investing heavily in digital technology
- By 2024, online sales represented about R1.65 billion of Woolworths' total food revenue
- Woolies Dash (rapid delivery service) is available in approximately 80 stores
How They Compare
Checkers Sixty60 has grown faster than Woolworths Online:
- Sixty60's growth rate (47.1%) is nearly twice Woolworths' online growth rate (28.5%)
- Checkers has taken market share from Woolworths Food, with Woolworths' share falling from 43.1% in 2019 to 37.8% in 2024
- Sixty60 has helped Checkers attract customers who previously shopped at Woolworths
Delivery Services
Checkers Sixty60
- Promises delivery within 60 minutes
- Available from 601 stores nationwide
- Delivery fee of R35 (with subscription options)
- Real-time tracking of orders and drivers
- Over 23,000 products, including 10,000 general merchandise items
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
Advantages:
- Wider coverage across South Africa
- Faster growth and larger market share
- Links with Xtra Savings loyalty programme
- Now includes general merchandise
- More affordable pricing than Woolworths
Disadvantages:
- Some concerns about delivery driver road safety
- Fewer premium and organic products
- Service quality can vary depending on location
Woolworths Online Shopping
Advantages:
- Higher quality and premium products
- Strong reputation for quality
- Established online presence before Sixty60
- Links with WRewards loyalty programme
- Consistent service quality
- Mobile app innovation
Disadvantages:
- Smaller rapid delivery service area
- Higher prices than competitors
- Growing more slowly than Sixty60
- Losing some market share to Checkers
Future Outlook
- Market Changes: Checkers Sixty60 has changed how many South Africans shop for groceries.
- Competition: Woolworths is responding with Woolies Dash, but is growing more slowly than Sixty60.
- Expansion Plans: Shoprite plans to expand Sixty60 to Shoprite stores, potentially reaching more customers with lower incomes.
- Broader Competition: Checkers' addition of general merchandise puts it in competition with other online retailers like Takealot and Amazon, as discussed in Amazon vs Local Giants: Battle for E-commerce Supremacy in South Africa.
- Market Growth: Online grocery shopping in South Africa is expected to reach 10% of total retail sales by 2026, showing there's still plenty of room for growth.
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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