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Thriving Against the Odds: Unearthing Retail and Franchise Avenues in South Africa

Amidst a playing field riddled with unexpected challenges, South African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are showcasing remarkable resilience. In the face of Covid-19, load shedding, economic pressure on disposable incomes, and currency fluctuations, these businesses are demonstrating an unwavering spirit.



According to a recent survey conducted by Sage, a leading accounting software firm, 80% of participating South African business owners are confident in the success of their ventures over the next year. A significant 54% anticipate revenue growth.


James Noble, who leads the wholesale, retail, and franchise division at Absa Business Bank, confirms an upswing in finance applications. "While application volumes tend to fluctuate in cycles, recent months have witnessed a surge in new entrepreneurs seeking financial assistance," he affirms.


Noble acknowledges that lending criteria have tightened somewhat, necessitating thorough consideration due to the unpredictable business landscape. The bank is adopting stress tests to assess the potential of new applicants to withstand unforeseen challenges.


Shifting Landscapes in the Retail and Franchise Arena

Positioned as the third-largest contributor to South Africa's GDP, the wholesale, retail, and franchise sector remains a powerhouse, responsible for nearly 14% of the national economic output. Within this sector, there are notable developments identified by Noble and his team.

E-commerce continues its vigorous growth trajectory, albeit from a modest base. Buoyed by pandemic-induced lifestyle changes, this sector maintains double-digit expansion. A tangible manifestation is the incorporation of home delivery services by major FMCG retailers such as Checkers, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, and Spar.


The rise of retail loyalty programs is another trend. These initiatives not only foster customer retention but also emphasize the value proposition vis-à-vis competitors, explains Noble.

As transportation costs exert influence, consumers are reshaping their shopping behaviors. In local townships, for instance, shoppers are increasingly favoring neighborhood spaza stores over venturing into the city via public transport. This shift aligns with the need for consumable purchases, given the unreliability of refrigeration amid load shedding. This presents an opportunity for the expansion of smaller supermarkets and local shops.


Emerging Vistas in Franchising

In a report published by Harvard University in 2022, insights from the Franchise Association of South Africa underscore that more than two-thirds of local franchises are homegrown brands. Noble corroborates this, noting that international entrants often grapple, while local players thrive within the uniquely South African business context.


Recent years have witnessed fresh entrants into the franchise arena, particularly in the education sector. The prolonged global pandemic, which confined students to their homes, created voids that local entrepreneurs swiftly filled. Home-schooling support and targeted academic assistance, such as mathematics and English tutoring, have become focal points for these businesses.


Eskom's power limitations have engendered a burgeoning sector centered on off-grid solutions. Noble suggests a significant opening for formalizing solar installers into franchise entities. He also envisions the franchising of services by plumbers and electricians.


SMEs: Catalysts for Economic Growth

In the face of mounting unemployment, Absa Business Bank remains committed to bolstering the SME sector. This sector stands as a cornerstone for job creation and economic advancement in the country.

Absa's support strategy within the wholesale, retail, and franchise domain revolves around four principal categories: restaurants and quick-service eateries; the automotive sector, spanning dealerships and aftermarket services, along with fuel; FMCG retail, encompassing groceries, pharmacies, and liquor sales; and consumer services, which target segments such as funeral services, health and beauty, and telecommunications.

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