Pick N Pay’s Asap! App Gains Ground As Online Grocery Rivalry With Checkers Sixty60 Heats Up

The grocery delivery battleground in South Africa is showing no signs of cooling, with Pick n Pay’s digital push bringing it within striking distance of its main rival, Checkers Sixty60.

A Strong Comeback In The Online Arena

After years of trailing behind, Pick n Pay’s e-commerce business has found its rhythm. According to its latest interim results, the retailer’s online operations spanning its website, asap! app, and its partnership with Mr D grew by 34% year on year in the six months to 31 August 2025.

The standout performance came from asap! and Mr D, which together delivered a 44% turnover boost compared to the same period last year. That puts Pick n Pay’s growth just shy of the 48% reported by Sixty60 in its latest financial year a remarkable comeback given Pick n Pay’s smaller digital base.

The Asap! App Upgrade That Turned Heads

A big part of Pick n Pay’s recent success lies in its revamped asap! app, relaunched in April 2025. The new version integrated Smart Shopper rewards, value-added services, and a sleek interface aimed at making grocery delivery faster and more rewarding.

The results speak for themselves: first-time buyers shot up by 131%, and nearly eight in ten of them came through the new app. The platform now lists over 35,000 products, supported by more than 620 stores and 2,500 drivers nationwide edging closer to Checkers Sixty60’s 694-store network.

The Retail Rivalry Reignited

The race between Pick n Pay and Checkers isn’t just about convenience it’s about who can define the future of South African grocery retail. Checkers Sixty60, which recorded 27% growth in active digital customers and R18.9 billion in revenue this year, has long dominated the on-demand delivery space.

But under the leadership of CEO Sean Summers, who returned from retirement in 2023, Pick n Pay is fighting back with renewed energy and focus. “Online continues to see strong growth from company-owned supermarkets, with franchise stores now also contributing significantly,” Summers noted in the results statement.

Growth Amid Financial Struggles

Despite its digital momentum, Pick n Pay’s overall financial picture remains mixed. The group’s interim turnover rose 4.9% to R58.8 billion, and it posted a trading profit of R310 million. However, headline losses still hit R439 million, translating to a headline loss per share of nearly 60 cents.

Still, many in the retail industry see the resurgence of Pick n Pay’s online business as a sign that the brand is regaining its competitive edge.

Social Media Buzz And Consumer Response

On social media, customers have been quick to praise the new asap! app for its faster delivery times and improved usability. “Finally, Pick n Pay is catching up to Sixty60,” one user wrote on X, while another commented, “The new app actually makes grocery shopping enjoyable again.”

As online grocery delivery becomes more deeply woven into South African shopping habits, this rivalry is set to shape the retail landscape for years to come and Pick n Pay looks ready to keep swinging.

{Source:Tech Central }

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