Business
Checkers Takes the Crown as South Africa’s Most Positively-Rated Retailer
Checkers dominates the headlines
In a recent media-sentiment report by Press Pulse, Checkers emerged clearly ahead of its major supermarket rivals, Spar, Pick n Pay, and Woolworths, in terms of positive media exposure over the past three months. The report tallied 26 positive articles for Checkers against just eight negative ones, resulting in a strong positive sentiment score of 17.
Spar came in second place with a score of 10, while Pick n Pay and Woolworths lagged behind at 4 each. Notably, Pick n Pay’s sentiment score plummeted sharply; it had previously enjoyed much higher ratings.
How the system works, and why it matters
Press Pulse evaluates sentiment by analysing business reporting from major South African media outlets, using artificial intelligence powered by natural language processing and deep learning. It doesn’t just count the number of stories; it also weighs the reach and influence of the publications. In short, a positive article in a high-profile outlet counts more than one in a small blog.
Why does this matter? In South Africa, online media outlets wield significant influence over public opinion. For retailers, good media sentiment isn’t just PR fluff. It can shape brand reputation, influence customer trust, and potentially steer investor behaviour.
What’s behind Checkers’ media surge
Unlike some of its peers, Checkers (part of the larger Shoprite group) appears to be reaping the rewards of strategic business performance and marketing. The retailer’s solid financials and clear messaging seem to resonate with both media and the public, helping it to stand out in a crowded retail landscape.
By contrast, Pick n Pay took a reputational hit after disappointing recent results. As losses mounted for its core brand, negative coverage proliferated and investor confidence took a knock, contributing to its dramatic drop in media sentiment. Woolworths and Spar, while not as badly hit, still trailed behind Checkers by a wide margin.
What this tells us about the bigger retail fight
Retail in South Africa isn’t just about price tags or specials. It’s also about perception, reliability, and brand narrative. As consumers navigate economic uncertainty, from job pressure to rising living costs, retailers that manage to foster trust and goodwill through media presence may have an edge.
Checkers’ strong showing suggests it is not only winning coverage but perhaps also capturing the public mood: value, consistency, and effective communication. For Spar, Pick n Pay, and Woolworths, the message is clear: in 2025’s tough retail climate, media strategy may be just as important as store shelves or promotions.
Image 1: Business Tech
What to watch next
With the holiday season around the corner, media sentiment could shift again, especially if retailers launch big promotions, new services, or respond to consumer demand. It will be interesting to see whether Checkers can hold its lead or if one of its rivals manages a comeback.
For shoppers in Joburg and across South Africa, this could influence which brand feels more “trusted,” especially in a time when every rand counts.
Also read: Showmax Crash Landing: MultiChoice’s Streaming Vision Meets a Tough Reality
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikT
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Source: Business Tech
Featured Image: Business Tech
