The Takealot Trolley Wins: Why SA Shoppers Are Sticking Local This Festive Season

As the December sun beats down, South African shoppers are navigating the annual ritual of festive gifting. But this year, the map to the perfect present has a very clear digital address. According to new research from infoQuest, when it comes to retailer of choice, one homegrown giant is in a league of its own: Takealot.

The e-commerce platform is the overwhelming leader for festive shopping, chosen by 61% of respondents. This puts it nearly 20 percentage points ahead of its closest competitor, Clicks (42%), with Checkers following in third (37%). While global discount platforms Shein (29%) and Temu (19%) are gaining a foothold, the data suggests they are still far from challenging Takealot’s deep-rooted dominance in the local consciousness.

Convenience, Confidence, and the Road to Profit

What’s driving this loyalty? For many, it’s the powerful combination of sheer selection, reliable delivery, and gifting convenienceall wrapped into one trusted app. This sentiment is backed by strong corporate performance. Takealot’s parent company, Naspers, recently reaffirmed the platform’s market leadership, and a significant milestone is on the horizon.

Takealot CFO Tessa Ackerman indicated that if the festive season meets expectations, the entire Takealot Groupincluding the already profitable Mr Dis set to swing into net profit for the first time in the 2026 financial year. This potential profitability underscores not just popularity, but a sustainable business model that resonates in a tough economy.

Saving, Spending, and the Shadow of ‘Januworry’

The infoQuest survey, which polled 300 South Africans across demographics, paints a picture of a resilient but cautious consumer. A significant 76% reported saving throughout the year for festive spending, highlighting a disciplined approach to the season’s expenses.

However, the temptation of debt remains a clear and present danger. Credit cards are the preferred form of borrowing, used by 18% of shoppers, with the 18-34 age group particularly likely to rely on them. Claire Heckrath, MD of infoQuest, warns of the serious financial risk this poses.

“Accumulating excessive debt now can lead to a punishing ‘Januworry’,” Heckrath notes, referring to the January crunch where new loans are often needed to cover back-to-school costs and insurance hikes. The advice is clear: managing festive spending is paramount to starting the new year on solid ground.

A Season of Connection and Self-Reward

Ultimately, the data reveals a nation determined to celebrate. Despite economic pressures, the festive season is firmly prioritised as a time for familial connection and, notably, self-reward. This “treat yourself” mentality, coupled with optimistic spending intentions, explains the strong performance of retailers like Clicks and Dischemwhere health, beauty, and wellness products have become key gifting categories.

The story of this festive season is one of calculated celebration. South Africans are planning ahead, seeking value and convenience, and largely turning to a familiar, local champion to deliver it. While Shein and Temu buzz on the horizon, for now, the path to a South African Christmas still runs decisively through Takealot’s virtual aisles.