The report analysed close to 1.7 million social media posts and other online engagements to gauge particularly the current sentiment of local consumers towards the country’s leading grocery retail chains. Based on this sentiment analysis the report developed five key themes and proposes a number of key interventions for retailers to have more meaningful engagements with their customers and to gear their organisations to become more customer-centric.

Download summary of the Deloitte Africa retail convention insights

• The price-conscious and value-seeking consumer
• Personalisation of customer experience
• Convenience driving innovation
• The sustainability-seeking consumer
• Governance and brand

• Given the tough consumer environment with about 70% of consumers living beyond their means, South Africans have become increasingly price-conscious and seek value in their purchases. Understanding customer segmentation, retaining cost, creating value and restoring loyalty are important considerations for Retailers.
• The quest for instant gratification has created a customer expectation of immediate service and attention. Retailers that focus on creating a positive customer experience and employee experience gain competitive differentiation.
• Innovative offerings such as mobile payments, digital visual product searches and buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS), take friction out of the shopping journey and increase convenience. Gaining customer insights and enhancing experience through the deployment of digital technologies leads Retailers to competitive advantage.
• Millennials, Generation Zs and Xs have become increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability and the environmental impact their purchasing decisions and shopping habits have. Retailers that demonstrate supply chain visibility and drive sustainable behaviour are well positioned to differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive Retail market.
• International research has shown that especially Generation Zs are concerned about companies’ ethics and tend to judge companies more on their behaviour than purely on the quality of their products and services. Sound ethical behaviour and strong cyber security have become important cornerstones for retailers to protect their brands and reputation.