Suki Suki Naturals founder, Linda Gieskes-Mwamba (Supplied/Amazon)
The South African arm of US online retail giant Amazon has launched a local marketplace offering featuring thousands of products across different categories, from toys to home appliances, baby and beauty.
Amazon.co.za said in a statement on Monday that the new “curated storefront” offering called Shop Mzansi would showcase “unique local products that reflect South Africa’s rich and diverse cultures”.
These included toys, home and kitchen appliances, outdoor and braai, as well as luggage and beauty, which Amazon said would make it “easier than ever for millions of customers to find products from local small businesses in South Africa”.
Robert Koen, managing director of Amazon: Sub-Saharan Africa, said Shop Mzansi, whose launch coincided with South Africa’s Heritage Day, showcases more than 160 brands from new, emerging and established local businesses.
“South Africa’s entrepreneurial spirit is undeniable, and we are thrilled to provide a dedicated online store that provides opportunities to support the growth of small businesses so they can thrive in our economy.”
The storefront promotes thousands of products from independent sellers across South Africa alongside recognised brands.
“We are committed to the ongoing success of our independent sellers, as they are fundamental to our ability to offer a broad selection, great prices, and a convenient shopping experience for our customers,” said Koen.
He said Amazon would continue adding to the Shop Mzansi selection as “we onboard more sellers and help them list their products”.
One of the local independent sellers on Shop Mzansi is Heartfelt, which employs 18 women in the Makapanstad area in the North West and uses traditional handcraft skills to create products including children’s toys, accessories and decorations made from felt and beads.
Martha Letsoalo and Julie Hadley, co-founders of Heartfelt, said in the Amazon statement that they believed the “increased exposure and reach that Amazon offers” would help the brand “not only achieve” but “expedite” its goals.
Cape Town-based online store, Tiger Lily Tots, which sells accessories and toys for babies and toddlers on Amazon.co.za, is another group that has come on board.
“We take pride in designing and curating products that stimulate exploration and foster growth through interactive learning experiences. Our products seamlessly blend functionality with aesthetics and we offer flexible custom-made orders,” said Sam Olivier, founder and designer of Tiger Lily Tots.
Another independent seller registered on the platform is Woodstock-based King Kong Leather, founded by John Ebako who said that the sale of the group’s goods on the platform would “amplify our exposure to millions of customers”.
Shop Mzansi will also feature products from South African women-owned brands such as African Mamas and Suki Suki Naturals.
Suzelle Abe, head of Amazon Marketplace, Sub-Saharan Africa, said the local curated store provided opportunities for local businesses to expand to other global Amazon stores such as Amazon.com, “boosting the country’s efforts towards digitising small businesses and positioning them for real success and longevity”.
