Shein Beats Checkers Sixty60 Among South African Online Shoppers

Shein has overtaken Checkers Sixty60 in usage among South Africa online shopping platforms, according to MyBroadband, citing World Wide Worx's SA Online Retail report, released on September 2, 2026, in partnership with Mastercard, Peach Payments and Ask Afrika. Takealot remained the most-used platform at 35.3%, followed by Shein South Africa at 21.5%, Checkers Sixty60 at 15%, and Amazon at 12.7%.

The report was based on long-term trends and market analysis, along with face-to-face interviews with nearly 24,000 consumers, a targeted survey of 1,400 online shoppers, and telephonic interviews with 201 retailers. World Wide Worx said Amazon's 12.7% figure was recorded before the launch of its Prime membership in South Africa in June 2026.

"Competition is broadening. Takealot remains the most-used platform, used by 35.3% of online shoppers, followed by Shein at 21.5% and Checkers Sixty60 at 15%," World Wide Worx said.

The Shein online shopping South Africa figures mark a shift from previous years, when only 9% of respondents said they shopped on Temu or Shein more frequently than local stores. World Wide Worx founder and CEO Arthur Goldstuck previously said Chinese storefronts were significant but may not be as disruptive as widely perceived.

Shein has operated in South Africa for several years, while Temu launched locally in January 2024. Both platforms import a wide range of products at reduced prices, though Shein focuses primarily on fashion. Their popularity surged in 2024, prompting concern from local retailers and goods manufacturers, who accused Chinese e-commerce platforms in South Africa of exploiting a tax concession to undercut local businesses.

The concession, administered by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), had allowed importers to pay a flat 20% duty, excluding VAT, on low-value imports instead of undergoing the full declaration process. SARS has since reconfigured the rule to align with World Customs Organisation guidelines, adding VAT to low-value imports in September 2024 and implementing new import duties in February 2025. Textile and clothing orders from these platforms are now subject to a 45% import duty plus 15% VAT.

Shein's own storefront can be viewed via Shein's India site.

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