E-tail - The Online Shop in SA

Fashion would not be fashion if it didn't prove unpredictable. A friend of mine from the UK was aghast when I told her I don’t shop online, it is true though. I haven't yet translated to the concept of clicking a button and later receiving my purchased goods. Like many other South African shoppers I still find comfort in trading my money for materials inside a store with four walls, a roof and a till that prints a paper slip which hits my hand as soon as transactions are made. Though many online shops strive to "reflect the in-store experience online" I still ask myself if the experience will truly ever replace the human to human interaction and ethos of connecting with your clothes, gadgets or furniture in store?

Recently I learnt that Nasper's online investment arm, MIH, has pulled it's support from online retail stores. And having been Style36's biggest investor(along side 5 Room & Kinderelo), the company was subjected to close it's cyber doors and give up their online presence letting way to those who still see a bright future in the field of online shopping. Though such things have taken place, fashion buy-gones are always substituted to keep the fashion circle rolling and consumed consumers consuming. Style36's team has advocated and urged its supporter to find their solace in a new online shop that is curated and styled by leading magazine and fashion editors, Spree www.spree.co.za. As the multi-brand E-tail market continues to evolve and grow (more rapidly in other countries, while in South Africa we are barely break the 0.5% mark), I believe our local curators have their work cut out for them, how to build and attract new online shoppers, how to differentiate from all the copycats out there and bringing innovation to the concept that will enhance what's already there and running.

Though we live in a country that pulls slowly behind when it comes to change and embracing new forms of living, I stand proud of those who continue to challenge the old systems and bring about modem and fresh ideas to us! Where would we be if it wasn't for them!