When Walmart first caught Massmart in its net it was with the intention of chasing new business throughout Africa, but six years on the US retail giant has bigger fish to fry. One of these is defending market share in the US against the advance of e-commerce retailer Amazon, which is planning floating warehouses, drone deliveries and voice-shopping capabilities for its customers. It is perhaps no surprise then that when the world's largest retailer reported on its second-quarter results earlier this month, it celebrated a 60% boost in online transactions but made no mention of expanding its operations in Africa. "In the context of trying to take on Amazon in the US with giant airship warehouses, powering ahead in the Chinese market or implementing a recovery at Asda in the UK, opening a couple of Game stores in Ghana suddenly seems slightly less of a strategic imperative," said Bryan Roberts, global insight director at TCC Global in London. Amazon has traditionally led the online re...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.