Zando, which was once the leading online fashion retailer, will be closing its operations by the end of 2024 as part of a strategic shift by its parent company, Jumia Technologies. The retailer is now running a clearance sale with items reduced to low prices.
Zando, which launched in 2012, became a household name in the South African online shopping landscape, offering fashion-forward choices and convenience.
Jumia, an e-commerce giant with a presence across Africa, has also decided to cease operations in Tunisia, alongside South Africa. These markets have delivered limited growth, contributing just 3.5% and 2.7% of total orders for 2023 and the first half of 2024, respectively. Their GMV (gross merchandise volume) contributions were similarly low, at 4.5% and 3%.
Jumia CEO, Francis Dufay, commented, “This decision was difficult but necessary to improve our operational efficiency and drive our path to profitability. We’re extremely grateful to our teams, suppliers, and partners in both South Africa and Tunisia for their efforts.”
Zando’s exit marks the end of an era, as the retailer helped transform the e-commerce space in South Africa over the past decade.
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