South Africa’s on-demand grocery delivery sector continues to expand rapidly, with Shoprite reporting significant growth through its Checkers Sixty60 service, which has become a key player in the country’s digital retail landscape.
Over the past six years, the platform has generated more than 18,000 jobs, including a network of approximately 10,000 delivery drivers. These drivers collectively earned over R160 million in tips during the second half of 2025, reflecting both high demand and strong customer engagement.
Rapid growth in sales and customer base
According to Shoprite’s interim financial results for the 26 weeks ending 28 December 2025, Sixty60 recorded a 35% increase in sales, rising from R8.8 billion to R11.9 billion.
The platform has also seen consistent growth in its customer base, with active users increasing by more than 20% in 2026. High levels of customer trust have been cited as a key factor, supported by operational efficiency metrics.
Nearly 95% of deliveries were completed on time, with an average delivery window of under 35 minutes. In addition, 97% of items delivered matched customers’ first-choice selections, highlighting improvements in inventory management and fulfilment accuracy.
Expanding footprint and digital innovation
Sixty60’s geographic reach has expanded significantly, with the number of serviced stores increasing from 266 in late 2022 to 894 by the end of 2025. While the service is primarily associated with Checkers stores, it has also been extended to dozens of Shoprite locations.
The platform has diversified its offering beyond groceries, incorporating general merchandise, pet food, and health-related products. Larger items, including appliances, are now available through the Checkers Hyper service, which is supported at most delivery locations.
Despite rising fuel costs, the delivery fee has remained largely stable at R36, increasing by only R1 since the service launched in 2019. This pricing strategy has helped maintain affordability while sustaining growth.
On the technology front, the Sixty60 app has surpassed seven million downloads across major platforms. Over a recent six-month period, users conducted more than 56 million searches, indicating strong engagement levels.
A key recent development is the introduction of “Pixie,” a personalised AI assistant designed to enhance the shopping experience. By analysing users’ past purchasing behaviour, the tool suggests products tailored to individual preferences, allowing users to quickly accept or reject recommendations.
While competitors in the delivery space have explored cost-saving measures such as electric vehicle fleets, Sixty60 has taken a cautious approach, noting that large-scale adoption is not yet viable.
As competition intensifies in South Africa’s e-commerce sector, Sixty60’s combination of operational scale, job creation, and digital innovation positions it as a major force shaping the future of retail delivery.
Source: Shoprite interim financial results
