In South Africa, informal township ‘spaza’ shops, which first appeared in the 1970s and were essentially community convenience stores, still exist today. They thrive in some areas and are one example of how a newsagent/convenience store can remain relevant, and to some extent profitable, in South Africa today.
From spaza shops to franchises and 24-7 forecourt stores, the South African convenience store sector has something to offer aspiring entrepreneurs with a range of budgets and experience.
