Shoprite Group, one of Africa’s largest retail chains, has launched a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) payment option for customers, marking a significant expansion in its payment services as households navigate rising living costs in South Africa. The initiative, introduced in partnership with fintech provider PayJustNow, allows customers to spread the cost of purchases into manageable instalments — helping many South Africans budget more effectively while avoiding high-interest credit.
How the BNPL Service Works
Under the new arrangement, Shoprite customers can use PayJustNow’s BNPL solution — including an interest-free option or a Pay-in-12 instalment plan — to split their purchases over three to 12 months.
The payment option is available across a wide range of Shoprite Group brands, including Shoprite, Checkers, Checkers Hyper, Usave, Checkers Outdoor, UNIQ clothing by Checkers, Little Me and Petshop Science, and can also be used online through Shoprite’s Sixty60 delivery service and Computicket.
Customers typically pay an upfront portion at checkout and settle the balance over time, giving greater flexibility for larger or essential purchases such as school supplies, appliances, groceries, and electronics.
Purpose Driven by Financial Reality
Shoprite’s move comes at a time when many households face cash-flow constraints, especially at the beginning of the year when school fees, transport costs, and back-to-routine expenses coincide with limited disposable income.
Dean Hyde, COO of PayJustNow, commented that consumers are “not looking to spend more, but to spread costs in a way that fits their income cycles without paying interest or risking a debt spiral.”
The BNPL solution is positioned as a cash-flow management tool, rather than a replacement for traditional credit, with built-in affordability checks, clear instalment schedules, and fixed end dates designed to help customers remain in control of their finances.
Strategic Expansion in Retail Financial Services
For Shoprite, the introduction of BNPL represents a strategic expansion into retail financial services — extending beyond the traditional grocery shopping experience and positioning the retailer as a facilitator of financial flexibility for its customers.
Jean Olivier, General Manager of Financial Services at Shoprite Group, said the rollout reflects the company’s commitment to giving customers “practical and innovative tools to manage larger expenses in a way that fits their lives.”
Industry data shows that less than one in five South Africans have a credit card, underscoring the importance of alternative payment tools like BNPL in expanding financial inclusion and helping consumers avoid debt traps associated with other credit products.
Benefits for Consumers and the Retail Sector
BNPL services have rapidly grown globally, with retailers and fintechs partnering to provide flexible payment options that attract customers and improve overall shopping experiences.
Globally, BNPL is credited with boosting conversion rates and increasing average order values, as consumers who might otherwise delay purchases are enabled to buy now and pay later.
For Shoprite’s diverse customer base — from budget-conscious families to working professionals — the addition of BNPL is expected to make essential goods more accessible, particularly when liquidity is tight.
Risks and Consumer Protection
While BNPL offers clear benefits, critics argue that without responsible lending safeguards, such services can potentially lead to over-extension of consumer credit — a concern regulators globally are monitoring. Some jurisdictions are tightening oversight to ensure responsible use of BNPL products.
However, Shoprite and PayJustNow emphasise that the new payment options are designed with affordability checks and fixed repayment plans to help customers manage repayments effectively without falling into unmanageable debt.
