Amazon Opens Walk-In Center in Cape Town

Amazon has opened a walk-in center in Cape Town, South Africa, aimed at supporting independent sellers and increasing its market share against local leader Takealot. The facility, which launched recently, provides services such as registration, training, product imaging, and logistics support to small and medium-sized businesses, which contribute over 60% of Amazon's global sales. Robert Koen, Managing Director of Amazon Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasized the importance of expanding product offerings to attract more customers. The center is part of Amazon's broader strategy to establish a stronger presence in the South African e-commerce market, where it began operations in May 2024. Koen reported positive performance during the holiday season, noting that first-time shoppers were returning due to improved delivery speeds. This strategic move indicates Amazon's commitment to tapping into emerging markets and adapting to local business environments.