Story audio is generated using AI
What began as an alternative payment option is increasingly influencing how South Africans shop. By allowing customers to spread payments over a short period, often interest-free, BNPL is making purchases more affordable and encouraging shoppers to spend more than they otherwise might.
Retailers including Edgars and TFG are seeing strong growth in BNPL usage, with the payment method proving particularly popular among younger consumers and those seeking greater flexibility in managing their finances.
At Edgars, BNPL has grown from a fledgling payment option when it was introduced in stores in 2022 to account for just under 10% of the retailer’s sales mix in 2026.
“We have seen a marked shift away from lay-by towards BNPL as customers increasingly prefer to take possession of their purchases immediately rather than wait for a lay-by to be fulfilled,” says Retailability CEO Norman Drieselmann.
