South African Retail Sentiment Report
Payment Experience Edition
South Africa’s retail sector came under increasing scrutiny, not only for products and service, but at the point of payment.

Overall industry Net Sentiment:
-54%
Top performer: Pick n Pay
-6%
Net Sentiment score
Crypto was the most positive payment method:
50%
Net Sentiment score
Based on an analysis of nearly 58 000 social media mentions, the 2025 SA Retail Sentiment Report tracked sentiment towards 16 of South Africa's retailers across fashion, groceries, cosmetics and homeware.
As shoppers grew more confident across in-store and online channels, expectations around speed, security, and inclusivity rose sharply. Payment is no longer viewed as a transaction but as a core part of decision-making and brand experience.
-54%
This indicated industry-wide frustration with payment processes.
Discover the key factors that are impacting public sentiment toward SA's leading mayors