Expand your retail brand into South Africa
South Africa is the gateway to a fast-growing continent, with a sophisticated retail sector and a logistics environment that rewards local knowledge. Import rules, long inland distances from the ports and a concentrated set of major retailers catch out brands that arrive without a plan.
Orchard Retail Group leads South African entry from Australia, backed by trusted independent specialists on the ground in Johannesburg who focus on country entry for international retailers. You get one point of accountability and local knowledge where it counts.
Who we work with
We work with ambitious retail and e-commerce brands entering or scaling in South Africa. On the ground, we work through independent contractors who support Orchard and specialise in country entry for international retailers and businesses, based in Johannesburg.
How we help in this market
- Market entry strategySouth African go-to-market planning, duty and landed-cost modelling, and an operational roadmap matched to your ambition.
- Distribution & 3PL selectionNetwork design from port to shelf, 3PL evaluation and contract management, and transition delivery.
- In-market operationsInventory, project and supplier management, plus the local operating rhythm to serve South African customers well.
- Systems & complianceERP, WMS and OMS readiness for South African trade, with compliance practices that meet local expectations.
Your local lead
Glenn Keast — Founder, leading South Africa from Australia
Glenn spent nearly 18 years at Cotton On Group, helping grow it from 178 local stores to over 1,500 stores in 26 countries, including South Africa. He leads our South African work from Australia, alongside our Johannesburg-based specialists.
Who helps retailers expand into South Africa?
Orchard Retail Group provides country-entry support in South Africa — strategy, distribution and 3PL selection, systems readiness and in-market operations — led from Australia and delivered with independent specialists based in Johannesburg. One accountable partner from planning through to trading.
Can you support an existing South African operation?
Yes. Whether it is a 3PL contract that needs renegotiating, a distribution network that has not kept up with growth, or fulfilment costs eroding your margin, we review the operation end to end and deliver the fixes with your team — not just a report.
Ready to move into South Africa?
Tell us where your brand is today and what South Africa should look like for you. We will map the operational path with you — no obligation.
Get in touch