Shoprite’s Checkers Sixty60 has become a major force in South African online grocery shopping, but questions about the platform’s profitability are putting its business model under renewed scrutiny. Former Shoprite chief executive Whitey Basson has reportedly reopened the debate about whether the delivery service is as financially successful as its impressive sales figures suggest.
Sixty60 has transformed grocery shopping by allowing customers to order products through a mobile application and receive deliveries within a short period. Its distinctive delivery scooters have become a familiar sight in neighbourhoods across the country. However, running a fast delivery operation involves considerable expenses, including technology, warehouse operations, order preparation, staff, delivery partners and maintaining a reliable supply chain.
Sixty60 records R25.5 billion in sales
Shoprite’s financial results for the 52 weeks ended 28 June 2026 show that Sixty60 increased sales by 34.5% to R25.5 billion. This represented an additional R6.6 billion compared with the previous financial year, demonstrating the platform’s growing importance to the retail group’s overall performance.
The delivery platform’s growth has also contributed significantly to Shoprite’s expansion in the competitive grocery market. The group reported total merchandise sales of R270.8 billion, representing growth of 7.2%. Sixty60’s performance therefore stands out as one of the strongest areas of its digital business.
However, sales revenue should not automatically be confused with net profit. The amount generated through customer purchases does not reveal how much remains after operating expenses and other costs are deducted.
Why profitability is becoming an important question
The economics of grocery delivery are more complicated than simply selling products online. Every order requires products to be located, selected, packed and transported to customers. Smaller orders can be particularly challenging because delivery expenses may consume a larger portion of the revenue generated.
There are also costs associated with maintaining the application, managing technology systems, paying workers and ensuring that deliveries arrive on time. This is why the distinction between revenue growth and actual profitability matters to investors and retail analysts.
Shoprite has previously defended Sixty60’s business model, pointing to its pick-from-store system, existing supermarket network and investment in technology as advantages that help control operating costs.
Shoprite says its delivery model has advantages
In its 2025 financial results presentation, Shoprite described Sixty60 as a strongly profitable digital commerce operation. The retailer highlighted several advantages, including using existing stores to prepare orders, owning its technology intellectual property and benefiting from improved unit economics as the platform grows.
These factors help differentiate Sixty60 from delivery businesses that depend heavily on separate warehouses and expensive technology licences. Shoprite has also continued investing in its digital infrastructure and logistics to improve customer experience and operational efficiency.
In September 2026, group chief executive Pieter Engelbrecht said Sixty60’s sales had increased to R25.5 billion and that the platform remained ahead of competitors in terms of execution. He also indicated that the service was expanding across Shoprite stores, with the group seeing further opportunities to combine products from different businesses into a single delivery.
What the debate means for South African shoppers
Sixty60’s success has increased competition in the grocery delivery market, encouraging other retailers to improve their own online shopping services. For consumers, competition can mean greater convenience, improved delivery options and more digital shopping features.
However, retailers must balance convenience with affordability while ensuring that delivery operations remain financially sustainable. The renewed debate surrounding Basson’s comments highlights the importance of looking beyond impressive sales figures when assessing a company’s digital business.
Ultimately, Sixty60’s long-term success will depend not only on attracting more customers but also on maintaining healthy margins while managing the costs of rapid delivery. For Shoprite, the challenge is to keep growing the platform without allowing the expenses associated with convenience to undermine its financial performance.
Whitey Basson reignites discussion
Former Shoprite chief executive Whitey Basson’s reported concerns about Sixty60’s profitability bring renewed attention to the costs and financial sustainability of rapid grocery delivery.
2 September 2026 – Shoprite highlights Sixty60’s growth
Shoprite reports that Sixty60 sales increased by almost 35% to R25.5 billion in the financial year ended June 2026.
1 September 2026 – Annual financial results released
Shoprite reports merchandise sales of R270.8 billion, with Sixty60 contributing an additional R6.6 billion in sales compared with the previous financial year.
2025 – Shoprite describes Sixty60 as strongly profitable
The retailer’s 2025 results presentation highlights the platform’s pick-from-store model, technology ownership and improving unit economics as important advantages supporting profitability.