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Abstract
This review paper examines the diversity and characteristics of Spaza shops across various communities, emphasizing their socio-economic and cultural importance. As informal retail outlets, Spaza shops are vital in addressing economic inequality by providing affordable goods and promoting local employment and entrepreneurship. The paper analyzes the socioeconomic factors driving their establishment, influence on community interactions, and financial contribution to regional job creation. It also explores the challenges Spaza shop owners face, such as limited access to financing, regulatory barriers, and market competition, while offering recommendations for sustainable development. Additionally, the review considers ownership structures, the impact of foreign ownership, and concerns about food safety. The lack of regulatory oversight and its effects on public health and the integrity of informal retail are also discussed. This comprehensive analysis highlights the need for targeted interventions and regulatory reforms to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of Spaza shops.
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References
- Charman, A., Petersen, L., & Piper, L. (2012). From local survivalism to foreign entrepreneurship: The transformation of the spaza sector in Delft, Cape Town. Transformation: Critical Perspectives on Southern Africa, 78(1), 47-73. https://doi.org/10.1353/trn.2012.0035
- Competition Commission. (2019). The grocery retail market inquiry final report. https://www.compcom.co.za/uploads/2019/12
- FinMark Trust. (2016). Promoting financial inclusion of informal businesses. https://www.bankseta.org.za/uploads/2019/06
- Gastrow, V. (2017). Shop gevaar. Wits University. https://wiredspace.wits.ac.za/download
- Hare, C., & Walwyn, D. (2019). A qualitative study of the attitudes of South African spaza shop owners to competitive relationships. South African Journal of Business Management, 50(1), a1295. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajbm.v50i1.1295
- Ligthelm, A. A. (2005). Informal retailing through home-based micro-enterprises: The role of spaza shops. Development Southern Africa, 22(2), 199-214.
- Ligthelm, A. A. (2008). The impact of shopping mall development on small township retailers. South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences, 11(4), 429-449.
- van Eyk, M., Amoah, F., & Yase, T. (2022). Sustaining the township economy: An investigation into the factors influencing the shopping experience of spaza shop customers in South Africa. Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies, 14(3), 20-32. https://doi.org/10.22610/jebs.v14i3(J).3304
References
Charman, A., Petersen, L., & Piper, L. (2012). From local survivalism to foreign entrepreneurship: The transformation of the spaza sector in Delft, Cape Town. Transformation: Critical Perspectives on Southern Africa, 78(1), 47-73. https://doi.org/10.1353/trn.2012.0035
Competition Commission. (2019). The grocery retail market inquiry final report. https://www.compcom.co.za/uploads/2019/12
FinMark Trust. (2016). Promoting financial inclusion of informal businesses. https://www.bankseta.org.za/uploads/2019/06
Gastrow, V. (2017). Shop gevaar. Wits University. https://wiredspace.wits.ac.za/download
Hare, C., & Walwyn, D. (2019). A qualitative study of the attitudes of South African spaza shop owners to competitive relationships. South African Journal of Business Management, 50(1), a1295. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajbm.v50i1.1295
Ligthelm, A. A. (2005). Informal retailing through home-based micro-enterprises: The role of spaza shops. Development Southern Africa, 22(2), 199-214.
Ligthelm, A. A. (2008). The impact of shopping mall development on small township retailers. South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences, 11(4), 429-449.
van Eyk, M., Amoah, F., & Yase, T. (2022). Sustaining the township economy: An investigation into the factors influencing the shopping experience of spaza shop customers in South Africa. Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies, 14(3), 20-32. https://doi.org/10.22610/jebs.v14i3(J).3304