“We’ve always believed that South Africa deserves world-class retail experiences,” says Anthony Thunström, TFG’s Group CEO. “The opportunity to build Bash has been about more than just launching a successful platform. It’s about proving that innovation at scale is possible, that we can lead in technology, and service, while creating meaningful impact in the economy.”

This bold vision sparked the birth of Bash, TFG’s digitally native business designed to reimagine how South Africans shop. Led by seasoned e-commerce entrepreneurs Luke Jedeikin and Claude Hanan, Bash has grown from an ambitious idea into South Africa’s largest omnichannel fashion and lifestyle platform in just two years.

TFG’s ambition was clear: transform a fragmented digital presence – 15 separate brand websites – into a single, powerful platform. This wasn’t just an upgrade; it was a fundamental shift in the digital retail experience. When Bash launched in March 2023, it brought with it a consolidated, seamless platform that made shopping easier, faster, and more intuitive.

The results were immediate and impressive. Within six months, Bash surpassed one million downloads. By the end of 2023, the app had been downloaded 3.8 million times, becoming the country’s #1 fashion shopping app. More than 1.2 million customers engaged with the platform, generating over 420 million shopping sessions across web and app.

But Bash wasn’t only about digital dominance. In late 2023, Bash expanded its footprint into physical retail through Bash-powered in-store tech across TFG stores – enabling access to 16 times more products while shopping in-store. From a pilot in just seven locations, the rollout grew to 600 stores, with rapid expansion planned throughout 2025.

This shift redefined the role of the physical store. Store associates became active participants in the digital journey, driving more sales and earning over R3.4 million in commissions through tech-enabled sales. The initiative also created opportunity, with Bash’s participation in the YES Programme equipping young South Africans with vital retail experience and career paths.

Bash’s impact didn’t go unnoticed. At the 2024 Bookmark Awards, the platform took home five major accolades, including Gold for Best E-Commerce Site – a reflection of its market-leading user experience, mobile design, and omnichannel strategy. Bash also recorded 53% year-on-year growth, while its fulfillment network scaled from six to 530 drivers, boosting delivery speed and efficiency.

“What we’ve done in two years has far surpassed our initial vision,” adds Thunström. “And we’re just getting started.”

Bash’s success is more than a corporate win – it signals a paradigm shift in South African retail. It proves that local innovation can compete globally, that homegrown talent can build world-class solutions, and that the future of retail is already being shaped right here, at home.

By the end of 2025, Bash-enabled stores will number in the thousands, and the integration between digital and physical retail will be deeper than ever – creating an even more seamless, personalised way for South Africans to shop.

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South African e-tailers are facing stiff competition from international companies — though Bash, the e-commerce platform of JSE-listed retailer TFG, appears to be gaining traction with its “local is lekker” stance.

Tech-savvy local Gen Z shoppers have become adept at hunting for deals from Shein and Temu. These Chinese-backed marketplaces attract price-conscious shoppers with trendy products at rock-bottom prices.

In South African, Shein and Temu have gained popularity as online shopping platforms. Despite their similarities, they use different business models.

Temu operates as a digital marketplace that allows independent sellers to offer a wide range of products, including electronics, clothing and seasonal decorations. This model offers South African consumers a wide selection of items from different sellers.