Big change for popular South African online shop domain

TFG-owned Bash has acquired the Zando domain, which started redirecting to the Bash website.

Last month, Jumia Technologies announced that it will close its popular online shop, Zando, in South Africa by the end of the year.

Zando launched in 2012 when online shopping was still relatively new to many South Africans. It quickly gained traction.

Over the past fourteen years, Zando has become one of South Africa’s largest online fashion platforms, boasting a collection of over 550 brands.

It offered shoppers a diverse range of products, ranging from footwear and apparel to homeware, beauty products, and in-house brands like Utopia.

However, many online fashion retailers in South Africa have struggled with the growth of Temu and Shein.

Zando tried to counter this onslaught from Chinese companies by launching its own international online shopping division, Zando Global. This did not work.

Zando could still not effectively compete against Temu and Shein, and Jumia said it saw limited growth potential in South Africa.

Jumia said closing Zando in South Africa allowed it to focus resources on its most promising markets with stronger growth potential.

Considering its valuable customer base, many stakeholders wondered what would happen to Zando and its domain.

Bash founder Claude Hanan revealed that they have acquired the Zando domain, which will redirect to the Bash website.

He said they had always appreciated Zando’s contribution to the South African e-commerce market.

Bash is positioning the redirect as a way for Zando shoppers to keep enjoying the types of brands and products they love on Zando, plus a whole lot more.

“For over a decade, you’ve trusted Zando as a pioneer of South African e-commerce. Thank you for being part of their journey,” the Bash redirect page states.

“As a Zando customer, your shopping journey will continue. We’re excited for you to shop brands and stores you know and trust on Bash.”

Hanan highlighted that they did not buy Zando and that Zando users’ accounts and order history will not be available on Bash.

Bash, officially launched by Hanan and Luke Jedeiken on 20 February 2023, continues to solidify its position in the South African e-commerce market.

Hanan and Jedeiken were behind many big developments in the local market, including starting Superbalist and buying Spree.

Starting and growing Bash, which is now absorbing Zando, is another noteworthy step in their e-commerce journey.