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The Foschini Group says its e-commerce platform, Bash, has been a “game-changer” for the company, reaching over eight million downloads within three years of its launch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The group released its annual integrated report for the 2024\/25 financial year, stating that Bash is now considered the number one fashion and lifestyle retailer in South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“It has significantly strengthened the Group’s operating foundation and positioned us to drive future growth in the online space,” it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Bash now has over eight million downloads and is considered the number one South African fashion and lifestyle retailer based on web and app traffic.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
South African e-commerce veterans Claude Hanan and Luke Jedeikin launched Bash in July 2022, bringing all TFG brands together in a single platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The company attributed much of its success to forward thinking and spotting the opportunity to launch an e-commerce platform at the right time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Two years ago, online retail was still emerging in South Africa. However, the rise of global pureplay competitors quickly shifted the market,” it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Recognising this early, we invested in Bash, expecting it to break even in three years. Instead, we reached that milestone in just 18 months.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It described reaching break-even as a significant milestone. During the financial year, its sales reached more than R2 billion, and the company is now focused on scaling the platform profitably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It also hoped to unlock operating leverage and drive long-term sustainable growth for The Foschini Group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We will continue to scale Bash profitably, increasing sales and operating margins for long-term sustainability,” it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We also continue to work with the industry and government to advocate for fair duty structures that protect local retailers.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The group said integrating the Bash platform in-store helps employees search and sell The Foschini Group Africa’s entire assortment from a single store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The integration, dubbed Bashstore, is currently operational in 1,515 stores, and the group intends to roll it out to an additional 2,500 stores by the 2027\/28 financial year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its shorter-term goal is to roll out the system to an additional 700 stores in the 2025\/26 financial year. Bash also plans to scale fulfilment and data-driven store enablement in the current financial year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Foschini Group expects the e-commerce platform to grow into a R4.7-billion business by 2029 and transform into a “true omnichannel retailer and platform player”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n