South Africa, July 9 -- The retail experience for South African consumers and businesses has certainly changed in the past few months. The social and economic implications of the national lockdown have forced businesses to rethink their sales strategies in order to stay afloat and meet shifting consumer demands.

Trend forecasters predict that globally, hundreds of SMME retailers will close their doors in the coming months as government funding runs low, consumers guard their pockets, and subconscious social distancing keeps many at home.

Despite these challenges, Kantar reports that the growth in e-commerce has not only been pushed to new heights, but there's also been an increase in the number of retail categories that are now being pu...