Local partnerships could change the game for budding entrepreneurs in SA

Shopstar (Pty) Ltd founder and passionate entrepreneur, Jens Herf, has always said that the best way to start generating real opportunities for undiscovered business talent is to “give people a platform where they are educated, empowered and inspired to use an online marketplace that can help physical businesses find greater opportunity in the online space.” This vision is what guided him to build Shopstar - technology that facilitates the connection between marketplaces and traders. Entrepreneurs can create a customised online marketplace, showcasing a range of products from physical stores - earning as they promote and sell.

So what does this mean for e-commerce in South Africa?

With this kind of integrated platform, local talent can now find avenues for business on a global level, with an online space that works as efficiently, if not more so, than a stand-alone, physical store. However, Shopstar’s real value lies in the fact that it is easily integrated into existing businesses and serves as a fantastic new avenue for these businesses to gain exposure and sales in a larger marketplace.

The merge

The Shopstar team works closely with Nona Creative in Woodstock, a digital studio, which specialises in web and product development, owned by Nona Holdings. Nona took the reins on the technical aspect of things, ensuring that Shopstar’s technology was current, reliable and easy to use, and the partnership strengthened with each success.

After some discussion between Nona directors and Jens Herf, a partnership ensued that would allow Shopstar to expand and gain the additional technical expertise the team needed to ensure long-term success, along with additional infrastructure and investment. In fact, according to Nona co-founder, Mike Scott, “We immediately saw the potential in Shopstar and their concept and were ready to take on projects in need of productising.”

As Shopstar grew in popularity, South Africa’s leading pop-up market, Kamers vol Geskenke, took notice and were impressed with this innovative new solution to help businesses set up online marketplaces that would give their traders wider exposure for their products and a more professional presence. They decided to get on board, along with various other players in their industry - ultimately empowering local business owners, and broadening access and scope for e-commerce in South Africa.

Kamers’ co-owner and (now) CEO of Shopstar, Magdel Kemp, said: “Our own new digital market has already grown from a small online shop to a massive marketplace with more than 60 stores and hundreds of beautiful, handpicked products to choose from. It creates an extra income stream for Kamers with no hassle at all.”

Even more established SA brands coming on board

Shopstar’s impressive list of clientele doesn’t end at Kamers though - everyone from Rooi Rose to Garden and Home have already set up shop, with even more well-respected organisations confirmed to create marketplaces soon where they can sell a variety of products they feature. We’ll be sure to keep you updated as the list grows, but in the meantime you can view the stores above by clicking on the links.

View the Nona Creative, Shopstar or Kamers sites for more information, build your own marketplace here or contact: az.oc.ratspohs@snej, moc.lovsremak@ledgam or moc.evitaercanon@ekim.