What are South Africans bulk buying NOW to prep for 'Januworry'?

What are South Africans bulk buying NOW to prep for ‘Januworry’?

While it may be the festive season NOW, many South Africans have already turned to bulk buying to prepare for the long month of January.

What's in your trolley? Image: canva

Bulk buying on the rise

South Africans getting paid early this December are facing a possible six week stretch between their December 2024 and January 2025 salaries – which could mean a tough month for most households in the country.

Retail giant, Makro, known for its bulk-buying options on its extensive range of fresh, frozen, and pantry groceries, has noted that consumers are turning to bulk buying to beat the Januworry blues.

But what are South Africans buying?

During its month-long Black Friday promotion, Makro saw that consumers were investing in bulk packs of essentials like long-life milk, toilet paper, cold drinks, and maize meal.

This December, the retailer noted that its customers were also stocking up on large packs of flour (12.5kgs), cooking oil (2L), cheese (900g), Ice Cream (5L), biscuits (2kg), tinned goods (in 12 packs), and cordials (5L).

“Not only are our customers prepping for the festive season, where they will be with their families and typically feeding more people – but also stocking up their pantries, cupboards and freezers for the January season when their children will be back at school or varsity, and they will be returning to work,” Kevin Maier, Vice President of Food, Makro said.

He added that the retailer had also seen more demand for its bulk offering on meat, such as boerewors, bulk pork packs, and chicken portions, which can be frozen for use at a later date.

“Our customers are also taking advantage of our bulk deals on household cleaning and personal care essentials like dishwashing liquid, bleach, washing powder, bar soap and toothpaste,” he says.

When looking to make your money go further, bulk buying makes sense for South African families.

“This is essentially the backbone of a Stokvel, which is one of Makro’s offerings, where goods are then delivered in bulk come the end of the year,” says Maier. “While some families might not have the space for bulk products, they still invest in them and share them amongst households to ensure their family members reap the rewards of buying in bulk and being prepared.”