Johannesburg – Shoprite Holdings said sales of beauty products, such as hair colouring kits and conditioners, have soared at its supermarkets as consumers turn to DO-IT-YOURSELF- treatments while salons remain shut.
As South Africa has lifted some restrictions on May 1, but under level 4 restrictions, hair and beauty salons are still closed.
Shoprite and Checkers have seen an increase in demand for ethnic hair care products, especially extensions, relaxers, conditioners and other treatments, as a result.
The retailer has also seen increase in hair colour products, without giving specific figures.
Sales of nail polish have risen dramatically, while face creams, cleansers and skin refreshers take the lion’s share of the skincare products’ sales. Shaving products, specifically men’s disposables are also showing growth strength, said the retailer.
The increase in sales could also be driven by many people who now have more time to do their hair and facials at home as many hair care processes take a long time to finish.
“There could also be some evidence of the “lipstick effect”, were consumers tend to spend more on small indulgences during a time of economic stress,” said Shoprite.
