The group consists of general online store Takealot.com, delivery service Mr D, and online clothing store Superbalist. Naspers said that the gross value of merchandise (GMV) sold to customers by these businesses for the six months ended September 2022 increased by 15%, while revenue grew by 13% compared to the six months ended September 2021. However, that was when calculated in rand. In US dollars, the Takealot group’s GMV actually decreased slightly from $702 million to $700 million.

In addition, the group incurred a trading loss of $13 million (R224.16 million), substantially worse than the $2 million (R31 million, at the time) it recorded during the first half of its previous financial year. At that time, it was believed that Takealot was nearing a break-even point and would soon reach profitability following years of losses. Its performance over the last six months suggests that day might still be some way off. On its own, the Takealot.com store grew GMV by 15% year-on-year in local currency, with first-party retail sales growing 2% and third-party marketplace sales jumping by 27%. Naspers said the store’s profitability decreased due to higher fuel surcharges, new warehouse investments, and clearing of inventory at discounted prices.

During the period, Mr D saw orders and GMV increase by 9% and 13%, respectively. Naspers said this showed the company had maintained a strong presence in South Africa’s main cities. Mr D also partnered with Pick n Pay to provide on-demand grocery delivery services from several of the retailer’s stores, which it started trialling in August 2022. Takealot said Mr D would roll out the service across the country in the coming months. Superbalist also increased GMV by 15%, which Naspers said was achieved despite increasing competition from brick-and-mortar fashion retailers.