But now, shelves are full and Christmas carols are playing in the shops.
“It's all refreshing,” says Nyikadzino Wekwedu, pushing his trolley through a Spar supermarket. “I'd be thinking of going shopping for groceries in South Africa this time last year, but it's all a joy I can now do it home without travelling, and the discounts are fantastic.”
Spar outlets are pumping in mega bucks to ensure its outlets are well decorated for the festive season, while TM Supermarkets, in which Pick n Pay holds a 25% stake, is dangling the proverbial carrot: a US$52000 ‘Christmas Cracker Competition' with cash prizes.
Bon Marche and OK supermarkets, whose parent firm is an acquisition target by retail group Shoprite Holdings, are sticking to discounts.
Emerging grocery giant, AfroFoods, is taking it one step further: a dreams come true festive season promotion in which lucky shoppers will drive two brand new Madza BT50 trucks into 2010.
