19/05/2026
Lessons From The Somalians Way Of Running A Business...
Most spaza shops in South Africa's Townships are being run by Somalians. Strangely, they don't own those shops but rent them from South Africans who have failed to run them or simply opted to rent them out. Here are the 4 lessons:
16 HOURS SERVICE: Most of Somalians spaza shops open at 06h00 and close at 22h00. A customer has confidence that no matter how early or late he goes to a Somali owned spaza shop, he/she will find it open.
WEEKLY STOCKING: Instead of waiting for stock to finish, they stock weekly. This makes their spaza shops full and attractive at all times. When you walk in a Somali spaza shop at any time, you are likely to find what you are looking for.
CUSTOMERS SERVICE: Somalians treat their customers fairly. They will go as far as giving their loyal customers discounts or allow them to buy on credits.
COST-CUTTING MEASURES: Their rented backrooms are not far away from their shops. Some stay right at the shops. This helps them to open early and close late. When going for daily orders, some use cars while others use public transport like taxi.