MNG4801
Assignment 3
2025
, 2. INTRODUCTION
This assignment examines Takealot.com’s strategic positioning and responses within
the South African e-commerce landscape. Using strategic management frameworks,
case study evidence, and academic literature, the analysis considers the company’s
corporate-level strategies, organisational structure, leadership approach, risk
environment, and competitive responses particularly in light of potential market
disruption from Amazon’s entry.
3. QUESTION 2: CORPORATE-LEVEL STRATEGIES (15 Marks)
Takealot.com has pursued multiple corporate-level strategies aimed at strengthening
and protecting its leadership in South Africa’s online retail sector.
Growth Strategies
1. Horizontal Integration – Acquisition of Mr D and Superbalist
Takealot broadened its operations by acquiring Mr Delivery and Superbalist,
integrating complementary businesses into its portfolio. According to Ansoff’s
product market growth matrix, this move falls under diversification (Hill et al.,
2020). These acquisitions enhanced the company’s logistics capabilities and
extended its reach into new customer segments.
2. Market Development – Township Economy Initiative
In partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Government, Takealot invested R150
million to support township-based enterprises. This initiative represents a market
development approach, targeting previously underserved geographic and
economic markets (Takealot, 2025).
3. Product Development – TakealotMore Subscription Service
The launch of TakealotMore, a subscription-based offering modelled on services
such as Amazon Prime, illustrates a product development strategy. By bundling
benefits and services, this initiative aims to enhance customer loyalty and
increase repeat purchases (Meikle, 2024).
Assignment 3
2025
, 2. INTRODUCTION
This assignment examines Takealot.com’s strategic positioning and responses within
the South African e-commerce landscape. Using strategic management frameworks,
case study evidence, and academic literature, the analysis considers the company’s
corporate-level strategies, organisational structure, leadership approach, risk
environment, and competitive responses particularly in light of potential market
disruption from Amazon’s entry.
3. QUESTION 2: CORPORATE-LEVEL STRATEGIES (15 Marks)
Takealot.com has pursued multiple corporate-level strategies aimed at strengthening
and protecting its leadership in South Africa’s online retail sector.
Growth Strategies
1. Horizontal Integration – Acquisition of Mr D and Superbalist
Takealot broadened its operations by acquiring Mr Delivery and Superbalist,
integrating complementary businesses into its portfolio. According to Ansoff’s
product market growth matrix, this move falls under diversification (Hill et al.,
2020). These acquisitions enhanced the company’s logistics capabilities and
extended its reach into new customer segments.
2. Market Development – Township Economy Initiative
In partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Government, Takealot invested R150
million to support township-based enterprises. This initiative represents a market
development approach, targeting previously underserved geographic and
economic markets (Takealot, 2025).
3. Product Development – TakealotMore Subscription Service
The launch of TakealotMore, a subscription-based offering modelled on services
such as Amazon Prime, illustrates a product development strategy. By bundling
benefits and services, this initiative aims to enhance customer loyalty and
increase repeat purchases (Meikle, 2024).
