Best Before – a retail chain with stores across Gauteng has disrupted the supermarket space by selling short- and past-dated food and personal care items at heavily discounted prices.
Due to the insatiable demand for its cheap but “quality” products, Best Before is now offering an online shopping service that does nationwide courier delivery.
Inspired by the massive success of ‘clearance stores’ in Europe and Australia, Best Before’s founders introduced the concept locally with a pilot store in Wendywood, Sandton.
The store drew thousands of shoppers within days. Following the success of the first outlet, the founders partnered with major food suppliers and have expanded to eight stores across Gauteng.
While some consumers might be wary of the concept, Best Before assures shoppers that all the items it sells are safe.
“Unlike traditional salvage outlets that sell damaged or shop-soiled stock, we focus on short-dated and past-dated products that are still high-quality and safe, giving shoppers access to big-name brands at a fraction of the cost,” Best Before says on its website.
Products now available nationwide
Previously limited to Gauteng, Best Before’s online portal now offers nationwide courier delivery.
Customers across South Africa can order discounted products online, and with the option to collect from a nearby store.
Orders typically take up to five working days to prepare, and customers are notified once ready for collection.
Best Before’s pricing continues to beat major supermarkets. A recent comparison found its weekly deals were, on average, 46% cheaper than at traditional retailers.
About Best Before
Best Before Clearance Store was founded in 2017 by two entrepreneurs – Mark Gordon and Alain Soriano – with over 60 years of combined retail expertise.
The due were determined to shake up South Africa’s shopping experience and make everyday essentials more affordable for struggling South African households.
“At the same time, we’ve created a sustainable channel for suppliers who need to move stock that no longer fits traditional supermarket shelf-life rules,” they said.
