SA’s Consumer Outlook: Loyalty as a Lifeline in Tough Times.
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GUEST: Andrew Leighton – Consumer Insights Leader for Sub-Saharan Africa at NIQ
As South Africans continue to feel the pinch of the rising cost of living, new insights from NIQ’s 2026 Consumer Outlook Report reveal how shoppers are adapting and why loyalty programmes have become a financial lifeline.
While nearly two-thirds of consumers believe their household situation will improve by 2026, the reality tells a different story: many are cutting back on luxuries, switching to cheaper brands, and relying on rewards to stretch every rand.
What does this means for retailers, brands, and consumers from shifting spending habits to the growing importance of affordability, trust, and value. Can loyalty programmes really drive long-term brand relationships in an age of economic fatigue? And how can businesses turn consumer caution into sustainable growth?
As South Africans continue to feel the pinch of the rising cost of living, new insights from NIQ’s 2026 Consumer Outlook Report reveal how shoppers are adapting and why loyalty programmes have become a financial lifeline.
While nearly two-thirds of consumers believe their household situation will improve by 2026, the reality tells a different story: many are cutting back on luxuries, switching to cheaper brands, and relying on rewards to stretch every rand.
What does this means for retailers, brands, and consumers from shifting spending habits to the growing importance of affordability, trust, and value. Can loyalty programmes really drive long-term brand relationships in an age of economic fatigue? And how can businesses turn consumer caution into sustainable growth?
