iStore Sets New E-Commerce Standard in South Africa with One-Hour Delivery Service

iStore, Africa’s exclusive Apple Premium Partner, has set a new benchmark in South African retail by introducing unmatched fulfilment innovations that bring Apple devices to customers faster than ever before. Leveraging cutting-edge automation and strategic logistics, iStore’s groundbreaking services include one-hour delivery for customers in select urban areas, reshaping expectations for speed and efficiency in e-commerce.

iStore has redefined convenience by offering one-hour delivery for customers in Sandton, Johannesburg; City Bowl, Cape Town; and Umhlanga, Durban. As a first for any Apple retailer globally, this service provides South Africans with unparalleled access to premium technology.

Beyond one-hour delivery, iStore ensures same-day delivery at no extra cost in key urban hubs, including Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town, Bloemfontein, and Gqeberha. Customers can select a preferred delivery date during checkout, catering to both urgent and planned purchases.

“South African customers are accustomed to quick delivery for groceries and fast food, but receiving a newly purchased iPhone in under an hour is groundbreaking,” said Chris Dodd, CEO of iStore.

The Technology Behind the Transformation

At the heart of iStore’s fulfilment success lies its partnership with Xpand, a leader in unmanned retail systems. Together, they’ve introduced an autonomous system at the Johannesburg distribution centre that picks, packs, and labels orders without human intervention. Powered by advanced robotics and machine learning, this compact system operates 24/7, maximising efficiency and enabling the development of smaller, local fulfilment centres across the country.

“This automation reduces warehouse requirements and boosts delivery speed,” Dodd noted. “It allows us to scale and adapt to the growing needs of our customers.”

iStore’s fulfilment model directly integrates with its physical stores, enabling 50% of e-commerce orders to be dispatched from local outlets. This reduces delivery times and operational complexity. Beyond that, the retailer offers a 30-minute Click-and-Collect option across all stores, further enhancing the flexibility of the shopping experience.

To make premium technology more accessible, iStore provides free delivery on all orders, with no minimum purchase required. From essential accessories to urgent phone replacements, iStore’s customer-centric approach ensures flexibility and satisfaction.

Revolutionising Retail in South Africa

By combining innovative technology, unmatched logistics, and a customer-first philosophy, iStore is redefining retail standards in South Africa. As a pioneer in fulfilment and delivery, iStore is not only setting a benchmark in e-commerce but also making premium technology more accessible than ever.