How South Africans are saving money with this futuristic store
What can R100 buy at this futuristic South African store?
There is a new retail concept in Diepsloot, Gauteng, that is changing the way residents shop while also helping them save money.
Content creator YungEarn recently posted a video about the new retail store, describing it as "the most futuristic store" he has ever seen.
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Unlike traditional supermarkets, SKUBU operates on a smart card system. Customers first obtain an SKUBU card and load money onto it in-store.
Once the card is activated, they can begin shopping by tapping it at dispensing stations and selecting the exact quantity of each product they want to purchase.
The store focuses on bulk staple items such as flour, rice, sugar, cooking oil and maize meal. However, instead of pre-packaged goods, shoppers choose their preferred quantities, helping them control portion sizes and spending.
What has drawn particular attention is SKUBU's pricing.
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During his visit, YungEarn documented what he was able to purchase for R100, and the results were striking. He bought:
• 1kg of flour for R12, compared to approximately R22 at many major retailers
• 500g of rice for R7, often around R18 elsewhere
• 500g of sugar for R10, nearly double that price in other stores
• 750ml of cooking oil for R21, typically over R30 at conventional supermarkets
• Maize meal for R10
Even after purchasing all of these items, he had not yet spent the full R100, with money remaining for additional purchases.
Watch here:
The model appears to be designed to address two major challenges faced by many South African households: affordability and food accessibility.
By allowing customers to buy only what they need at significantly reduced prices, SKUBU offers a practical alternative to traditional retail formats.
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Images: X/ Screenshot