The Maties Shop, the official carrier of Stellenbosch University’s (SU) branded merchandise, has launched 45 Matie branded apparel and products on South Africa’s e-commerce website, Takealot.
The Maties Shop joined the online store on 13 July, Cherlene Wicomb said, Maties Shop manager.
The Maties Shop, Stellenbosch University’s official merchandise retailer, has now made stock available on Takealot. PHOTO: Takealot/Facebook
SU is also using the opportunity to be forward-looking, Lizane Füzy said, commercialisation project manager at Innovus, SU’s industry interaction and innovation company.
“The virtual world is now a new way of conducting business and with this initiative we are able to reach our virtual community and stay connected with them even when they are not physically on campus,” Füzy said.
SU also sold a special collector’s wine on the website, according to Füzy.
“The move to Takealot was initiated in 2018 when we launched our special edition Eeufees pinotage wine in celebration of the university’s centenary celebrations,” said Füzy.
According to Anita Nel, chief director of innovation and development at Innovus, she is very excited about the Maties Shop’s move to Takealot.
“We were completely surprised by the popularity of the items we put on there, as our shop was closed since 27 March 2020 and we used the downtime to think innovatively and prepare to go online on the Takealot platform,” said Anita Nel.
Merchandise like branded hoodies and stationery are now for sale on Takealot, SU announced on their Facebook page, on 30 July. FACEBOOK POST: Stellenbosch University
According to Füzy, although the national lockdown did not initiate the move to an online store, it did have an effect.
“Lockdown did change the gears though, as we saw an opportunity to reach our staff, students, alumni and others all over the country by adding products from the Maties Shop online,” said Füzy.
According to Wicomb, the Maties Shop is still considering selling merchandise on their own website too.
“Having our own online shop has always been a dream, but we first need to build the necessary infrastructure,” Wicomb said.
The Maties Shop reopened exactly four months after initially closing, in compliance with lockdown regulations. Wicomb said that those who enjoy the physical experience of shopping can again visit the store in person. However, safety remains a priority, she said.
“Our store opened on the 27 July and you can shop from Monday’s [to] Friday’s from 09:00 untill 15:30. The safety of our clients is important and therefore we’ve put safety measurements in place for our customers,” Wicomb said.
According to Füzy, although the national lockdown did not initiate the move to an online store, it did have an effect.
“Lockdown did change the gears though, as we saw an opportunity to reach our staff, students, alumni and others all over the country by adding products from the Maties Shop online,” said Füzy.
According to Wicomb, the Maties Shop is still considering selling merchandise on their own website too.
The store reopened on 27 July, but has strict safety measures in place, says Charlene Wicomb, store manager. PHOTO: Maties Shop/Neelsiesa
“Having our own online shop has always been a dream, but we first need to build the necessary infrastructure,” Wicomb said.
The Maties Shop reopened exactly four months after initially closing, in compliance with lockdown regulations. Wicomb said that those who enjoy the physical experience of shopping can again visit the store in person. However, safety remains a priority, she said.
“Our store opened on the 27 July and you can shop from Monday’s [to] Friday’s from 09:00 untill 15:30. The safety of our clients is important and therefore we’ve put safety measurements in place for our customers,” Wicomb said.