According to Gary Lindhorst, Makro’s DIY Merchandise Manager, exceptionally strong sales growths have been recorded over the past months on load shedding related products, such as generators, inverters, gas cooking tops, cylinders, rechargeable globes and lanterns.

“We are currently experiencing a very high demand for generators, inverters and backup power solutions nationwide in our stores. Year-on-year sales for alternate power related categories have gone up by over 300%.”

The disruption caused by load shedding can be felt both in business and at home. Consumers are now more aware that alternatives do exist and they are looking into some of the new options offered at Makro.

“New products such as the Mobi-Volt, which is a portable device with a built-in Lithium-Ion battery and inverter, offer solutions from 0.5kw, 1.0kw, 2kw, 3kw and 5kw. These devices range in price from R14 999 to R59 999 and the largest unit (5kw) is approximately the size of a hand luggage suitcase. Customers can have these connected to their DB board with a coupler, which gives them the option to uncouple the unit for camping or use in the office. The large units can also be recharged between 5000 and 6000 cycles,” says Lindhorst.

“Powerwall is another fantastic solution that will be available in-store at Makro from the end of August 2022. This is going to be a popular solution for our customers because it can be fitted next to your DB board and connected by a qualified electrician within 90 minutes.

“Powerwall will be available in 5kw and 10kw units. These units are an integrated power system comprising of the latest inverter technology and the latest lithium phosphate battery technology with a management system to guarantee the user extended battery life. The Powerwall gets charged through your electricity grid and when load shedding kicks in, your power continues seamlessly eliminating the impacts of load shedding. If you have a power bank for your phone, why not have a Powerwall for your home?

“This alternative power solution gives customers the option of investing now as a step towards becoming less reliant on the grid, and at today’s prices. They can keep their lights on well into the future and save later by adding the panels to generate their own power. Powerwall is a 100% solar-ready solution that includes all of the accessories required to connect the system to solar panels.  Another big plus is that the batteries are good enough to perform optimally for 6000 full recharge cycles and can recharge to full within 2 hours, so that takes care of stage 6 load shedding schedule. We are committed to helping our customers to live better by meeting this demand at affordable prices – especially in this volatile economy,” says Gary. More details on these products will be available on www.makro.co.za in August 2022.

More power solutions offered at Makro:

Gas refills

Gas appliances for heating and cooking are popular choices. Over recent years, Makro has installed gas refill depots at most of its stores. It doesn’t matter if the gas bottle is half-empty or half-full, you can top up your bottle at the gas depot and only pay for the gas you take.

Rechargeable globes

With blackouts lasting for more than two hours at a time, consumers can opt for much more sustainable long-lasting lighting solutions such as the Lightworx or Power4Less rechargeable globes. They have a built-in battery which can last up to four hours. Sales have skyrocketed with growth of over 1000% during the recent load shedding period.

Solar solutions 

Makro will also be offering fully installed solar solutions to customers very soon. Watch the press for details.

Courtesy of Supermarket & Retailer – full article here