Spaza shops are one of the cornerstones of the South African informal economy. Characterised by its tuck-shop-like appearance on the corners of busy streets, these convenience stores sell basic goods like produce, drinks, cigarettes, and bread. They mostly cater to the black and low-income markets.

Currently, there are more than 150,000 spaza shops in South Africa. They make up a significant part of the South African economy, with approximately 80 percent of the population visiting these shops daily.