Abstract

The focus of this article is to examine the supply chain risks, innovations and technological enablers or barriers to the efficiency of the supply chain risk management (SCRM) strategy implementation in the retail sector of South Africa. This study applied a qualitative research approach by conducting interviews from grocery retail stores managers. Through convenience sampling, 12 representatives from twelve stores (one representative per store was interviewed at each of the twelve stores) were interviewed. This study mainly found that most of the grocery retail stores experience late deliveries, damaged stock, theft, high fuel costs and expired stock from their respective suppliers. Adaptation of efficient and effective SCRM has had implications for practice related to improvements in the retail stores' supply chain, the profitability of retail stores, marketing, promotions and consumer experiences. This study is unique as it provides new insight of variables that affects the quality of service in the retail sector; customer service in the retail sector; innovations and technology helping mitigate SCRM experienced in the retail sector from a developing country perspective.