(3 Minutes Read)
South African retail giant TFG (formerly The Foschini Group) is expanding its digital footprint by developing a connected customer ecosystem that integrates digital payments, mobile network services, and loyalty rewards.
According to Greg Walsh, head of fintech at Bash — TFG’s flagship app and e-commerce platform — this strategy forms a crucial part of the company’s fintech evolution. The group recently introduced Bash Wallet, enabling customers to purchase airtime, data, and lifestyle vouchers directly from the platform. “Bash Wallet is central to TFG’s fintech vision,” Walsh explained. “It brings together TFG Money payments, TFG Rewards, and value-added services in one seamless experience, making everyday shopping simpler and more rewarding.”
Walsh emphasized that these new features encourage more frequent customer engagement, even outside of fashion and homeware purchases. The goal is to make Bash Wallet a daily-use financial companion that provides convenience, control, and choice across TFG’s digital touchpoints.
When asked whether Bash Wallet could evolve into a full banking service, Walsh clarified that TFG’s focus is not on becoming a bank but on embedding meaningful financial experiences within its retail environment. Planned future enhancements include refunds-to-wallet, digital gift cards, and money transfer features — all aimed at enhancing the shopping journey rather than duplicating banking services.
Walsh confirmed that TFG plans to integrate TFG Connect (its mobile network), Bash Wallet, and TFG Rewards as part of a long-term strategy to create a unified digital experience. “Our vision is for customers to earn and spend rewards, top up airtime or data, and manage payments through one seamless interface,” he said. “Wallet and Rewards are already linked, and TFG Connect will soon be integrated through our new value-added services.”
Over time, this will evolve into a holistic digital platform where commerce, connectivity, and financial services converge under the TFG brand. TFG credits Bash as a major driver of its digital success, with over eight million downloads since its launch in July 2022. Founded by e-commerce veterans Claude Hanan and Luke Jedeikin — the creators of Superbalist — Bash has quickly become South Africa’s leading fashion and lifestyle retail app.
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TFG’s 2024/25 annual report described Bash as a “game-changer” that strengthened its online operations and exceeded growth expectations. Initially projected to break even in three years, Bash achieved that in just 18 months. Despite weaker overall performance in the first half of 2025 — with TFG’s share price dropping over 16% after its results — Bash remained a bright spot. The company reported online sales growth of 55.3% across the group and 40.2% growth in TFG Africa online sales, with digital channels now accounting for 14.7% of total retail sales.
With its connected ecosystem taking shape, TFG appears poised to redefine how South Africans shop, pay, and stay connected through one integrated retail experience.
