Microenterprises, and more specifically small convenience stores, known locally as spaza shops, are a key part of the economy within low-income communities in South Africa, providing a range of services to such communities (Chebelyon-Dalizu, Garbowitz, Hause & Thomas, 2010; Liedeman, Charman, Piper & Petersen, 2013) and dominating the retail landscape in townships across the country (Fatoki & Oni, 2016). Spaza shops also play an important socio-economic role by creating employment, making credit available to their customers and building economic activity in areas where few such opportunities exist (