Unisa shop launches online store

Members of the Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations celebrating the Unisa Shop online launch.

The Unisa Shop, established in 2009 as the official seller of Unisa branded merchandise, has now gone online, enabling accessibility and reach. The store operates under the Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations. The online platform was activated for staff on Friday, 16 February 2024, at the university's official academic opening. The recent move to an online platform aims to bridge the gap between the brand and its audience.

The Unisa Shop stand at the official academic opening ceremony of the university.

Maria Trichechus, the shop supervisor, radiated excitement as she announced the availability of products in the online store. She emphasised the platform's importance in reaching a broader audience, specifically among students who might not be aware of the physical Unisa Shop. "The platform will make it easy for customers to purchase from the comfort of their homes nationally and internationally," said Frankie Mojapelo, Director of the Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations. 

He also said: "Most of our students do not know the existence of the Unisa Shop, and the online platform will make it easy for them to acquire the Unisa branded clothing, which can be accessed at https://shop.unisa.ac.za".    

The Unisa Shop's impact reaches far beyond commercial gains, as evidenced by its contribution to student bursaries. In 2023, the shop allocated R1 million towards student bursaries, benefiting higher certificate students aiming to advance to undergraduate degrees or diploma studies. The Unisa Directorate Student Funding administers the funds on behalf of the Unisa Shop.  

Mojapelo emphasised the pride of the Unisa brand and its diverse collection of apparel, stationery, bags and corporate gifts. He underscored these items' pivotal role in cultivating a shared sense of identity and unity among Unisans, including alumni and partners. 

"Our branded clothes are of good quality, and many Unisans, including alumni and partners, enjoy wearing them. Moreover, the indirect contribution of shop purchases towards student fees illustrates the interconnectedness of brand loyalty and educational support," said Mojapelo.

Refiloe Fifi Serumula won herself Unisa branded bamboo cooking utensils.

He added: "We are very proud to be associated with the Unisa brand and its branded apparel, stationery, bags and corporate gifting. Buying an item from the shop goes a long way toward ensuring that student fees are also paid."

While the shop has gone online, those who wish to shop physically can continue doing so at the stores located on the Mucklenuek, Sunnyside, Florida, and Cape Town campuses. 

To commemorate the launch of the online platform, an exciting competition with remarkable prizes will run until the end of March 2024. 

For enquiries, email: myshop@unisa.ac.za 

*A Unisa Foundation Project

*By Busisiwe Mahlangu, Communication Coordinator, Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations