John Street

John Street has been part of Johannesburg's trading infrastructure for decades, supplying spazas, tuck shops, small supermarkets, and informal traders across the city. Wholesalers like this one hold institutional knowledge — they know which products move quickly in which areas, which traders are reliable, and how supply chains need to shift with season and economic conditions. They're often the first place traders hear about new products or suppliers, and they build relationships that go beyond a simple transaction. In Johannesburg's tight business community, that history and network matter. A trader might have access to better prices elsewhere but stick with a familiar wholesale supplier because trust has been established, service is consistent, and problems get resolved without bureaucracy. These operations anchor local commerce in a way that chain stores never quite reach — they're where small business owners go to solve problems, not just buy stock.