In 2017, two university students, Gianpaolo Carlone and Andrew Reaper, embarked on a journey that would change the way athletes approach wearable tech and bicycle accessories  in South Africa. As avid sportsmen, regularly cycling and running  through the Cape Town’s mountains, they faced a personal dilemma: finding affordable, highly quality , and durable accessories for their on-bike GPS devices and wearable technology. The options available were either too expensive or didn’t meet their high standards for quality, and thus, Forza was born

The Birth of Forza

Forza was built out of a passion for fitness and a desire to create something better. The name "Forza" itself is deeply personal, with a fun backstory tied to Gianpaolo’s Italian roots. In Italian, "Forza" means "strength," a fitting tribute to both the strength gained through fitness and the durability of their products. It was only later that the duo realised the name also carries a nod to their home country: "For ZA" (For South Africa), celebrating their business's South African foundation. This dual meaning has become a hallmark of the brand.

A Brand Loved by Athletes

Today, Forza offers athletes the perfect balance of style and functionality with a wide range of wearable tech,cycling and running gear, but it's their Elite Silicone Watch Straps that are most loved. Available in over 40 vibrant colors and 5 different widths the straps give customers an almost endless choice of watch-strap combinations for major sports watch brands such as Garmin, Polar, Suunto, Apple and many more. Whether you’re hitting the gym or the mountain trails, Forza’s products ensure you can perform at your best while looking great.

Navigating South Africa's E-Commerce Landscape

Forza's journey mirrors the challenges faced by many e-commerce entrepreneurs in South Africa. While e-commerce has gained traction, it remains a relatively new frontier for many consumers. Before platforms like Takealot and Superbalist rose in popularity, online shopping wasn’t the norm. Understanding this, Gianpaolo and Andrew knew they needed to meet their customers where they were most comfortable, which led to a strategic three-pronged approach to sales:

1. In-Store Retail Partnerships
   Forza partnered with over 50 independent cycling stores, as well as leading retailers such as Sportsmans Warehouse to offer customers the chance to see, feel, and try out their products in person. This tactile experience remains crucial for many South African consumers who prefer shopping in physical stores.
2. Established E-Commerce Platforms
   Recognising the massive traffic flowing through platforms like Takealot, Forza ensured their products were available to this growing audience. Leveraging these existing platforms allowed them to tap into an already-established customer base.
3. Forza’s Own E-Commerce Site
   Forza’s e-commerce store is built on Shopify, giving them control over their direct-to-consumer experience. To handle both local and international payments seamlessly, Forza uses Wigwag’s Shopify plugin. This integration allows them to process payments efficiently, ensuring a smooth transaction experience for their customers worldwide. Their online home at forzatrading.co.za gives customers access to their full range of products, supporting a seamless, secure shopping journey for both South African and global customers.

This multi-platform approach has proven to be a winning strategy, allowing Forza to reach customers through the channels that suit them best, whether it be in-store, on a large marketplace, or directly through their own site.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

When asked what advice they’d give to aspiring entrepreneurs, Gianpaolo and Andrew didn’t hesitate: “Just go for it.” Their success story serves as an inspiration to many young business owners, proving that with the right idea and the courage to pursue it, anything is possible.

At Wigwag, we’re proud to support Forza as they continue to grow and inspire. It’s an honor to be part of their journey, providing them with the tools to process payments both locally and internationally on their Shopify store. Here’s to Forza—a brand that stands for strength, innovation, and proudly representing South Africa.

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