Johan van Zyl, the owner of Fado Art, and his small team were planting succulents into ceramic pots in a rented garage in Bronkhorstspruit when he received a phone call that changed their fortunes. The caller was Willem Hunlun, Chief Operations Officer of Checkers, who at that time (2015) served as the Divisional Manager for Checkers
Massmart has reported a total sales of R93.7 billion for the 52-week period ending 29 December, representing total sales growth of 3.0%, comparable sales growth of 1.5% and year-to-date internal sales inflation of 2.5%. Sales from our South African stores increased by 2.7%, with comparable store sales increasing by 1.3%. Total sales from our rest
Innervation Pan African Payment Solutions (Innervation) has announced the acquisition of an African loyalty business, The Loyalty Box from Tritech Media. Innervation forms part of Crossfin Transactional Solutions (CTS), South Africa’s largest independent payments and merchant acquiring solutions platform. Under the terms of the deal, Innervation has acquired The Loyalty Box business for an undisclosed
SPAR Zimbabwe had a busy year in 2019, with the opening of a total of five new stores in the country, incorporating a wider range of ready-to-eat solutions in several of the sites and increasing product range to suit local market needs across their retail estate. The company owned stores expanded by two when an
The Edcon Group announces the sale of CNA to a consortium, majority owned by JSE listed Astoria Investments Ltd, and led by Jan van Niekerk. This transaction is aligned to Edcon’s broader strategy which is to focus on its core business through the realignment of its retail brands and operations. The sale, which is subject
In line with the Shoprite Group’s commitment to ensure that 100% of its plastic packaging is reusable and/or recyclable by 2025, it is now using the 4 000 tons of plastic returned annually to its distribution centers to produce its 100% recycled and recyclable plastic shopping bags. Since the beginning of November 2019, plastic from the retail
In a survey conducted earlier this week by an influential news website Shoprite and Checkers offered the cheapest and second cheapest basket of grocery essentials, bringing some relief for South African consumers currently under intense financial pressure in a depressed economy. First placed Shoprite’s basket was 20% cheaper than that of the most expensive supermarket, while
On Tuesday, 14 January, the Carrefour Group opened its first hypermarket in Uganda, Kampala capital city. The Group is establishing a foothold in this new country through its Partnership with the Majid Al Futtaim Group, which has been partnering Carrefour in more than 25 countries in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. This first store
Founded in 2011 following the Tunisian uprising, LYOUM has been a forefront player on the Mediterranean apparel and design market Hazem Ben-Gacem invests half a million euros in Tunisian fashion brand; LYOUM set to accelerate its international expansion plans Tunisian fashion brand LYOUM (LYOUM.fr/en/) is eyeing new product ranges and expansion in international markets after
In September 2014, whilst conducting a research exercise, the National Credit Regulator (NCR) identified deficiencies in Shoprite Investments Limited’s (Shoprite) (NCRCP6050) affordability assessment processes and established that Shoprite was likely granting credit recklessly to some consumers, says Nomsa Motshegare, CEO of the NCR. As a result, the NCR initiated a full investigation into Shoprite’s affordability
Having taken over the role of Massmart CEO on September 1st, Walmart appointee, Mitchell Slape has shared some of the insights he has gathered during his first 100 days at the South African retailer. The timing of his appointment necessitated a “hit the ground running” approach as it coincided with final preparations for Black Friday
SPAR in Botswana has undertaken a variety of initiatives during the course of this year, responding to community needs highlighted by shoppers to the retailer. Support has been given in the form of volunteer work, materials or funding to people in need, ranging from smaller projects through to larger-scale initiatives. Focus on school needs Wheelchairs
Accenture is partnering with Edcon, one of southern Africa’s largest non-food retailers, to redefine and reshape their relationship to contribute to Edcon’s renewal and growth strategy. This reflects the firm’s ambition to work with local businesses to unlock South Africa’s economic growth. Edcon embarked on the recapitalisation of its business in March this year. “We
Mr Price has released its interim results for the 26 weeks ended 28 September 2019. Normalised diluted headline earnings per share (based on the previous IAS 17 basis for accounting for leases) declined 7.2% to 447.5c. After accounting for leases on the new IFRS 16 basis, which did not require a restatement of comparative results,
Checkers has opened the doors to its state-of-the-art 2 330 m² flagship supermarket at the Constantia Emporium as the retailer continues to take innovation to new heights. The new world-class store offers customers unique experiences including: Freshly-made artisanal breads and pastries and a sophisticated range of confectioneries and luxury cakes; A coffee bar with an
Jumia is on a mission to provide Africa’s most trusted and essential digital infrastructure to ensure business owners meet the needs of their local and international consumers. As the Company continues its investment and innovation in its African operations, it continues to review its path to success to ensure the Company achieves this mission. The
In the financial year ended 30th September 2019, the group reported an increase in turnover of 8.4% to ZAR109.5 billion, despite all markets in which they trade experiencing some challenges. The SPAR Group Ltd turnover includes SPAR Southern Africa, SPAR Ireland and SPAR Switzerland. SPAR South Africa grew wholesale grocery turnover to the retail stores
Vivo Energy Kenya, the company that distributes and markets Shell-branded fuels and lubricants in the country, is on a growth path. The company has responded to motorists’ need for fuel convenience and has added 23 Shell service stations to its retail network. The new service stations, are located in eleven counties, namely: Laikipia, Kiambu, Nairobi,
Vivo Energy Uganda has today announced the addition of 16 new Shell service stations, expanding the Shell network countrywide and bringing the total number of service stations in Uganda to 152. The expansion is part of the company’s strategy to make Shell fuels, lubricants and services more accessible and deliver ultra-convenience to motorists and shoppers
A new rooftop solar PV (photovoltaic) installation at the Shoprite Group’s Gordon’s Bay Mall is expected to generate more than 720 000 kWh per annum, amounting to about a third of the centre’s total electricity use. The Gordon’s Bay Mall is the seventh solar PV plant that the Group has installed. Its installations in Kimberley,
As part of a multi-faceted project to separate Marlton’s entire ICT infrastructure from that of its former holding company, Ascendis Health, LanDynamix moved the company’s e-mail environment to Microsoft Office 365. Founded in 1945, Marltons Pet Care (Pty) Ltd., is South Africa’s No. 1 Pet Care brand* offering an extensive range of quality products from
Clicks Group increased diluted headline earnings per share by 16.8% to 672 cents in the year to August 2019, as the retail and distribution businesses both delivered strong performances in an environment of low economic growth and challenging trading conditions. The group increased its total dividend by 17.1% to 445 cents per share, with the
Famous Brands is a leading food services franchisor. The Group’s vertically integrated business model comprises a portfolio of 20 restaurant brands, represented by 2 879 restaurants across South Africa (“SA”), the rest of Africa and the Middle East (“AME”), and the United Kingdom (“UK”). The Brands division is underpinned by substantial Logistics and Manufacturing operations.
Global on-demand courier service company Glovo, which links motorcycle riders to consumers wishing to buy and deliver products, has partnered with News Cafe in a move aimed at expanding their market footprint in the country. The firm, which uses an app to enable its deliveries has partnered with the South African franchise to enable it
The Shoprite Group is whole-heartedly committed to employment in Africa, as their staff complement of 147 268 attests. The Group is proud to be the largest employer, after government, in South Africa. In only one week, almost 120 new jobs were created by the opening of three supermarkets in South Africa. Shoprite Stimela Barberton Shoprite
Trading profit up 15.8% to R641.5 million on a normalised basis Headline earnings per share up 11.6% on a normalised basis Diluted headline earnings per share up 13.1% on a normalised basis Turnover growth of 5.1% to R39.3 billion Internal inflation restricted to 3.6%, well below CPI food inflation of 6.9% R500 million investment in
Positive South African performance delivers overall Group earnings growth, despite challenges in Zambia and Zimbabwe Trading profit in core South African business up 16.4%, with trading profit margin up from 2.5% to 2.8% of turnover Group turnover growth of 6.0% on a comparable basis (6.2% on a constant currency basis) South African turnover growth of
Checkers has signed up the millionth customer to its new Xtra Savings programme, just a week following its launch on Monday 14 October. The Checkers Xtra Savings card is helping consumers to make huge savings in tough economic times and discounts are clearly marked in store. Some of the incredible offers currently available include: 750ml
Positive online restaurant reviews and recommendations from customers can be highlighted with Premium listings on TripAdvisor to improve visibility and reputation. Restaurants gearing up for the end-of-year tourist season should ensure their social media listings and online reviews are optimised in order to boost their visibility and increase trade. Research shows that seven out of
Toy retailer also set to open new store at Festival Plaza later this year and unveils the must-have toys this holiday season As part of its commitment to provide customers a better shopping experience, Toys “R” Us today announced that it has fully implemented its Scan & Go feature across all 13 stores in the
The wait is over – Checkers Xtra Savings is here! Africa’s largest supermarket group has introduced its latest initiative that shows their loyalty to customers, and not the other way round. There are no Points. No Tiers. No Levels. Just instant cash savings on your groceries and drinks. Partnering with SA’s biggest brands, Checkers Xtra
Continuing its 2019 expansion drive, SPAR Zimbabwe has opened a new store in the country’s second-largest city located in the south of the country, Bulawayo – it’s 37th overall. The new store, SPAR JN Bulawayo, is located on one of the city’s busiest roads in the central business district – across from a busy bus
Checkers Hyper revealed its state-of-the-art flagship store in Sandton City this morning, complete with chocolatier bar, an open-flame pizza oven, an in-store Kauai and an extensive range of innovative new products. Customers can look forward to a world-class shopping environment with unique experiences never before offered in a South African supermarket, such as: Famous Beluga
Focused on leveraging group scale more effectively to optimise store portfolio performance, improve buying and logistics efficiencies and reduce costs Massmart today reported interim results for the 26 weeks ended 30 June 2019 against a backdrop that offers little external support, both in South Africa and the 12 other African countries in which Massmart operates.
Woolworths Holdings Ltd (WHL) today announced results for the 53 weeks ended 30 June 2019. For comparative reporting, the Group also presented trade for 52 weeks and the commentary below relates to the 52-week period. Group sales for 52 weeks increased by 3.9% to R78.2 billion with adjusted profit before tax down 3.7% to R4.6bn.
Spur Corporation increased headline earnings by 10.2% to R165 million in the year to June 2019 as trading conditions continue to be challenging in South Africa while the international business was impacted by weak economic conditions and high operating costs in Australia. Total franchised restaurant sales across the local and international operations increased by 7.2%
Gap Inc. today announced that, following the completion of the planned spin-off of Old Navy, the new public company, currently referred to as NewCo, will retain the Gap Inc. name. The new Gap Inc. will be a portfolio of brands, including Gap brand, Banana Republic, Athleta, Intermix, Janie and Jack, and Hill City. The announcement
SPAR Cameroon opened three more SPAR stores, in the Express format, in collaboration with Ola Energy, bringing the number of stores in the country to six. Focusing on convenience retailing, SPAR Cameroon’s newest stores are in the capital city, Yaoundé, with the 60m2 store in Ahala targeting single households and shoppers on the go whilst
This week representatives from Walmart’s Global Sourcing team are in Johannesburg to meet with 18 of Massmart’s South African suppliers who are interested in exploring opportunities to export their products to Walmart markets. This is as a result of a discussion that took place at the World Economic Forum in Davos between Minister of Trade
The new Edgars brand concept is unlike anything we’ve seen before in South Africa, seamlessly translating the brand’s new positioning and business direction into a physical open-floor space that immediately evokes a sense of play. Ever since Edgars re-launched the brand last year, the retail giant has been collaborating with South African culture and actively
On its ongoing commitment to phase out single-use plastic shopping bags by 2020, Woolworths has announced its first trial of specially-designed paper bags for fashion, beauty and homeware purchases. In alignment with its Good Business Journey, every aspect of the impact of the new paper bags has been considered, from improved care for the environment,
Further strengthening its position in the East African market, the Shoprite Group launched its third supermarket in Kenya, and the first outside Nairobi. The opening of Shoprite City Mall in Nyali, Mombasa on 29 August, has created 115 new job opportunities, of which 65% are occupied by women. This is in addition to the 240
SuitePOS, a single POS app that provides multiple in-store checkout options for retailers running NetSuite or Salesforce, now works with PayPal Here to simplify in-person payments and lower processing costs. SuiteRetail, the makers of SuitePOS for NetSuite and Salesforce, has integrated with PayPal Here to offer a modern and simplified payment processing alternative to traditional
Checkers opened the doors to its 100th store in Gauteng at Ferndale on Republic, previously known as Brightwater Commons in Randburg, on Thursday, 29 August 2019. Almost 90 new jobs were created, bringing the full staff complement at Checkers Ferndale to 137, of which 105 are women and 108 are youth (between the ages of
Checkers opened the doors to its first new-look store in Mpumalanga at the White River Crossing lifestyle shopping centre on Thursday, 22 August 2019. Almost 100 new jobs were created, bringing the store’s full staff complement to 159, of which 107 are women and 120 are youth (between the ages of 18 and 35). The
Key information Sale of merchandise increased by 3.6% to R150.4 billion. Trading profit decreased by 14.3% to R6.9 billion. Diluted headline earnings per share of 779.9 cents, down by 19.6%. Dividend per share of 319 cents declared (2018: 484 cents). Opened a net of 126 stores during the 12 months (2018: 154). View the complete
Trendy Italian underwear, clothing and swimwear brand, Yamamay, has launched its first South African flagship store at Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in Pretoria, finally bringing its exclusive international fashion ranges to local shores. Yamamay officially opened its doors to the South African public on Wednesday, 24 July 2019, with Stefano Ligrone, the First Secretary in
UnionPay International (UPI) has announced significant progress in the South African retail payments market through their co-operation with Pick n Pay and Absa Bank. Through a tripartite co-operation agreement, Pick n Pay, a major food, clothing and general merchandise retailer, is now enabled to accept UnionPay cards at all of its till points across its
Affordable clothing retailer Pep Stores leads the pack in terms of customer satisfaction ratings in the latest South African Customer Satisfaction Index(SA-csi) for Clothing Stores, conducted by Consulta. The 2018 SA-csi for Clothing Stores ranks Ackermans, Edgars, Jet, Mr. Price, Pep Stores, Truworths and Woolworths based on highly scientific insights into the overall level of
When the first Coles store opened in Collingwood, Australia, over 100 years ago, nothing in the store cost over two shillings. It was a hit. Fast forward to 2019 and Coles is still a leading retailer – only now it has 40,000 products, 115,000 team members, 2,450 stores and $39 billion in revenue. What hasn’t
