South African retailer expanding nationwide rollout
· The South African
Boxer, a subsidiary of Pick ‘n Pay, plans to open new stores across South Africa before the end of 2027. The discount supermarket appears to be bucking trends in this challenging economy, and offers signs of renewal for its parent company.
Retailer expanding with new supermarkets
In a trading update published on 28 July 2026, Boxer announced it was still on track to open an additional 25 supermarkets and 35 liquor stores nationwide.
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The retailer acknowledged the “slowing momentum in a highly constrained trading environment” in the 20 weeks ending 19 July 2026.
However, it announced turnover during the period had grown 7.2%, with like-for-like growth reaching 2.2%, from the same period last year. The update publicised a -1.7% price deflation over the period, marking the third consecutive period of such deflation.
The retailer pointed to double-digit deflation in rice, maize meal, and flour being the key contributors to price deflation.
However, they remained optimistic that the retailer could maintain trading profit margin at the same level as last year’s period, thanks to what it called “strong other trading income growth and tight margin control.”
The retailer had opened 19 stores nationwide in the 20 weeks ending 19 July, 6 supermarkets and 13 liquor stores and remains committed to opening its previously stated target of 35 stores before the end of the 2027 financial year.
Following the trading update, Boxer (BOX) traded 3.17% lower.
Boxer the darling, as Pick ‘n Pay shuts stores
This news follows a turbulent period for the discount retailer’s parent company. Earlier this year, Pick ‘n Pay announced it had shuttered 56 stores and would be retrenching employees as part of its restructuring process, a move it has since halted following union intervention.
According to the South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU), 22 000 employees could be retrenched as a result of the retailer’s restructuring. To prevent what it describes as a move that will “deepen poverty, unemployment and inequality,” it has taken Pick ‘n Pay to the labour court.
Amidst these developments, group CEO Sean Summers, who returned as chief executive in 2023, is committed to turning the retail giant around, restoring it to its former glory.