As a thought leader in Africa’s retail revolution, Michael Chudi Ejekam constantly has eyes on how businesses throughout the region are doing. This enables him to keep a pulse on the industry and assess opportunities for growth, as well as offer advice to companies he consults, so that they may avoid the same pitfalls other enterprises have made. Like Michael Chudi Ejekam, Deloitte Global also offers insights into global matters for investors, and the group has recently published their findings for the top retailers in Africa. Here’s a look at their top five, as well as some background information on each.
1. Shoprite
Michael Ejekam’s opinions on Shoprite Holdings Ltd have been covered by the media repeatedly. The powerhouse brand topped the charts by bringing in $9.9 billion during the last reporting period.
2. Massmart
The Wal-Mart subsidiary, Massmart Holdings Ltd, has been in the news lately because it isn’t quite hitting the mark in terms of expected growth, but company officials aren’t worried at all. According to Bloomberg, Chairman Christo Wiese told an audience at the Consumer Goods Forum’s global summit that businesses need to plan to stay for the long haul before setting up shop in Africa for this reason. CEO Doug McMillon also remains optimistic about the region. “South Africa is a terrific market and it gives you something to work with but our aspirations are for the sub-Saharan African region,” he said. The company hit $7.5 billion during the last reporting period and took second place.
3. Pick n Pay
During the same reporting period, Pick n Pay Stores Ltd reached $6.3 billion. The company recently announced that its profits were up a full 26%, and that it plans to expand. Their revamped strategy for growth includes expansion into Nigeria and opening 175 stores in various formats. The heart of it will be in Nigeria, with 51% of operations being held within the country.
4. The SPAR Group
Eyes have been on the SPAR Group Ltd, as the company has recently been working on expansion outside of Africa. However, Chief Executive Officer Graham O’Connor reassured Bloomberg in an interview, “The Southern African region is still our primary focus — we are seeing good returns in Botswana, Zambia, and Mozambique.” The company brought in $5.2 billion and came in fourth place during Deloitte’s research. At the time of the Bloomberg interview, another 5% increase in sales was noted.
5. Woolworths
Recently named “South Africa’s Most Reputable Retailer” and reporting strong gains globally. Woolworths Holdings Ltd easily made its way into the top five. With earnings of $3.8 billion, the company beat out the next in line by more than $2 billion. CEO Ian Moir gives credit to clothing sales in South Africa, which recently jumped up 11.7%.
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