Shoprite, founded in 1979 in Parow, South Africa, rose to become Africa’s largest food retailer through strategic expansion, innovative practices, and adaptability. Key milestones include:
- Aggressive store openings across South Africa (1980s-1990s)
- Expansion into neighboring countries (2000s)
- Acquisition of rival chains (e.g., Checkers, Usave)
- Introduction of private label products (e.g., Housebrand)
- Investment in logistics and supply chain efficiency
- Adoption of digital technologies for enhanced customer experience
Today, Shoprite operates over 2,900 stores across 15 African countries, employing approximately 140,000 people and serving millions of customers daily.