The Foschini Group (TFG), a name synonymous with retail innovation, boasts over 3,600 stores across its diverse portfolio of brands.
From humble beginnings on Pritchard Street, Johannesburg, to becoming a global powerhouse, TFG’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and growth.
A Brief History of TFG
The journey of TFG began in 1925 when George Ivan Rosenthal opened the first Foschini store in Johannesburg. Selling affordable, fashionable clothing imported from the U.S., Rosenthal brought a new wave of style to South African women. By 1927, Foschini had nine branches across the country, and in 1941, it became the first clothing retailer listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
In 1958, Stanley Lewis took the reins, transforming the struggling company into one of South Africa’s leading retail chains. Through rapid expansion, strategic acquisitions, and the introduction of new brands, Foschini grew exponentially. Landmark acquisitions like the American Swiss Watch Company (1967), Markham (1968), and Sterns (1993) solidified its place in the retail landscape.
TFG’s Expansion and Global Footprint
Today, TFG operates through three business segments: TFG Africa, TFG London, and TFG Australia. Each segment is supported by localized management teams reporting to the Cape Town head office. The group’s extensive portfolio includes well-known brands such as Exact, Sportscene, The FIX, and Jet, among others.
Through its TFG London segment, the company made its international debut in 2015 by acquiring Phase Eight for £238 million, followed by Whistles and Hobbs. Its entry into Australia in 2017 was marked by the acquisition of Retail Apparel Group for $220.4 million. These strategic moves have helped TFG establish a presence in Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia.
How Many Stores Are Under TFG? Let’s Dive Into It
TFG Africa boasts an impressive portfolio of 26 retail brands, catering to a wide range of consumer needs, from fashion and homeware to jewellery and technology. These brands include:
- American Swiss
- Archive
- @home
- @homelivingspace
- Coricraft
- Fabiani
- Dial-a-Bed
- hi
- Sportscene
- Totalsports
- G-Star Raw
- The Bedstore
- Foschini
- Johnny Bigg
- Markham
- Relay Jeans
- Sterns
- The FIX
- Volpes
- Exact
- Galaxy & Co
- Jet
- Jet Home
- RFO (Renegade Fashion Outlet)
- Sneaker Factory
- Bash (e-commerce platform)
According to TFG, there are 3,621 stores in TFG Africa across these brands. However, the group does not provide a breakdown of the number of stores per brand, highlighting the integrated nature of its retail strategy.
In an exciting move, TFG Africa recently added JD Sports to its brand portfolio in South Africa. Known for its exceptional performance in the UK market, JD Sports has already started making waves locally, capitalizing on its reputation as a leading sportswear retailer. This addition further strengthens TFG’s position as a dominant force in the South African retail sector.
Driving Success Through Strategic Expansion
Contrary to popular belief, not all TFG’s products are imported. The group has heavily invested in local manufacturing through Prestige Clothing factories in South Africa. This shift has enabled TFG to produce high-quality garments locally, meeting customer demands more efficiently while supporting the local economy.
TFG’s extensive supply chain, bolstered by regional distribution centers exceeding 113,250 square meters, ensures seamless order fulfillment across its vast network of over 3,600 stores. These stores cater to diverse needs, offering clothing, footwear, jewelry, sportswear, mobile phones, homeware, and more.
Innovation in Retail
In 2023, TFG launched Bash.com, a comprehensive online platform replacing myTFGworld. With over a million app downloads, Bash provides customers access to most of TFG’s in-house brands in one place. This move underscores TFG’s commitment to enhancing its omnichannel retail experience.
TFG also rebranded its delivery service from Quench to BashDelivery, streamlining the last-mile experience for its customers.
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The Future of TFG
With a market capitalization of $1.93 billion and a workforce exceeding 46,566 employees, TFG continues to innovate and expand. The company’s strategy, framed by the acronym BOLTS, focuses on sustainability and omnichannel excellence. As TFG aims to be the leading lifestyle retailer in Africa while growing its international footprint, the group’s 3,600+ stores remain at the heart of its success.
TFG’s dynamic history and strategic vision make it a formidable force in the retail industry. How many stores are under TFG? Over 3,600 and counting, each one a testament to the group’s commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
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