The Ackerman family of South Africa is synonymous with retail excellence, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to consumer sovereignty. From humble beginnings to building one of the continent’s most iconic retail empires, the Ackerman story is a testament to resilience, vision, and the power of putting customers first.
The Ackerman Family of South Africa: A Retail Revolution
The journey of the Ackerman family began in 1916 when Gus Ackerman opened the first ACKERMANS store in Cape Town. His vision was simple yet revolutionary: to make quality, affordable products accessible to everyone. This ethos laid the foundation for what would become a retail dynasty.
Gus’s son, Raymond Ackerman, took this vision to new heights. After studying commerce at the University of Cape Town, Raymond joined his father’s business, learning the ropes from the ground up. His early experiences, coupled with a transformative trip to the United States, shaped his retail philosophy and set the stage for the creation of Pick n Pay, a brand that would redefine South Africa’s retail landscape.
From Checkers to Pick n Pay: A Story of Resilience
Raymond Ackerman’s career wasn’t without its challenges. After being dismissed from Checkers in 1966, he faced a crossroads. Instead of giving up, he channeled his frustration into opportunity. With the acquisition of Pick n Pay, Raymond implemented the lessons he had learned, focusing on customer sovereignty, competitive pricing, and innovation.
Under his leadership, Pick n Pay grew from four stores in Cape Town to a nationwide retail giant. The company’s success was built on a simple yet powerful principle: the customer is king. This philosophy not only drove profitability but also earned the loyalty of millions of South Africans.
The Ackerman Legacy: Beyond Retail
The Ackerman family didn’t just build a business; they created a legacy. Raymond Ackerman’s commitment to social responsibility and ethical business practices set a standard for corporate leadership. From championing anti-apartheid policies within the company to supporting small businesses and community initiatives, the Ackermans have consistently used their platform to drive positive change.
Today, the family’s influence extends beyond retail. Through the Ackerman Family Foundation, they continue to invest in education, entrepreneurship, and community development, ensuring that their impact is felt far beyond the aisles of Pick n Pay.
Family Members’ Involvement with Pick n Pay
The Ackerman family remains deeply involved in the operations and leadership of Pick n Pay, ensuring that the company stays true to its founding principles while adapting to modern challenges.
- Gareth Ackerman: Raymond’s eldest son succeeded him as chairman of Pick n Pay after his retirement in 2010. Under Gareth’s leadership, the company has continued to thrive, embracing innovation and expanding its footprint across South Africa.
- Suzanne Ackerman: One of Raymond’s children, Suzanne serves on the board and has been a driving force behind the company’s transformation initiatives. Her focus on sustainability and social responsibility has helped Pick n Pay make a positive impact on communities.
- Jonathan Ackerman: Another of Raymond’s children, Jonathan also serves on the board. His expertise in innovation and digital transformation has been instrumental in modernizing the company’s operations.
- David Robins: Raymond’s son-in-law, David, is a key member of the board, contributing to the company’s financial stability and operational efficiency.
- Raymond and Wendy Ackerman: As honorary life presidents, Raymond and Wendy’s legacy continues to guide Pick n Pay. Their values of customer sovereignty and ethical leadership remain at the core of the business.
Lessons from the Ackerman Family
The story of the Ackerman family offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and business leaders:
- Customer-Centricity is Key: By prioritizing the needs and preferences of customers, businesses can build lasting loyalty and drive sustainable growth.
- Resilience Pays Off: Setbacks are inevitable, but how you respond to them defines your success. Raymond Ackerman’s ability to turn adversity into opportunity is a masterclass in resilience.
- Innovation Drives Growth: From introducing hypermarkets to expanding into new markets, the Ackermans have always been at the forefront of retail innovation.
- Ethics Matter: Building a business with integrity and a commitment to social responsibility not only enhances reputation but also creates a positive legacy.
Pick n Pay’s Current Struggles and the Death of Raymond Ackerman
Despite its storied history, Pick n Pay has faced significant challenges in recent years. The retail landscape in South Africa has become increasingly competitive, with rivals like Shoprite and Checkers gaining market share. In 2024, Pick n Pay announced a turnaround plan under CEO Sean Summers, which involved closing underperforming stores and converting others to the Boxer brand. This strategy aimed to streamline operations and focus on profitability, but it also meant saying goodbye to many beloved Pick n Pay stores across the country.
The company’s struggles were further highlighted in its 2025 trading update, which revealed a 0.1% decline in sales over a 45-week period. The closure of 32 supermarkets, including 24 company-owned stores and eight franchise outlets, contributed to this decline. However, the company noted that like-for-like sales improved by 3.0% in the final 19 weeks of the reporting period, signaling some progress in its turnaround efforts.
The death of Raymond Ackerman in 2023 marked the end of an era for Pick n Pay. His passing was mourned by the entire nation, as he was not only a retail pioneer but also a champion of ethical business practices and social justice. His legacy continues to inspire the company and its leadership as they navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing retail environment.
The Ackerman Family Cedes Control of Pick n Pay
In a historic move, the Ackerman family announced in May 2024 that they would relinquish control of Pick n Pay as part of a major restructuring plan aimed at reviving the struggling retailer. This decision marked a significant shift in the company’s governance, as the Ackerman family had been at the helm since its founding in 1967.
Gareth Ackerman, who served as chairman for 14 years, announced his retirement, though he will remain in an advisory role until the next annual results. The family’s voting control will fall slightly below 50%, and they will no longer have the right to nominate the chairman, CEO, or CFO. This move is part of a broader effort to bring in new leadership and ideas to steer the company back to profitability.
The restructuring plan, led by new CEO Sean Summers, includes a two-step recapitalization strategy. This involves a rights issue to raise up to 4 billion rand and the potential listing of Boxer, the company’s discount grocery chain, to reduce debt and fund the new strategy. The Ackerman family’s investment arm, Ackerman Investment Holdings (AIH), has committed to investing up to 1.025 billion rand in the rights offer, demonstrating their continued support for the company.
A New Chapter for Pick n Pay
Under Summers’ leadership, Pick n Pay is undergoing a significant transformation. The company plans to close or convert over 100 loss-making stores, targeting savings of 850 million rand. Additionally, Summers aims to revamp the operating model, with cost cuts of 1.3 billion rand over the next three years. The goal is for the core Pick n Pay business to break even by the 2027 financial year.
Summers emphasized a shift from quantity to quality, stating, “Retail is not about having the most stores, it’s about which stores and where. For us, it’s going to be a flight to quality, not quantity.”
Conclusion: The Enduring Impact of the Ackerman Family
The Ackerman family has left an indelible mark on the retail industry and the broader business landscape. Their story is one of vision, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As we reflect on their journey, it’s clear that the principles they championed—customer sovereignty, innovation, and ethical leadership—are as relevant today as they were decades ago.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader, the legacy of the Ackerman family serves as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when you combine passion, purpose, and perseverance. Despite the challenges faced by Pick n Pay in recent years, the Ackerman family’s enduring influence ensures that their legacy will continue to shape the future of retail in South Africa and beyond.
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Additional Insights: Raymond Ackerman’s Journey and Pick n Pay’s Evolution
Raymond Ackerman’s journey from being dismissed at Checkers to building Pick n Pay into a retail giant is a story of resilience and innovation. His trip to the United States in the 1950s, where he learned the intricacies of supermarket operations, was pivotal in shaping his retail philosophy. Inspired by mentors like Bernard Trujillo, Raymond embraced the concept of customer sovereignty, which became the cornerstone of Pick n Pay’s success.
Under Raymond’s leadership, Pick n Pay introduced South Africa’s first hypermarket in 1975, revolutionizing the retail experience. The company also expanded into international markets, including Australia, though challenges in the 1980s forced a retreat. Despite setbacks, Pick n Pay continued to innovate, acquiring Boxer in 2002 and launching GO Banking in 2005.
Raymond’s retirement in 2010 marked a new chapter for Pick n Pay, with his son Gareth taking the helm. The company’s recent struggles, including the failed QualiSave initiative, have tested its resilience. However, the Ackerman family’s commitment to innovation and customer-centricity remains unwavering, ensuring that Pick n Pay continues to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing retail landscape.
The Ackerman family’s story is not just about retail success; it’s about building a legacy that transcends business. Their impact on South Africa’s economy, society, and culture is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and ethical leadership. As Pick n Pay navigates its current challenges, the lessons from the Ackerman family’s journey will undoubtedly guide its path forward.
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