Boxer retailer targets 60 new South African stores amid slowing growth

Boxer, South Africa's largest discount grocery chain and a subsidiary of Pick n Pay, reported FY26 turnover of R46.7 bn (up 12.3%) and a trading profit of R2.6 bn. The retailer opened 51 new stores in FY26, bringing its network to 576 outlets across South Africa and Eswatini, and created 3,400 jobs.

For FY27 the company plans to add 60 stores—25 supermarkets and 35 liquor outlets—backed by about R1 bn in capital investment. However, a trading update for the first 20 weeks of FY27 showed turnover growth slowing to 7.2% and like‑for‑like sales rising only 2.2%, with price deflation of 1.7% driven by lower rice, maize meal and flour prices. Boxer opened 19 stores in that period (6 supermarkets, 13 liquor stores) and aims to meet its FY27 target despite liquor licensing constraints.

The expansion comes as parent Pick n Pay restructures after a turbulent year that saw store closures and a threatened retrenchment of up to 22,000 workers. Group CEO Sean Summers, who returned in 2023, is focused on turning the group around and sustaining Boxer’s growth momentum.