BOXER opening new stores in South Africa

Boxer Retail Limited, South Africa’s fastest-growing discount supermarket chain, continues aggressive store openings to capture market share in the competitive grocery sector. With over 550 stores already operational, the retailer prioritizes underserved communities, creating thousands of jobs amid economic pressures.

Boxer plans to open 60 new stores in its 2026 financial year, including 25 superstores and 35 liquor stores, backed by R1.2 billion in capital expenditure. This builds on FY2025 achievements: a net addition of 48 stores (totalling 525), with eight Pick n Pay conversions, despite liquor license delays preventing the full 60 target. Key milestones include the 550th store opening in November 2025 at Bridge City Mall and the seventh distribution centre in Tongaat.

The strategy leverages Boxer’s limited-assortment model – around 3,000 essential SKUs – with full-service butchery, bakery, deli, fresh produce, and value-added services like bill payments and money transfers. Expansion targets peri-urban and rural areas across all nine provinces plus Eswatini, using six (soon seven) distribution centers for efficient supply.

In December 2025, Boxer opened five stores in one week – Jane Furse (Limpopo), Zamdela (Free State), Umzimkhulu (KZN), Segonyana (Northern Cape), and Mbabane (Eswatini) – creating 287 jobs in operations, fresh foods, merchandising, and admin. FY2025 expansions generated 2,900 positions, emphasizing local hiring for economic upliftment.

Earlier, the 500th store debuted in Port Shepstone (2024), followed by rapid growth to 550 by late 2025. Half-year 2026 results show H1 turnover at R22.5 billion (up significantly), trading profit R931 million (4.1% margin), and ROIC at 26% for FY2025, fuelling further rollout.

Founded in 1977 as KwaZulu Cash & Carry in Empangeni, KZN, Boxer hit 100 stores by 2009, expanding formats with liquor (2009) and build/hardware (2004). Acquired by Pick n Pay in 2002, it listed independently on the JSE in November 2024 to accelerate growth.

Milestones: 200th store (2015), 250th (2018), 300th (2020), 350th (2021), 400th (2022), 450th (2023), 500th (2024). Distribution grew from initial sites to seven by 2025, supporting 200 more superstores before needing an eighth.

Boxer Superstores (337 as of Nov 2025) form the core, offering private labels, promotions, and bulk buys for middle-to-lower income shoppers. Liquor stores (197), often adjacent, stock beer, wine, spirits, and snacks responsibly. Build stores (32) cater to DIY and contractors with hardware, delivery, and credit options.

This multi-format approach boosts one-stop convenience, with “Never pay more than the Boxer price” as the mantra.

Openings stimulate local economies via foot traffic, supplier support, and stable jobs in high-unemployment areas like the Free State. Amid low food inflation and competition from Shoprite, Boxer gained market share with 13.2% FY2025 turnover growth to R42.3 billion (10.4% comparable).

Challenges include U.S. tariffs raising costs, local utilities hikes, and price wars favouring staples. Yet, CEO Marek Masojada affirms capacity for sustained rollout, eyeing doubled footprint.

Boxer anticipates low-teens turnover growth in 2026, prioritizing store rollout over new DCs. As Pick n Pay’s successful spin-off, it contrasts parent struggles, positioning as “South Africa’s Favourite Discount Supermarket.” Continued expansion promises more jobs, affordability, and community loyalty in a tough retail landscape.