Boxer Superstores opens its 300th store despite COVID-19 crisis

South African retailer Boxer Superstores, a subsidiary of Pick n Pay, defies the odds by opening its 300th store amidst the challenging COVID-19 landscape that has battered various businesses in the region. Despite the economic downturn and uncertainty brought about by the pandemic, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to expansion and growth. Marek Masojada, the Managing Director of Boxer Superstores, attributes the success to the company's innovative business model and its ability to cater to the diverse needs of the South African market. Masojada highlights that the Boxer Value offering has resonated well with customers, receiving weekly requests from eager consumers urging the brand to open stores in their areas. With a target market ranging from low-income household earners to the middle class, Boxer Superstores prides itself on its modern, bright stores that offer value-driven products and services. The company's core philosophy revolves around providing customers with affordable prices, ensuring that they never pay more than the Boxer price. During these challenging times, the retailer has witnessed a surge in demand for essential commodities such as rice, maize meal, oil, fruits, and vegetables. As consumer behavior shifts towards less frequent but larger shopping trips, Boxer Superstores strategically aligns its product offerings to meet the evolving needs of its clientele. Looking ahead, Masojada reveals ambitious plans for the company's future growth. In the next year, Boxer Superstores aims to open 40 new outlets across various formats, including supermarkets and liquor stores. Emphasizing responsible and sustainable expansion, the company projects to create job opportunities by employing between 50 to 100 staff members per store. This initiative will significantly contribute to the current workforce of 20,000 employees and inject between 400 to 500 million into the economy through new store developments. Despite the success and prospects for growth, Boxer Superstores currently operates solely through its corporate structure, with no immediate plans for franchising. Masojada acknowledges the potential for future expansion across all nine provinces of South Africa, demonstrating a robust belief in the brand's ability to thrive in diverse markets throughout the region.