Shoprite Group opens its 500th Usave store in South Africa, expanding access to affordable essentials

The Shoprite Group has reached a milestone with the opening of its 500th Usave store in Hopefield, Western Cape, underscoring its commitment to making affordable groceries and household goods accessible to underserved communities across South Africa.

This latest addition is part of the Group's broader strategy to ensure that low-cost essentials reach those who need them most.

Launched in 2003, Usave was conceived under the vision of current CEO Pieter Engelbrecht as a no-frills grocery alternative.

Over the years, it has evolved from a single small-format store into a vital pan-African retail chain spanning four countries.

Engelbrecht notes, “Usave was designed to go where others wouldn’t – to bring real savings and value for money, in real terms, to underserved communities,” highlighting the crucial role the brand plays in fighting food insecurity and enhancing everyday living standards.

The Usave supermarkets carry a carefully curated selection of over 420 essential fast-moving products, with many items priced under R10 – including popular choices at R5 and even at R1, such as the brand's well-known packets of biscuits. Furthermore, the Ubrand private label range comprises more than 350 items, ensuring quality is not compromised for affordability.

In addition to traditional Usave stores, Shoprite has embraced innovative formats such as the eKasi container stores, aimed explicitly at reaching informal settlements and lower-income areas. These compact outlets, often constructed from shipping containers, enable rapid deployment in locations where traditional retail infrastructure may be lacking, demonstrating the Group's adaptability to community needs.

Job creation is another notable benefit of this expansion, with Usave employing over 6,700 people, predominantly in rural and peri-urban regions.

This initiative not only brings employment opportunities to these areas but also boosts local economies by supporting livelihoods.

To further enhance its services, Usave stores are now equipped with a suite of additional benefits, including Money Market counters that provide basic financial services like money transfers, bill payments, and airtime top-ups. With select larger-format stores offering in-store bakeries and purified water for only R1 per litre, Usave is evolving into a one-stop solution for everyday necessities.

Recognising the challenges faced in regions with unreliable electricity supply, the Usave stores have implemented advanced energy-efficient technologies. In collaboration with local tech company Azoteq, the SmartSense system has been rolled out to more than 200 locations. This technology automates power switching and freezer monitoring, significantly reducing waste and stock loss rates – which currently stand at an impressive 0% in participating stores. These innovations contribute to Usave’s ability to maintain low pricing while delivering quality products essential for daily living.

As the Shoprite Group solidifies its footprint with 534 stores across southern Africa, the success of Usave serves as a testament to its mission: to lead in providing accessible, low-cost essentials for all communities, regardless of their location.

BUSINESS REPORT