An integral part of Dis-Chem’s growth strategy is the expansion of its store network through the establishment of new stores.
Dis-Chem CEO Rui Morais says this strategy depends upon various factors, including the group’s ability to identify new locations.
“The 300th store is a significant milestone when compared to the 101 stores at the time of listing in 2016, where we committed to doubling the number of outlets within eight years. Since embarking on our focussed property strategy, we have opened nearly 40 new doors in 18 months, a rate that is notably higher than our historical running rate, and one that will continue to accellerate,” says Morais.
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He said growing the retail footprint aligns to the real need to provide affordable, quality primary healthcare to more South Africans.
Healthcare is accessed via in-store clinics, at the dispensary and in the front shop, with the loop closed by health-focused financial services. Dis-Chem’s life insurance offering launched earlier this year, following the introduction of medical insurance and gap cover in 2022. The group is expanding the number of financial advisors, currently available in 34 stores. This will expand to 180 stores by February 2026.
“We are committed to continuing our expansion and our mandate of providing affordable integrated primary healthcare to more South Africans,” says Morais.
