about us
add more legacythe story of Ackermans
The Ackermans success story began in 1916 when Gus Ackerman opened the very first store in Wynberg, Cape Town, setting a benchmark for competitive prices that few could match. By 1960 the Ackermans chain had shown promising growth and was sold to Greatermans. Towards the end of the 1970s, Ackermans changed hands once again and was sold to Edgars who maintained its position as the price discounter.
When Pepkor acquired Ackermans in 1984 there were 34 stores across the country. Pepkor was quick to realise that the strategy of adding value to their low-price formula would better position Ackermans for growth. By the turn of the century Ackermans had grown to over 200 stores across Southern Africa, catering to all value-conscious consumers. The new millennium heralded even bigger and more exciting plans, and by the end of the 2002/3 financial year the stores numbered 284. It was also the year that yielded the highest turnover ever... and the new millennium had only just begun.
Today, with more than 450 stores in Southern Africa, including Botswana and Namibia, the business is set to exceed R4 billion in turnover.
what do we offer?
quality merchandise: We’ve put stringent quality measures in place to ensure that we deliver on our promise of unbeatable value, while our ongoing projects make sure that we consistently deliver quality products. This philosophy extends across our range of clothing, textiles, footwear, homeware and financial products, which includes our cellular range.
unbeatable value: We offer the best products at the best prices. We aim to be the first choice for shopping convenience for you and your family, from basic items at unbeatable prices to more fashionable and branded products at market-leading prices.
stylish fashion: We cater for the whole family; from safe, quality products for babies and toddlers, and elegant and sporty styles for ladies and men, to the latest fashion trends for teenagers and kids. Our buyers travel far and wide to buy top-quality brands at the best prices, like Disney, Spider-Man, Batman, WWE, Bata shoes and Waverley blankets. We also have all the latest cellphones, starter packs and airtime from leading companies like Vodacom, MTN, Cell C and Telkom.
everyday items: At Ackermans, you’ll find a range of homeware essentials that are not only available all year round, they’re also specifically chosen for their exceptional quality, and brought to you at great prices. You’ll enjoy a wide range of curtains, towels, duvet inners, pillows, duvet sets for kids and adults, linen in a variety of colours and styles, and scatter cushions where you see our “add more everyday items” signage in-store. So whether you’re looking for bedroom basics or an inspired contemporary new look – make Ackermans your first stop.
a pleasant shopping experience: With an Ackermans near you, there is no need to shop around. You can get everything you want, under one roof. Our staff members are friendly and helpful and the shop ambience is bright and cheerful. Our in-store radio station, The Sound of Ackermans, plays upbeat easy-listening music while our DJs and in-house ads announce special offers and events.
Visit an Ackermans store today and find out for yourself how Ackermans adds more to your world.