Retail giant Shoprite Holdings is accelerating the expansion of its Checkers supermarket brand with the launch of new high-end and community-focused stores across South Africa – including the largest fully halaal Checkers in the country.
Major milestone
The new store, located at Saxony Westwood Mall in Westville, KwaZulu-Natal, represents a major milestone in culturally inclusive retail.
The supermarket is fully halaal-certified across all departments – from the butchery and bakery to the deli and ready-to-eat meals – through close collaboration with the National Independent Halaal Trust (NIHT).
The store has created 212 local jobs and features an extensive food court with unique offerings such as Dubai-inspired desserts, Indian-style tandoors, mithais, baklava, and Middle Eastern flatbreads.
A dedicated beverage bar serves Karak chai, Elaichi chai, and Rooibos chai, alongside modern coffee options.
Invest in innovation
Shoprite CEO Pieter Engelbrecht said the group’s expansion strategy is focused on both premium retail experiences and serving diverse communities.
“We’re extending our reach into underserved communities and continuing to invest in innovation and inclusivity,” Engelbrecht said.
Checkers’ latest rollout also includes a new Cavendish Square supermarket in Cape Town’s southern suburbs.
The store offers a full range of in-store departments, including a meat market with free-range chicken and steakhouse-quality cuts, a hot and cold foods deli, a bakery with artisan breads, and Money Market services.
It created 38 new jobs and is managed by Rubin Louw, who joined the company in 2014.
The move forms part of Shoprite’s broader growth drive.
South Africa’s largest retailer
The retail group – which owns Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, and Sixty60 – remains South Africa’s largest retailer by market value, sales, and customer base.
In its latest financial year, Shoprite:
- Added 281 new stores across Africa, including 184 supermarkets in South Africa
- Recorded R20.6 billion in sales growth
- Created 8 723 new jobs, bringing total employment to 168 939 people
The company’s Sixty60 on-demand delivery service continues to gain momentum, growing sales by 47.7% year-on-year and now offering one-hour delivery to more than 80% of South Africa’s online grocery market.
Sixty60 operates in 694 locations, including five dark stores, and has expanded into general merchandise, pet supplies, and pharmacy products.
Engelbrecht said Shoprite’s focus remains on “meeting customers where they are” – from neighbourhood convenience to luxury food retail – while maintaining affordability and inclusivity.
“We’re not just growing our store base; we’re redefining what the South African supermarket can be,” he said.
