Shoprite Group, South Africa’s largest retailer and biggest private employer, has opened 268 stores across the country after investing R3.9 billion ($239 million) in its expansion plans.

The retailer exceeded its target of opening 223 stores for the 2026 financial year, reaching the milestone within 11 months as it continued to strengthen its presence across South Africa.

The expansion comes as Shoprite deepens its omnichannel strategy and invests in both its core supermarket operations and newer specialty businesses. The group’s growth also stands out at a time when rivals are closing stores and restructuring parts of their operations.

With a workforce of more than 170,000 people, Shoprite remains South Africa’s largest private-sector employer. The latest store openings created thousands of jobs across all nine provinces, adding to the company’s economic impact.

“The group’s expansion strategy is supported by significant capital investment, with R3.9 billion spent during the first half of its 2026 financial year, much of it directed toward growing and upgrading the South African store network,” Shoprite said.

Core supermarket business drives growth

Most of the new stores were added to Shoprite’s main grocery operations, which account for the largest share of group sales.

During the period, the retailer opened 48 Usave stores, 41 Shoprite supermarkets, 30 Checkers supermarkets and 92 LiquorShops.

Regional growth was led by Gauteng, where 82 stores were opened. The Western Cape added 48 stores, while KwaZulu-Natal accounted for 31. Together, the three provinces represented nearly 60 percent of all new outlets launched during the period.

Specialty brands expand footprint

Shoprite’s adjacent businesses continued to grow at a faster pace than initially planned. Petshop Science opened 38 stores, exceeding its rollout target by 65 percent, while UNIQ clothing added 13 stores, more than double its original target.

Petshop Science, launched in 2021, marked Shoprite’s entry into South Africa’s specialist pet retail market. UNIQ, introduced in 2023, focuses on everyday family clothing and has expanded into major shopping centres across the country.

Expansion contrasts with rivals’ cutbacks

Shoprite’s growth comes as some competitors continue to scale back operations. Pick n Pay closed a net 56 stores during its 2026 financial year as part of a broader turnaround plan aimed at removing underperforming outlets.

SPAR Group has also focused on rebuilding its business, including reducing its international exposure and addressing challenges in its South African operations.

Against that backdrop, Shoprite continues to widen its lead in the country’s highly competitive retail market.