Pepkor Expands Again: What Its Latest Acquisition Means for African Retail

Africa’s Largest Clothing Retailer, Pepkor, Expands Again By Gaining 462 New Stores

Bloomberg reported the deal is some years in the making, with Pepkor initially exploring a potential takeover of Retailability’s Edgars brand in 2023. (Shutterstock)

Pepkor, the continent’s largest clothing retailer, expands once again. According to BOF, the company has announced the acquisition of four clothing and homeware brands from Retailability Proprietary Ltd., giving it access to a whopping 462 additional stores across southern Africa. If you thought Pepkor was already dominating the market, this deal is about to make it even bigger.

So, how did we get here? Well, this expansion has been a long time in the making. Back in 2023, Pepkor first looked into acquiring Retailability’s Edgars brand, but the talks didn’t immediately lead to a deal. Fast forward to 2025, and Pepkor is now scooping up not just Edgars, but three other brands as well. The move strengthens its position in the affordable fashion and homeware market, reinforcing its status as the go-to retailer for budget-conscious shoppers in Africa.

This isn’t just about numbers—this deal represents a significant shift in African retail. With the additional 462 stores, Pepkor now has an even stronger footprint in key markets, making it easier for shoppers to access its products. Plus, by bringing these brands under its umbrella, Pepkor can optimize supply chains, improve pricing strategies, and even boost employment opportunities within the region.

And Pepkor isn’t stopping there. The company has also been expanding beyond Africa, making inroads into Brazil as part of its global growth strategy. It’s clear that Pepkor has ambitious plans to keep growing, and this latest acquisition is just another step toward cementing its retail dominance.

So, what’s next? Will Pepkor continue its aggressive expansion? Will we see more acquisitions in the near future? One thing’s for sure—this retail giant isn’t slowing down anytime soon.