The short version: Pick n Pay announces labour model overhaul, using retrenchment law to change contracts

The next phase of Pick n Pay’s turnaround strategy has been launched, with CEO Sean Summers announcing early this week that in an attempt to reset costs, the Group has initiated a labour restructuring process affecting around 22,000 store-based employees. The process formally falls under section 189 of the Labour Relations Act, i.e. dismissals based on operational requirements, aka retrenchment. However, the retailer has said that the intention is not to reduce headcount, but rather adjust existing working arrangements, like minimum hours, inflexible scheduling, and certain benefits/allowances that currently exceed market standards. “We were paying over the market norms of our opposition,” Summer said. “We can no longer continue to just talk about it. We have to bring some action to the table.” The only way to legally ensure that this is achieved is by ‘retrenching’ staff and rehiring them with new employment contracts. Pick n Pay has said that while hourly rates will not be reduced, overall earnings could be affected by changes in hours worked. And one of the key changes being looked at is around labour flexibility – its current model, where many experienced employees work weekday shifts, doesn’t align with shopper behaviour, which now sees peak demand in the evenings and over weekends. “The real skilled people we have are not really there when customers are shopping,” said Summers. By law, the consultation process (involving affected staff and trade union SACCAWU) must run for 60 days and will be facilitated by the CCMA.

The short version: Dis-Chem introduces new ‘Health Hub’ store layout

If, like us, your secret hobby is checking out new stores, best you get down to Dis-Chem’s new Melrose Arch Health Hub right away. The store, which opened just this morning, 7 May, is Dis-Chem’s 323rd store in SA and will be the blueprint (or should we say greenprint?) for all new stores opened from August onwards. X, bigly Labs designed the new layout with a T-shaped flow. The centre aisle or ‘stem’ of the T will run from the door to the back of the store, flanked on either side by typical front shop categories. The crossbar of the T will house the clinic and dispensary, as well as areas where shoppers can consult a financial advisor about Dis-Chem’s insurance products. But the real point of difference is found at the centre of the store, in what Dis-Chem calls the ‘Health Hub’, a circular counter that will be the main point of engagement for shoppers seeking to access all the services on offer in store. Dis-Chem also chose today to relaunch its revamped app, which will allow customers to book a clinic appointment in a half-hour slot.

The short version: UMS recognised by global partner, IGA

Congratulations to voluntary trading association UMS (Unitrade Management Services), which was recently honoured by its international partner association, the IGA (Independent Grocers Alliance), as an example of retail excellence. The recognition came on the back of a visit by the newly appointed director of IGA Global, Gil Harman, who toured the operations of many UMS stores, including the 2024 and 2025 IGA South Africa International Retailers of the Year, Bibi’s Foodtown in Qwa Qwa and SuperSave Food Town Hyper in Pietermaritzburg. “All these stores share a common philosophy: a grocery store is a community hub, not just a place of commerce,” said Harman. UMS and IGA’s partnership dates back to 2012 at a time when the independent trade in South Africa was facing growing pressure from the large corporate chains. The partnership has enabled Unitrade to stay ahead in the local market and increase its ability to remain competitive in global best practices through IGA’s support. The 2026 IGA South Africa International Retailer of the Year will be announced at a gala event in September.

The short version: PnP and FNB partnership turns 1 | Petshop Science and Montego set pet-food donation record | Clicks opens 3rd UniCare 

Well done to Pick n Pay and FNB, whose symbiotic partnership has officially been running for a year now. Over the last 12 months, the happy couple have unlocked more than R600m in rewards for shoppers, sold 6.2 million burgers in their Burger Friday activation and invested R70m into bread subsidies for entry-level banking customers in the 99c bread loaf initiative. “Everything we do is focused on helping our customers get more value from their daily shop. This partnership with FNB and our various initiatives has been a game changer for customer rewards,” said PnP CEO Sean Summers. Keep on keeping on, you two, and many happy returns.

Our congratulations also go out to Shoprite’s Petshop Science and Montego Pet Nutrition, which have achieved a new Guinness World Record for the largest donation of pet food in 24 hours. With the help of an eager public, the pair managed to collect 67,200kg of pet food (surpassing the previous record of 36,750kg set in the USA in 2023) at an agricultural and entertainment event in Bloemfontein held over the weekend. All donations collected will be distributed to eight registered animal welfare organisations in the Free State, with additional allocations to shelters in other provinces.

Finally, following its first two stores in Bellville (CT) and Bassonia (Jhb), Clicks has opened its third 24-hour UniCare store in Somerset West. Just like the other two stores, UniCare Somerset West will offer 24-hour professional pharmaceutical care, specialised clinics, a multidisciplinary healthcare team, and an after-hours doctor service. Over the medium term, Clicks expects to open 10 to 15 UniCare pharmacies around the country, with four stores planned during the current financial year.