Pick n Pay Founder Raymond Ackerman Passes Aged 92

By: Prince Neo Mokwena

Image Source: Pick n Pay/ Raymond Ackerman and his wife Wendy Ackerman

On Thursday morning 07 September 2023, South Africans woke up to sad news about the passing of Pick n Pay founder Raymond Ackerman (92). Pick n Pay shared this sad news through a media statement.

“With profound sadness we announce that Pick n Pay founder Raymond Ackerman has passed away. A visionary entrepreneur, humanitarian, a great South African. Our country has lost a brilliant patriot who always saw a positive future for South Africa.”, says Pick n Pay retailer on Twitter.

Raymond Ackerman undoubtably made history within the retail sector, as Pick n Pay currently has 1 076 stores across all formats. The retail group has 8 stores in Zambia, 52 stores in Zimbabwe, 11 in Swaziland, 1 in Lesotho, 9 in Botswana, 17 in Namibia, and 1 030 stores in South Africa.

Retail legend Raymond Ackerman, purchased Pick n Pay’s few stores in Western Cape back in 1967. He then grew the brand to what it is today, directly employing 50 000 people, with 5000 suppliers and service providers.

Image Source: Bizz Community/ Raymond Ackerman giving a speech.

Pick n Pay offers food, clothing, health and beauty products, general merchandise, and also financial services at till points, vouchers, and ticket sales.

The retail group has birthed stores such as Boxer, Boxer Punch, Boxer Build, Boxer Super Liquors, Pick n Pay pharmacy, Pick n Pay Liquor, Pick n Pay Clothing, Pick n Pay Express, Pick n Pay hypermarkets, and Pick n Pay Supermarkets.

Raymond Ackerman worked on his Pick n Pay vision until he stepped down as CEO of the retail group in 1999. Mr. Ackerman fought against the inclusion of VAT on basic food products, he also fought against the retail monopoly by the apartheid government, by selling basic food products at a drastically low price.

Ackerman really made his mark within the retail space through his Pick n Pay retail group.

“Pick n Pay is a strong brand, much loved in society, which has been built on a genuine desire to make life better for our customers and to make a positive contribution to the communities in which we live and work.”, says Pick n Pay.