Logo

About Us

Boxer is one of the fastest growing discount supermarkets in Southern Africa.

Home / About Us

Our Story

Boxer is South Africa's leading limited-range discount supermarket, well positioned to serve the large middle‑to‑lower income consumer market. Guided by people-centred values, Boxer has earned the title of "South Africa’s Favourite Discount Supermarket". Established in 1977 in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, Boxer has expanded to 489 stores across South Africa and Eswatini (August 2024), including supermarkets, liquor stores and hardware outlets and is one of the fastest growing discount supermarkets in Southern Africa.

Acquired by Pick n Pay in 2002, Boxer has maintained independent operations, and is recognised for its unmatched customer value, underpinned by its unwavering commitment to operational efficiency and cost discipline. Led by a long-serving and stable management team, Boxer has achieved exceptional growth by offering a trusted and tailored product range, lower prices and great service across its diverse customer base. Customers range from daily household shoppers to those who travel by public transport, reflecting Boxer's reach across urban, peri-urban and rural markets.

Boxer operates as a fully-fledged retailer, rather than as a cash & carry or wholesaler, with a focus on discounted products and value-added services. Four decades of exceptional trading in a challenging market is testament to the forward thinking and determined enthusiasm of the Boxer team across all of its trading formats. The business continues to innovate and evolve to ensure that its customer offer surpasses retail industry benchmarks.

As of August 2024, Boxer operated 300 supermarkets, 159 liquor stores and 30 Build stores across South Africa and Eswatini. We achieved a significant milestone in October 2024 – with the opening of our 500th store – Boxer Port Shepstone!

Our Vision

Be the "People's Champion" for
the Communities We Serve,
Growing a Lifetime of Loyalty

Our Mission

Be South Africa's No.1
Discount Retailer

Our Strategic Ambition

Continue our Store Rollout across
South Africa to leverage the
significant new space opportunity

Key Financial Indicators

Financial Year 2024

Turnover:

ZAR37.4bn

(US$2.0bn) 19%

3 year CAGR

Trading Profit:

ZAR2.1bn

(US$113m)

Trading Profit Margin:

>5.0%

average over 3 years

Return on Invested Capital:

27%

Store Formats

At the heart of Boxer is a commitment to delivering incredible value, quality products, and exceptional customer service across all store formats. Whether shopping at a Boxer Superstore, Boxer Liquor, or Boxer Build, customers can count on a consistent experience rooted in affordability, convenience, and reliability.

From essential groceries and trusted services to hardware and building supplies, every Boxer store ensures that shoppers have access to the products they need, supported by knowledgeable staff who are dedicated to service. No matter the format, Boxer remains true to its promise that customers will "Never pay more than the Boxer price."

Our Journey

1977

First store opens in KwaZulu-Natal originally trading as 'KwaZulu Cash & Carry'

1995

Expansion into Eastern Cape

1997

Second name & Logo change to Boxer Superstores'. Expansion into Mpumalanga & North West

2001

Boxer Training Department becomes one of the first Retailers in SA to recieve full training accreditation from W&R SETA

2002

Pick 'n Pay acquires Boxer

2003

Launch of Boxer Private Labels

2004

New Trading Format opens Boxer Build

2007

First shopping mall anchor store opens: Boxer Superstores Giyani

2009

• 100th Store Opens
• Expansion into Eswatini
• First TV Advert airs
• New Format opens: Boxer Liquor

2010

• Boxer hosts FIFA World Cup
• 'Diski Imbizos' for soccer fans

2011

• Boxer Meat Factory opens
• Prospection (KZN) Distribution Centre opens

2015

• Boxer Tagline launched
• First 'New Generation' store opens
• 200th Store opens

2015

Cato Ridge (KZN) Distribution Centre opens

2017

• Boxer celebrates 40 Years of Trading
• East London (EC) Distribution Centre opens

2018

250th Store opens

2020

• 300th Store opens
• Fifth Distribution Centre opens: Green Gate (Gauteng), Lynnfield (KZN) & Polokwane (Limpopo)

2021

350th Store opens

2022

• Boxer celebrates 45 years of trading
• Boxer Meat Factory celebrates 10 years of service

2022

• Boxer Youth Leadership Programme celebrates 20 years of service

2022

400th Store opens: Boxer Hebron Mall

2023

450th Store opens: Boxer Inanda Crossing

2023

Launch of Boxer Super Run

2023

• Boxer opens 6th Distribution Centre: Benoni DC

2024

Launch of Boxer Rewards Club

2024

500th store opens – Boxer Superstores Port Shepstone