Clicks is working to expand its presence in South Africa, having opened 41 new stores in the last year and planning to reach 1,200 outlets in the medium term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In its latest financial year, which ended on 31 August 2026, the retail giant saw its turnover and earnings per share increase amid a difficult economic environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The group noted that consumer spending has been muted recently, amid increasing living costs and interest rates in South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clicks said the last financial year had been “an environment of constrained consumer spending and
aggressive competitor discounting”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It noted that its retail turnover had been constrained by a mix of low selling-price inflation, more items being discounted, and logistics challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Retail turnover was constrained by low selling price inflation, increased promotional activity and delays in implementing the warehouse management system at the Cape Town distribution centre,” it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several South African companies have noted lower consumer discretionary spending recently, as higher fuel prices and interest rates put pressure on households.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite the constrained operating environment, Clicks has continued to expand its footprint in South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The group added 41 stores and 60 pharmacies to its retail presence in the last financial year, with more new outlets planned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Within the 60 newly opened pharmacies, four were specialised 24-hour pharmacies, part of the group’s subsidiary Unicare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The group now has 1,110 stores across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The expansion has helped Clicks capture a larger market share in the pharmacy sector in the past year, increasing by 0.6%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Clicks continued to expand its retail footprint, opening a net 41 stores and 60 pharmacies, and increased its retail pharmacy market share to 24.7% from 24.1% in the prior year,” the group said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the next financial year, the company said it plans to open between 40 and 50 new stores in line with its medium-term growth goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Clicks plans to open 40 to 50 new stores in the 2027 financial year and remains committed to its medium-term target of 1,200 stores,” it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The group also plans to roll out 10 to 15 UniCare specialised pharmacies and expand its new KwaMakhi neighbourhood convenience brand.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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