Clicks to Launch 10 New Concept Stores as Retail Footprint Surpasses 1,000 Outlets

Clicks Group surpasses 1,000 stores and announces a pilot program for 10 new concept stores despite inflationary pressures from global conflicts.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 23, 2026, 6:50 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from BusinessTech

Expansion and New Retail Concepts

Clicks Group has officially entered a new phase of growth, reaching a footprint of 1,003 stores during the interim period ended February 28, 2026. Management revealed plans to open between 40 and 50 new stores and pharmacies throughout the remainder of the financial year. Most notably, the retailer will launch 10 "differentiated concept stores" to be piloted in the coming months. These new formats are intended to diversify the brand's reach and provide specialized shopping experiences as the group pursues its goal of 1,200 total outlets.

Financial Performance Amid Global Turmoil

The group’s financial performance remained robust despite significant external headwinds. Group turnover increased by 7.4% to R24.9 billion (approx. ₦341 billion), with headline earnings growing by 6.4% to R1.5 billion. However, Clicks cautioned that the consumer environment will likely remain strained due to inflationary pressures and rising fuel costs attributed to the ongoing war involving Iran. To mitigate these pressures, the group returned R2.3 billion to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks, reinforcing its strong balance sheet.

Supply Chain Challenges in the Cape

The interim period was not without internal hurdles. Retail turnover was negatively impacted by systems delays at the Clicks distribution centre in Cape Town, which reduced product availability in the Western and Eastern Cape during the critical festive season. Management estimated that these logistical setbacks reduced retail turnover by approximately R175 million (0.9% of sales). Despite this, product availability reportedly returned to targeted levels by the end of February, and the retail pharmacy market share strengthened to 24.9%.