ACKERMANS: Proud of Its Past, Relishing the Future
More than 100 years ago, Gus Ackerman’s vision of making quality products affordable to everyone resulted in the opening of his first store in Wynberg, Cape Town. Today, that vision remains at the heart of every one of the more than 6000 Ackermans stores spread over five countries, as the company continues to demonstrate its dynamic adaptability in the form of global brands and innovative systems, to remain a trusted choice.
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When Gus Ackerman opened his historic first store in Wynberg he immediately created a place where customers could find great products at unprecedented prices, providing value fashion for the whole family. Now more than 100 years on, Ackermans continues to bring the best in quality to value-seeking South Africans, year after year, in its quest to make affordable products available to an increasingly broad audience.
“Our customers have been at the heart of our story for over 100 years,” Pepkor-owned Ackermans succinctly outlines of the heart of its mission. “We know that family comes first and always will, and believe that people should be able to pay less without compromising on quality or style, freeing up cash for the important things in life.
“At Ackermans we’re proud of where we’ve come from, and excited about what’s still ahead.”
GLOBAL ICONS
Ackermans is acutely aware that, globally, consumers are crying out for the fashion industry to prioritise mindful sustainability and an ethical agenda. Bidding to make its own significant contribution toward such a movement, Ackermans has sought to bring the very best in international brands to the South African market, last year introducing the duo of Lilly + Sid and Turtledove London to its kidswear range in selected stores.
“These new brands were selected as they offer affordable premium organic cotton garments that put people and planet first,” Ackermans explains, with Merlin Norman, Marketing Director, adding: “As the largest value retailer in South Africa, we have a responsibility to offer our consumers a more sustainable option.”
Famed for offering timeless, colourful designs made from premium, 100% organic cotton fabrics designed to be re-loved for many years, Lilly + Sid is an LBP (Loved By Parents) – the trusted global parenting award programme – award-winning brand. “We want people to be able to purchase these clothes with the idea of contributing to the circular economy, by passing them on to friends and family once their little ones outgrow them,” Norman states, with the label’s dedication to families and to fostering fun further strong factors in attracting Ackermans’ attention.
“We love Turtledove for its gorgeous unisex clothes that are classic/timeless and designed as antidotes to fast fashion and fast living,” says Norman of the beloved purveyor of gender-neutral clothes featuring 100% premium organic cotton with Azo-free dyestuffs. “Similar to Lilly + Sid, these items are made to last and be re-loved.
“We hope to see these clothes enjoyed by generations of South African children for many years to come.”
ENDLESS EVOLUTION
With a view to remaining competitive and future-proofed in an ever-changing industry, Ackermans has, too, recently announced implementation of the Oracle Retail Merchandise Financial Planning Cloud Service (MFP), a much more robust and efficient solution than its outdated enterprise planning (EP) system and tailored to meet the evolving needs of the business. “The transition to Oracle MFP represents a crucial improvement in our planning capabilities,” shares Imke Henning, Business & Systems Integration Manager.
“We are confident that this upgrade will enhance our operational efficiency and provide our customers with a better shopping experience through improved product availability and planning accuracy.”
In an increasingly crowded marketplace, Ackermans continues to shine as a leading South African fashion retailer, most recently honoured with two prestigious titles at the 2023/2024 Ask Afrika Icon Brands Awards with results derived from the Target Group Index (TGI) Survey, the country’s largest survey of its kind. Clinching top spot in both the Children’s Clothes and Women’s Clothes and Accessories categories affirms Ackermans’ position as a trusted choice for South African consumers, analyses Bronwyn Pretorius, Chief Marketing Officer.
“Our success is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing quality and affordable fashion for the entire family,” she says. “By consistently meeting our customers’ needs and preferences, we have cultivated deep loyalty. This achievement reinforces our status as a leading value fashion retailer in South Africa.
“For over a century, we have been part of the South African fabric, understanding our customers’ unique aspirations and lifestyles. Our extensive store network and online presence make us easily accessible to shoppers nationwide. We are committed to expanding our reach even further, ensuring that every South African has access to our affordable and high-quality fashion.
“Innovation and adaptation are key to our strategy moving forward,” Pretorius concludes. “Our goal is to stay ahead of the curve, offering our customers the best in fashion and value.”