JD GROUP: A Comfortable Lifestyle Is More Accessible Than Ever

For decades, savvy South African consumers have been availing of JD Group’s extensive range of trusted brands and companies, as well as its innovative financial services, to bring home the comfortable lifestyle it strives to make attainable for more people than ever before. “We provide value,” outlines JD Group of its overarching mission, “and enable South African consumers to live the way they deserve.”

Furniture and technology dominate the roster, and all showcase a rich heritage of improving the quality of life of African consumers daily. The combination of Russells, with its unambiguous tagline that ‘you pay less for more,’ and Bradlows gives the two domestic doyens a combined reputation of over two centuries in providing tailored solutions to many generations of loyal South Africans.

Rochester takes the bespoke ethos to the next level, operating from 32 world-class retail outlets throughout the Gauteng, Mpumalanga, North-West, Kwa-Zulu Natal and Polokwane regions. “We have searched far and wide to curate the most expertly crafted collections of stylish furniture and décor items for every room in your home. Whether you are looking for ultra-modern design, or something more traditional – Rochester has something to suit your needs,” it states.

Continuing the commitment to comfort from day to night, Sleepmasters understands the significant investment that buying a bed represents into health and wellbeing, and promises the right solution for all needs. Competitive prices allow consumers to rest even easier in one of its luxurious choices, from leading brands such as Sealy, Restonic, Serta and Cozy Nights. “It’s all about choice,” Sleepmasters underlines, “and we’ve got something for everyone.”

TECH COMPLETES LINE-UP

With a commanding homeware and furniture presence, arguably most synonymous with the JD Group name, among such an impressive collective, is its duo of electronic retailers. “If you’re looking for the widest range of leading national and international brands, Incredible Connection is the place to go,” states its first, the retailer of choice for integrated technology products, services and solutions boasting widest range of leading national and international brands available in 75 outposts nationwide.

Why shop anywhere else? This challenge could be applied to any of the brands under JD Group’s umbrella, but is reserved in particular for HiFi Corp, its discount retailer monolith serving electronic goods and appliances to Southern Africa’s burgeoning mass middle market with additional operations in Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Swaziland.

“We truly understand our customers’ needs and our products, and offer value for money and affordable payment options,” the company says after nearly three decades at the forefront of giving shoppers value for money. “As the Low Price champion, HIFI Corp has strategically positioned itself to save the consumer money.”

The renowned everyday deal destination used its birthday last year as the perfect excuse to unveil a dazzling new-look site in Clearwater Mall, on the West Rand. Its exclusive retail partnership with Incredible Connection also paved the way for the long-awaited return of Sony Bravia televisions to South Africa, slotting into a product range spanning product computing, home and kitchen, gaming and, of course, TV and audio.

Updated category navigation gives visitors to the store a streamlined shopping experience with multiple ways to pay that include 3D Secure, EFT Pro, Mobicred, or PayU payment options as well as Masterpass contactless payment for hygienic and safe transactions. Alongside over R200,000 in prizes to be won and amazing deals in celebration of this occasion, the perfect way to cap off the event was a massive opening sale, “proving that HiFi Corp continues to be at the forefront of delivering a safe and convenient shopping experience while fighting to keep prices as low as possible.”

EVERYSHOP SUPERSTORE

Previously, HiFi Corp’s celebrated online retail portal, an extension of its website to a fully-integrated, usable e-commerce system resulting from its partnership with iGroup, was dominating the headlines. Perhaps it is only fitting for a company at the forefront of technology to lead the way in e-commerce, and this year JD Group heralded the much-anticipated arrival of its Everyshop platform, South Africa’s latest and most exciting e-commerce service.

“The future of e-commerce has arrived,” pronounced the group at the launch of its unique and tailored departmental shopping experience, which is intent on being a true disruptor in this competitive landscape. The Covid-19 pandemic caused historic shopping habits to be broken and resulted in a worldwide e-commerce reset and acceleration of future adoption. Many shoppers were forced to experiment with online shopping for the first time, and JD Group has astutely seized the opportunities afforded by the explosion of smartphone penetration and the ensuing significant online growth opportunities.

CEO Peter Griffiths set out the expertise behind Everyshop and its perfectly curated assortment of products. “Immense know-how, e-commerce and logistics capabilities and infrastructure have been built up to provide world-class online shopping experiences with swift and efficient delivery options,” he said. “With the support of our existing retail businesses, we have partnered with some of South Africa’s most well-known and loved brands across several industries, including specialist electronics and appliances, furniture, fashion, footwear and DIY to deliver true value to the South African shopper.

“We are proud to be part of Pepkor Holdings with its many trusted brands and combined, we are a diversified retailer of clothing, footwear, furniture, household appliances and consumer electronic goods. Now, even more is offered with Everyshop – our brand new online platform.”

Pepkor Group stands as strong as ever in its history, reporting in May a headline earnings increase of 50% backed by a growing customer base. Financial highlights included revenue of R36.5 billion for the six months ending 31 March 2021, an 18.5% growth in operating profit to R4.6 billion and significant market share gains across most merchandise categories. JD Group includes some of Pepkor’s oldest brands, Bradlows and Russells, and itself toasted substantial success. Sales were up 16.4% for the period, buoyed by the consumer trend around working or studying from home, bringing high demand for technology upgrades, furniture and appliances. Operating profit for the segment increased by 15.4% to R209 million.

“We are extremely satisfied with the very strong performance from all businesses across the group especially considering the economic context South African consumers face,” Pepkor CEO, Leon Lourens, announced. “It is important for us to continue providing affordable products and services to our customers and operate at the lowest cost of doing business so that we make our customers’ lives easier.

“In many instances, our businesses are the only option for consumers and we take our role in their lives very seriously. The value we provide our customers is rooted in operating a sustainable business underpinned by good corporate governance while taking care of our employees and looking after the communities.”