All’s right at Shoprite
Whitey’s retirement, while an end of an era, will unlikely mean radical changes in local retail, writes Colleen Goko
There is little that James Wellwood "Whitey" Basson hasn't seen or done during 40 years in the retail business. At the height of racial tension in SA, in the decade of the Soweto Uprising, Basson was the head of operations at Pep Stores, an office he held until late 1978. Pep Stores was one of a few South African corporates which made an early decision to focus on the low-income market despite the politics of the day. Black consumers could go to Pep and dress their children from head to toe for less than a rand. Basson’s key role in the young organisation — founded in 1965 — was to extend its brand and reach. His time at Pep revealed Basson’s ambitious nature. Having tasted the fruits of success after acquiring his first business Half Price Group and turning its fortunes around through integration into Pep, Basson felt ready to start a new venture in the food retailing business. With Pep’s blessing, he did just that and 37 years ago acquired an eight-store Western Cape grocer named ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.