I just finished reading a fascinating BusinessTech article about the two men behind Mr Price, and I thought I’d share the highlights, because this isn’t just a business story, it’s a blueprint for building an iconic South African brand from the ground up.
My quick Take: From Humble Storefront to National Icon
In October 1985, Laurie Chiappini and Stewart Cohen opened the very first Mr Price store in Klerksdorp. Fast forward to today, and their brainchild is now a multi-billion-rand empire with over 3,000 stores across multiple categories.
These two weren’t just selling affordable clothes, they were reimagining retail for the everyday South African.
How They Did It
- Smart Acquisition Strategy
They bought into John Orr Holdings in 1986 (owners of Milady’s and The Hub) to leapfrog their growth. - Factory Store Innovation
They ditched franchising and went all in on group-owned “factory shops”, with the first one opening in Durban in 1987. - They Bought Their Name
Yup. They literally bought the Mr Price trademark, and that move paid off big time. - Category Expansion
From fashion to homeware (Sheet Street), sports, telecoms, and even financial services—they’ve quietly become a retail powerhouse.
In a world where luxury often overshadows value, it’s refreshing to look at a brand that became a household name by doing the exact opposite: championing affordability, accessibility, and scale. Reading this felt like I uncovered a masterclass in building a business from the ground up, and staying true to your customer base through decades of change.
Fast-Forward to 2025
- Revenue: R40.9 billion
- Profit: R5.8 billion
- Store count: Over 3,000
- Online & In-Store: A fully hybrid retail strategy
- Recent Acquisitions: Yuppiechef (2021), Studio 88 (2023)
Here at TINAR, we’re constantly inspired by stories like this, stories that blend vision with values, and growth with groundedness. Mr Price didn’t just build a brand. They built trust. They built a blueprint for how understanding your market, owning your infrastructure, and staying mission-focused can turn one storefront into an empire.
I definitely salute Mr Chiappini and Mr Cohen for their clarity, creativity, and commitment to the South African consumer. May their story continue to inspire local businesses to dream big, act boldly, and serve meaningfully.
