A simple retailer philosophy, backed by meticulous attention to detail, has ensured Pick n Pay’s (PnP) place as one of our country’s most recognisable brands.

On December 6, the retail giant celebrated the 50 year anniversary of their first store in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), which still stands today in Westville.

That store has since been joined by another 1 900 locations across 8 countries in Africa.

Founder, Raymond Ackerman, became famous for his “customer is queen” philosophy, the fingerprints of which can still be found in any given store.

PnP Ballito Junction owner, Michael Lafferty, has been with the company for 48 of those 50 years in KZN and recalls seeing Ackerman’s approach first hand.

“Mr Ackerman made a surprise visit to the La Lucia branch at which I was working as a store manager. We had run out of French loaves, which an elderly lady requested for a dinner party that she was hosting.”

“True to his customer-centric nature and understanding of how much the little things matter, he personally apologised for the disappointment and took down her details. Needless to say that when we delivered the bread, with a complimentary cake and bouquet of flowers to her house later that afternoon, she became a customer for life,” he said.

Although Raymond Ackerman has retired, his son Gareth has taken over the mantle and continues to communicate the importance of people.

This includes both the customers who walk through the door and those who are employed by PnP.

The Ackerman’s practice what they preach and Lafferty lists a personal visit from Raymond to open the Ballito store as one of the highlights of his career.

“When I look back over my journey with PnP, I am immensely proud to have worked under such phenomenal people.”

Aside from pioneering the customer-first company image, PnP also led the growth of franchise stores and international expansion for South African brands.

Although growth and success have been consistently achieved by the company, it is the interpersonal relationships that are truly worth their weight in gold on this, the Golden Anniversary of PnP KZN.

“Congratulations to Raymond Ackerman and Pick n Pay, it has been a life well spent working for this company.”

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