From a local repair shop to a national retailer
From a modest Durban North repair operation in 1979 to a household name with 22 stores across South Africa, Hirsch’s is celebrating 47 years of family-owned success, innovation and service.
South African appliance and electronics giant Hirsch’s is officially celebrating 47 years in business this year. What began in 1979 as a modest Durban North repair operation has expanded into nearly five decades of steady growth, transforming the brand into a household name across the country.
The company was originally founded by electronics repairman Allan Hirsch alongside his wife, Margaret. Their initial venture was fondly referred to as their repair hospital, where they focused on fixing household electronics. From those humble roots, the family business has expanded significantly, now operating 22 Hirsch’s home stores and specialised concept stores across KZN, Gauteng, and the Western Cape.
Despite sweeping changes across the appliance and retail industries, the company’s trajectory has remained strong.
Hirsch’s reports a remarkable 67% growth over the past five years alone, driven by a deliberate strategy of geographic expansion and brand partnerships.
The company first took its home store concept beyond KZN in 2002 with a major push into Gauteng, followed by its expansion into the Cape Town market in 2012. Today, its physical footprint extends beyond traditional department-style stores to include dedicated Samsung concept stores in KZN and Gauteng, as well as joint Samsung and Hisense concept locations in the Western Cape.
A focus on homes and long-term service
Throughout its growth, the business has maintained that its core purpose extends well beyond simple retail transactions. Over the past 47 years, the store has helped multiple generations of South Africans equip their living spaces, whether assisting first-time homeowners with major purchases like refrigerators and air conditioners or supplying families with everyday kitchen essentials.
A key factor in the brand’s lasting reputation has been its commitment to after-sales care. Rather than outsourcing customer support, the retailer maintains dedicated in-store service departments, keeps spare parts on hand, and offers direct technical assistance for repairs and maintenance.
Embracing five decades of technological evolution
Navigating nearly half a century in retail has required constant adaptation to changing consumer habits and technological advancements. The home appliance landscape has transformed radically since 1979, shifting from basic mechanical units to interconnected smart systems and highly energy-efficient electronics.
Reflecting on these shifts, founder Allan Hirsch noted how exciting it has been to witness the rapid evolution of home technology. He emphasised that staying relevant requires embracing these product improvements while remaining deeply grateful to the suppliers, staff, and customers who have supported the business along the way.
Today, the company remains strictly family-owned and operated, with Allan and Margaret’s son, Richard Hirsch, leading the organisation as CEO. For the leadership team, reaching the 47-year milestone serves as an important moment to honour the collective effort behind their sustained performance.
Hirsch’s expressed immense gratitude for the customers who have shopped with the brand across generations, as well as the dedicated staff and suppliers who maintain their operational standards daily.
Looking ahead, he reaffirmed that keeping the business grounded in family values remains their greatest pride as they prepare for the decades to come.
