Shoprite Holdings reported a solid set of full-year results on Tuesday, as group revenue rose to R274.8 billion for the year ended 28 June 2026 and digital grocery delivery platform Sixty60 accelerated to R25.5 billion in sales.
Growth while consumers feel the squeeze
Merchandise sales increased by 7.2% to R270.8 billion, while diluted headline earnings per share climbed 12.2% to 1 527.4 cents. The group raised its full-year dividend by 11.8% to R8.73 per share. Shoprite said the result came in a year marked by affordability pressures for consumers, noting that internal selling price inflation in its South African supermarket operations was just 0.8%, well below official food inflation.
The group highlighted the role of its workforce in delivering the outcome, saying management had remained focused on delivering value to customers while driving growth across operations.
Where the growth came from
The core South African supermarket division — which accounts for 84.5% of group sales — recorded sales of R228.7 billion, a 7.1% increase. Within that, Checkers and Checkers Hyper performed strongly, with sales up 10% to R105.2 billion. The Shoprite and Usave banners grew sales by 4.3% to R121.6 billion.
- Sixty60 expanded rapidly, increasing sales by 34.5% (+R6.6 billion) to R25.5 billion and operating from 976 stores nationwide.
- The group opened a net 232 stores across continuing operations during the year.
- 5 491 new jobs were created in the period, taking total store numbers to 3 710.
Adjacencies and overseas operations
Shoprite continued to expand into adjacent categories. Petshop Science delivered standout growth — sales rose 74.5% after the business expanded to 185 stores. The group also announced two strategic moves: a majority stake acquisition in technology and payments business R&A Cellular, and an agreement to buy coffee chain Vida e Caffè, both subject to regulatory approvals.
Operations outside South Africa reported an 11% increase in sales to R22.8 billion. The company said lower diesel costs, notably in Zambia, helped improve profitability in the rest-of-Africa division.
What this means for households and investors
For households, the result signals continued price competition in supermarkets. Shoprite’s internal selling-price inflation of 0.8% suggests the retailer absorbed much of broader food inflationary pressure to preserve affordability. For investors, the 11.8% dividend increase and a double-digit rise in diluted headline earnings per share point to improving returns after a challenging macroeconomic period.
However, the group’s continued expansion into digital delivery and adjacent retail segments requires sustained capital and operational investment. The acquisitions will need regulatory clearance and successful integration to deliver the returns implied in management’s statement.
| Metric | FY 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | R274.8 billion | +7.1% |
| Merchandise sales | R270.8 billion | +7.2% |
| Sixty60 sales | R25.5 billion | +34.5% |
| Diluted headline EPS | 1 527.4 cents | +12.2% |
| Dividend per share | R8.73 | +11.8% |
Shoprite’s results underscore how traditional bricks-and-mortar retail can grow alongside rapid digital expansion. For consumers, that mix can mean greater choice and convenience — but also a reminder that price dynamics at large retailers have outsized influence on household food budgets.
These figures should not be taken as financial advice. The group’s strategy will be tested in the year ahead as it integrates acquisitions, manages cost pressures and seeks to convert rapid digital growth into sustainable profitability.
