Staff Reporter
RAYMOND Ackerman, the visionary entrepreneur who founded South Africa’s iconic Pick n Pay retail chain, passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on September 6, 2023.
Ackerman’s death marks the end of an era in African retailing, as he leaves behind a legacy that transformed the country’s grocery industry and endeared him to countless customers and employees.
Born on March 10, 1933, in Cape Town, Raymond Ackerman’s journey in the retail sector began when he took over his father’s small grocery store in 1957. Little did he know that this modest beginning would evolve into the supermarket giant that is Pick n Pay today.
Ackerman’s pioneering spirit and unwavering commitment to delivering quality and affordability to South African consumers played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s shopping habits. The retail group eventually expanded to more than 2,000 stores across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Nigeria, Eswatini, and Lesotho over 56 years.
Throughout his life, Ackerman garnered numerous accolades and awards for his contributions to the retail industry and society at large. His vision and leadership have left an indelible mark on the business landscape of South Africa and the entire continent.
Raymond Ackerman is survived by his wife Wendy, three children, and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The legacy of Raymond Ackerman built on a foundation of dedication, innovation, and a profound commitment to his community, will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of entrepreneurs and business leaders in Africa and beyond.
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