South Africa Mourns the Loss of Pick n Pay Icon: Raymond Ackerman Dies at 92

South Africa is mourning the death of a retail legend and philanthropist Raymond Ackerman, the visionary founder of Pick n Pay.

He reportedly died at his home in Capetown. He was 92.

A Heartfelt Farewell

News of Raymond Ackerman’s death was officially confirmed by Pick n Pay on Thursday, September 7, 2023, stating,

With profound sadness, we announce that Pick n Pay founder Raymond Ackerman has passed away. A visionary entrepreneur, humanitarian, and a great South African. Our country has lost a brilliant patriot who always saw a positive future for South Africa. 🇿🇦

Pick n Pay Founder Raymond Ackerman dies
Raymond Ackerman does (Image Credit: BizNews.com)

A Visionary’s Legacy

Raymond Ackerman, a name synonymous with the South African retail landscape, breathed life into Pick n Pay in 1967. Born on March 10, 1931, he hailed from a family with a strong retailing background. The Ackerman clothing store, founded by his father after World War I, was a precursor to Raymond’s own retail empire.

Founding Pick n Pay

In 1967, fueled by a passion for offering affordable prices to customers, Ackerman purchased four small stores in Cape Town, marking the birth of Pick n Pay. His bold step came after being fired from the Greatermans Group in 1966 for advocating lower prices for customers. Armed with just two weeks’ severance pay, a bank loan, a modest inheritance, and shares purchased by friends, he embarked on a journey that would eventually transform the retail landscape of South Africa.

The Values That Shaped Raymond Ackerman’s Pick n-Pay Empire

Ackerman’s success story was not solely defined by profits but by his steadfast commitment to core values.

His mantra, “the customer is queen,” and the belief that “doing good is good business” became the guiding principles for Pick n Pay. These principles have steered the business for over 56 years, evolving it into a retail giant with a presence in more than 2,000 stores across South Africa and seven other African nations.

Also Read: South Africa Is known Of Glorifying Nonsense: AdvoBarryRoux Blast Women About Moral Decay On Twitter

A Philanthropic Visionary

Raymond Ackerman’s impact stretched far beyond the aisles of his stores. He championed social responsibility as a fundamental pillar of his business philosophy, alongside Administration, People and Merchandise, and Marketing.

His unwavering dedication to giving back to the community and treating others with respect earned him the title of a “visionary South African.”

By audrey