29 October 2026International edition
Vol. I · No.
29 October 2026
AI IN FASHION
DAILY
The daily briefing on AI in the fashion business
Where fashion meets artificial intelligence.
Mass market and fast fashion

Ackermans

Pepkor · South Africa

Ackermans is a South African value clothing retailer founded in 1916 by Gus Ackerman in Cape Town. Owned by Pepkor, it sells family clothing, footwear and homeware across southern Africa.

Facts
Founded1916, Wynberg, Cape Town
FounderGus Ackerman
ParentPepkor (since 1984)
HeadquartersKuilsrivier, Western Cape
MarketsSouth Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini
Websiteackermans.co.za
Segment
Value
Categories
WomenswearMenswearChildrenswearFootwearHome
Sales channels
Own storesE-commerce

What is Ackermans?

Ackermans is a value fashion retail chain headquartered in Kuilsrivier in the Western Cape. It is part of Pepkor, one of the largest retail groups in South Africa, and focuses on affordable clothing for families.

History

Gus Ackerman opened the first store in Wynberg, Cape Town, in 1916. Pepkor acquired the business in 1984, and the chain has since grown into a network of well over 700 stores.

Products and positioning

  • Clothing for women, men, children and babies
  • Footwear and clothing accessories
  • Homeware
  • Cellular products and financial services

The retailer targets price conscious shoppers and is particularly associated with childrenswear and essentials.

Distribution

Ackermans trades through its own stores in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini, complemented by online shopping.

Why it matters

With more than a century of trading, Ackermans is one of the anchor brands of southern African value retail and an example of how group ownership supports scale in mass market apparel.

Frequently asked questions

Who owns Ackermans?

Ackermans has been owned by the South African retail group Pepkor since 1984.

Where is Ackermans from?

Ackermans is from South Africa; its first store opened in Wynberg, Cape Town, in 1916.

Pepkor: all brands
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