The Crazy Store – which has more than 30 outlets in the Western Cape, has doubled its retail footprint in the past five years and recently launched its 100th store - is moving into mainstream shopping malls to capitalise on its success as one of the fastest growing value retailers in South Africa.

A retailer of value for money unusual homewares, toys, stationery, consumables and gifts, the chain is a treasure trove of products – nearly 80% of which retail for under R10 – that appeal to consumers across the age, gender and financial spectrum.
The massive growth of the retailer comes in the wake of revamping the look and feel of the stores to meet consumer demand for real value for money goods at great prices.
Customers are clearly excited by the changes, as trading in all formats – super regional, regional, value and convenience centres – is going exceptionally well.

Its success – says CEO Jon Els – is the shopping experience of having over 3000 different product lines, superbly presented in a relatively small retail space, with the underlying theme of ‘hey, you never know what you might find’.

“We will have over 120 stores by year end in all the major metropolitan centres, as well as in smaller towns such as Vredendal, Paarl, Knysna, Vryburg, Hartebeespoort, Middelburg, Parys, Chatsworth and Harrismith will also be expanding to Namibia in early 2006.

“Trading densities are comparable with major national retailers and by the end of the current financial year turnover will be well in excess of R200m. The top stores are currently transacting over 12 000 sales per month, with annual trading densities exceeding R15 000 per sq metre.

“We source product ranges with our target market carefully in mind and have been very focussed on stocking good value for money goods.”

He adds that the name The Crazy Store refers to its ‘crazy’ prices and offbeat product mix, which are exciting consumers because their shopping experience is always full of surprises.