The first 38 square meter Checkers store was opened in Mayfair, Johannesburg, in 1956. Wanting to bring customers more affordable household products, they launched their House Brands range, an inhouse brand that offers competitively priced, quality groceries. The 1960s was a big decade for Checkers. Not only did they expand to a total of 85 stores countrywide, but they were also the first retailer to use locally manufactured trolleys. In 1982, they developed a lock system for their trolleys, to deter theft. In 1990, they made headlines by subsidising every loaf of bread sold at their stores, as a way to lower the effect of rising bread prices on the customer. Today, they have more than 200 stores across South Africa, in cities such as Polokwane, Richards Bay, Stellenbosch, Berea, Mossel Bay and Bloemfontein.
Checkers recognizes the importance of a corporation’s involvement in community upliftment. For every 10 swipes a customer makes with their Xtra Savings card, Checkers donates R3 to a charity of your choice. The Lunchbox Fund provides hot, nutritious meals to disadvantaged children in rural areas. Another charity, Food & Trees for Africa, focuses on food security by supporting the development of community gardens. Finally, they also support NSPCA, the well-known institution who fights against animal cruelty.
Today, Checkers is known for their wide range of local and international wines, award-winning cheeses, and premium meat cuts. They are continuously focusing on the balance between high quality products and greater variety, and for both, they strive to be “better and better”.
Checkers falls under the Groceries category, along with other stores such as Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Spar, Ultra Liquors, Food Lover's Market, Makro, Boxer, Cambridge Foods, Woolworths and KWIKSPAR. Their trading hours are from 8h00 to 21h00 from Mondays to Sundays.
For more information, visit their website checkers.co.za.
