About Us

About Edgars

Edgars is one of South Africa’s most iconic retail brands, with a history spanning nearly a century. Founded on 6 September 1929 by brothers Morris and Eli Ross, the first Edgars store opened on Joubert Street in Johannesburg. The name was inspired by the London department store Swan and Edgar. Eli Ross is credited with introducing the innovative 'six-months-to-pay' credit option during a spring sale, a pioneering move in South African retail at the time.

Early Growth and Expansion

In 1935, Edgars relocated to Cape Town, where 17-year-old Sydney Press joined the company as a temporary employee for the Christmas season. Recognizing the company's potential, Press became deeply involved, eventually taking ownership. Under his leadership, Edgars expanded rapidly, opening a second store on Eloff Street in Johannesburg in 1937, followed by branches in Springs, Benoni, Germiston, and Durban. By 1946, Edgars was listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, marking its transition into a major retail player.

Diversification and National Reach

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Edgars diversified its product offerings beyond women's fashion to include men's and children's clothing, footwear, fabrics, and jewelry. The company also expanded geographically, opening its first store in Zimbabwe (then Southern Rhodesia) in 1949 . By 1960, Edgars operated nearly 140 stores, and this number more than doubled by 1965. The company acq.uired several other retail brands, including Sales House and Jet Stores, further solidifying its presence in the Southern African retail market.

Corporate Changes and Challenges

In 1982, while Sydney Press was recovering from open-heart surgery, control of Edgars was taken over by South African Breweries (SAB). Under SAB's ownership, Edgars continued to flourish, with CEO Vic Hammond leading the company to unprecedented growth. By 1990, Edgars had established itself as a South African retail empire with sales nearing ZAR 2 billion.

In 2007, U.S. private equity firm Bain Capital acquired Edcon, the parent company of Edgars, and delisted it from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. However, the company faced significant challenges in the following years, including mounting debt and increased competition. The situation was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which led to Edcon entering business rescue proceedings.

Acquisition by Retailability

In July 2020, Durban-based Retailability acquired 130 of Edgars' 194 stores, aiming to reposition the brand as a mass-market fashion and beauty retailer. This acquisition marked a new chapter for Edgars, focusing on affordability and accessibility while retaining its legacy as a cornerstone of South African retail.

As of 2025, Edgars continues to operate under Retailability, maintaining its presence in shopping malls across South Africa and neighboring countries. The brand's resilience and adaptability have ensured its survival and relevance in a constantly evolving retail landscape.