Choppies Group reported retail sales of P9.1 billion for the year ended June 30, 2025, a 14.7 percent increase from P7.9 billion the previous year.
The company said the growth was driven by the addition of 30 new stores, a favourable inflation rate and an 8.7 percent rise in volumes. Like-for-like sales grew 8.6 percent, while prices rose 5.1 percent.
Gross profit rose 16.8 percent to P1.9 billion, with margins improving by 40 basis points to 20.8 percent. The group said all segments improved except Liquorama, where margins fell from 13.9 percent to 12.4 percent due to tougher competition and illicit imports.
Expenses increased 21.8 percent, reflecting new stores, inflation, impairment losses and the sale of its Zimbabwe business. Choppies sold the segment’s net assets in December 2024 to a supermarket retailer in southern Zimbabwe and no longer trades in that country.
In Botswana, sales rose 11.4 percent to P5.6 billion, supported by volume growth of 6.9 percent, inflation of 4.0 percent and eight new stores. Like-for-like sales grew 7.1 percent.
“Our strong performance reflects better in-store execution, improved customer engagement and enhanced availability due to inventory optimization,” the group said, noting its 20th anniversary promotion significantly boosted traffic.
The company said the planned introduction of a living wage may add short-term pressure but will strengthen employee retention and brand reputation.
Namibia recorded 42.3 percent sales growth, with like-for-like sales up 33.1 percent, while Zambia’s sales increased 12.4 percent in Pula value and 26.7 percent in Kwacha value despite currency depreciation and power challenges linked to droughts. Nine new stores opened in Zambia during the year, while one closed.
Liquorama sales in Botswana increased 13.2 percent, driven by 10 new stores and higher volumes, though margins narrowed due to competition and illicit imports. Choppies said it is upgrading systems to improve inventory management and promotional activity.
