Clicks hits 1,000 stores – with 50 more to come

Clicks has reached a major milestone with the opening of its 1,000th store in the first half of its 2026 financial year, with plans to open up to 50 more this year.

The retailer has seen rapid expansion of its footprint over the past few years, with the group setting a 1,200-store target for the medium term.

Clicks released its results for the six months through February 2026 on Thursday, 23 April, which revealed mixed results for the retailer.

The retailer realised a trading profit of R2.3 billion, up 7.4% from the prior half-year, with its trading margin maintained at 9.1%.

Clicks’ basic earnings per share grew by 8.3% to reach 653 cents per share, while headline earnings per share are up 8.1% to 653 cents.

The company pointed out that these metrics benefited from share buybacks over the past 18 months.

Clicks further reported turnover growth of 7.4% to R24.87 billion. However, comparable store turnover grew by only 3.1%.

The company explained that its retail turnover was affected by delays in implementing a warehouse management system at its distribution centre in Cape Town.

These delays reduced product availability in its Western and Eastern Cape stores and occurred during the critical festive season. Clicks estimated that these delays reduced turnover by about R175 million.

However, the group’s inventory levels have since stabilised and returned to targeted levels by the end of February 2026.

One standout metric in the group’s interim results was the major milestone of opening its 1,000th store. Clicks’ footprint now spans 1,003 stores and a national pharmacy network of 795.

The group plans to open between 40 and 50 new stores in the 2026 financial year, and a similar number of pharmacies.

This will see the group’s capital expenditure reach about R1.3 billion for the 2026 financial year, with R662 million earmarked for new stores and the refurbishment of 80 to 90 existing stores.

“The group remains committed to achieving its medium-term financial targets as well as its medium-term store target of 1,200,” it said.

On the back of these strong results, Clicks declared an interim dividend of 258 cents per share, up 8.4% from its previous half-year dividend.