Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe
Zimpapers Business Hub
EDGARS Stores Limited is steadily reclaiming its position in Zimbabwe’s highly competitive retail sector after recording strong growth in sales volumes during the first quarter ended 5 April.
Improved merchandise assortments, enhanced customer engagement and a growing shift towards cash sales underpinned the performance.
The clothing retailer posted a 43 percent increase in group sales volumes to 543 100 units during the quarter, compared to 379 535 units recorded in the corresponding period last year.
This signals a significant recovery in customer traffic and demand across its retail operations.
The performance comes at a time when many retailers continue to grapple with subdued consumer spending, liquidity constraints and heightened competition from the informal sector.
In a trading update for the quarter, group chief executive officer Mr Sevious Mushosho said the company’s growth was driven by improved merchandise assortments and customer engagement initiatives.
“Sales volumes increased by 43 percent, from 379 535 units in the prior year’s first quarter to 543 100 units in the current period. This growth was driven by improved merchandise assortments and customer endorsements of the product range and overall offering,” he said.
This demonstrates that Edgars’ turnaround strategy is beginning to yield positive results as the company strengthens its value proposition while improving operational efficiencies.
Edgars Chain sales volumes increased by 35 percent to 172 320 units from 127 230 units recorded in the comparable period last year.
The flagship brand also continued to benefit from a notable shift in customer purchasing patterns towards cash transactions.
“The sales mix between credit and cash shifted notably towards cash, with credit sales accounting for 54 percent (2024: 66 percent) and cash sales increasing to 46 percent (2024: 34 percent),” said Mr Mushosho.
Jet Stores, which has emerged as a key growth driver within the group, registered an even stronger performance, with sales volumes rising 37 percent to 302 054 units from 220 204 units in the prior-year period.
The chain similarly experienced a migration towards cash purchases, reflecting changing consumer preferences and tighter credit conditions.
“Similar to Edgars Chain, the sales mix between credit and cash sales observed a shift towards cash sales closing at 56 percent (2024: 62 percent) and 44 percent cash sales (2024: 38 percent),” he said.
