Staff Writer
Dischem Pharmacies Limited reported group revenue growth of 10.1% for the 24-week period from 1 September 2025 to 16 February 2026, compared with the same period last year.
Chief executive officer Rui Morais said performance was supported by the rollout of the redesigned loyalty platform, Better Rewards, which launched on 21 October 2025. The programme uses technology and customer data to reshape value delivery in healthcare retail.
Morais said the strategy behind Better Rewards was to increase discount effectiveness through higher boost penetration and to explore new ecosystem funding channels. The goal is to sustain investment in customer savings while maintaining a competitive healthcare retail offering in South Africa.
In the 17 weeks after launch, the company returned about N$410 million in savings to customers. Management said the savings allow shoppers to redirect funds toward healthcare needs.
The company also formed strategic partnerships, including with Capitec Bank Holdings Limited. The Capitec boost mechanism supports shared customer value across the two brands.
The retail segment remained the main driver of growth. Retail revenue increased by 9.5% over the period, supported by volume growth of 5.0%. Like-for-like retail revenue rose by 5.7%.
Pharmacy sales increased by 13.7%. Growth was supported by higher engagement with pharmacy boost offers and continued demand for GLP-1 class medications used in chronic and metabolic health management.
Brands participating in the Better Rewards ecosystem recorded revenue growth of 19.4% and volume growth of 20.9%. The company linked this to the creation of an “always-on” health-relevant value basket that encourages more frequent shopping.
The programme attracted about 550,000 new customers who had not shopped with Dis-Chem in the 12 months before launch.
The group operates 355 stores. This includes 313 Dischem Pharmacy stores and 42 Baby City stores. Wholesale revenue rose by 15.7% year-on-year.
Sales to the group’s own retail stores increased by 16.2%, while revenue from external customers grew by 13.7%. Revenue from The Local Choice pharmacies increased by 14.2%, and sales to independent pharmacies rose by 13.4%.
