More or Different?

January 2025

Welcome

When the clock strikes 12...Happy New Year! Welcome to 2025, the Year of the Snake—bringing growth, introspection, and transformation. Shed your old skin; this year invites us to let go of what no longer serves us and embrace the power of change. Instead of striving to do more, what if we focused on doing things differently? Instead of trying to find more time, try to use time differently. The snake doesn’t move faster to achieve its goals; it moves wisely, with purpose and adaptability. Channel that same energy—reassessing old habits and trying new approaches. Here’s to a year of bold, meaningful change!

Insights

Doing it Differently

Doing It Differently: Pick n Pay's Strategic Turnaround

Are you following Pick n Pay? Let's look at the drastic changes that had to be made to save Pick n Pay. As one of South Africa's leading grocers, times were really tough at the beginning of 2024.

What has Pick n Pay been facing?

Facing increased competition and declining market share, Pick n Pay recognized the need for a strategic overhaul. The company reported a trading loss of R1.5 billion in its supermarket division and an overall loss of R3.2 billion in the fiscal year ending February 2024. Additionally, net debt had escalated to R6.1 billion.

How they changed:

Under the leadership of CEO Sean Summers, Pick n Pay launched a comprehensive turnaround strategy focusing on:

Store Optimization: The plan included closing or converting over 100 under performing stores to streamline operations and improve profitability.
Operational Efficiency: Emphasis was placed on enhancing supply chain management, reducing costs, and improving customer service to regain competitive advantage.
Payment Options: The introduction of using Bitcoin as a currency for payment.

The Outcome:

Pick n Pay didn't add more to their plate - they did it differently. These decisive actions demonstrated the market's confidence in Pick n Pay's brand and strategy. By focusing on doing things differently—streamlining operations, optimizing store performance, and engaging shareholders—Pick n Pay set a course toward renewed success in a challenging retail environment.

This example illustrates the power of strategic change. It can be hard to act differently in an old or long standing company. But, by reassessing and altering its approach, Pick n Pay is navigating its way back to profitability and market relevance. Let this serve us as inspiration to embrace change, think differently, and pursue innovative paths to success.

Here you can see the power of Apple's Think Different Ad. Be inspired!