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History

The Lewis Group’s origins date back to 1934 when the first Lewis store was opened in Woodstock, Cape Town.

Key Milestones

2010’s

2019: Launch of the INspire – omni-channel retailer.

2018: Acquisition of United Furniture Outlets (UFO) (31 stores).

2016: Store base reaches 760 stores. Acquired 56 stores in neighboring countries.

2015: Store base reaches 716 stores.

2014: Acquisition of Beares (63 stores).

2012: Store base reaches 600 stores.

2011: Store base reaches 582. Exceeds R1 billion in operating profit.

2010: My Home launched – Lifestyle Living chain closed and stores converted to My Home.

2008: Best Electric expanded to include furniture lines and rebranded Best Home and Electric.

2007: Store base reaches 500.

2004: Listed on the JSE under the General Retailers Sector at R28 per share.

2003: Acquisition of Lifestyle Living (18 stores).

1980’s and 1990’s

1998: Best Electric chain launched to sell branded electrical merchandise.

1997: 130 Dan Hands stores rebranded to Lewis.

1994: Monarch Insurance is established.

1980 – 1990: Group grows by 100 stores + expansion to Lesotho.

1950’s

1957: The group has 55 stores trading under Barons Furnishers, Excelsior Meubels, Lewis and Universal Stores, a credit clothing chain.

1960’s and 1970’s

1973: Store base reaches 227.

1972: A furniture chain of about 50 stores is acquired from Edgars and the chain is rebranded as Dan Hands. Universal Stores is sold to Edgars.

1969 – 1972: Opening of stores in Botswana, Namibia and Swaziland.

1940’s

1947: UK-based retailer GUS plc acquired controlling interest in Lewis Stores Limited – company subsequently delisted.

1946: Listed on JSE on 30 October as Lewis Stores Limited to raise capital for expanding the business.