The Klein Karoo has become home to a major retail milestone after Clicks officially opened its 800th pharmacy at Jou Eie Sentrum in Park Road, Oudtshoorn.
While the opening marks another expansion for the retail giant, it carries special significance for local residents as Oudtshoorn was selected as the location for the landmark pharmacy.
Speaking at the official opening, Bongiwe Ntuli, managing executive of Clicks South Africa, praised the town for its hospitality and warm welcome.
“Not every retailer can boast serving so many communities. We are the largest in that sense, but this is not just another pharmacy opening, this is our 800th pharmacy,” she said.
Ntuli reflected on the company’s journey, noting that Clicks began as a small drugstore in Cape Town, in 1968, before opening its first pharmacy in 2004. In 2013, the retailer introduced its “Feel Good Pay Less” customer promise, further entrenching its position as a value retailer.
“Our approach is very simple: affordable healthcare. Every South African deserves affordable healthcare. Hence, you feel good and you pay less,” she said.
Gustav Schoeman, head of supply chain and logistics at the Clicks Group, said the company is proud to now operate two pharmacies in Oudtshoorn.
“We’re proud to have two pharmacies now serving the Oudtshoorn community. Looking at statistics from our pharmacy in High Street from last week alone, we served 1 300 patients, with an average waiting time of only three minutes,” he said.
“We want to create a convenient shopping experience for our customers.”
Beyond marking a national milestone for Clicks, the new pharmacy also enhances access to affordable healthcare for the Oudtshoorn and wider Klein Karoo community. (MALISSA SPIES)