Latest news with #Dis-Chem
IOL News
02-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Dis-Chem clarifies job security amidst declining retail staffing costs
JSE-listed pharmacy group Dis-Chem has insisted that it has not cut any jobs Image: Karen Sandison, Independent Newspapers JSE-listed pharmacy group Dis-Chem has insisted that it has not cut any jobs, despite its latest financial results showing a slight decline in retail staff costs. The group posted solid results for the year ending February 2025, with revenue rising 8% to R39.2 billion and headline earnings per share increasing by 20%. While the reduction in employee costs sparked questions about possible layoffs, the group told IOL these savings were not the result of job cuts. "There are no job reductions, no role consolidations and no reduced working hours – using existing staff across more stores," the group said. Dis-Chem explained that the cost containment measures under its Staffing Framework 1.0 focused on improving operational efficiency by adjusting staff ratios. This included increasing the number of post-basic qualified (PBQ) employees who handle administrative tasks, enabling pharmacists to focus on clinical duties. "The main drivers of cost containment of framework 1.0 were related to the following: Ratio change in our pharmacy category – this resulted in the addition of more resources to improve our dispensary service, driven by a ratio change between our pharmacists and our post-basic qualified resources (who are at a lower price point). "This allows the PBQs to process the administrative requirements of capturing the script and for pharmacists to practice at the top of their scope, checking the dispense and engaging with patients. "Redistribution of over-invested front shop staff – as a result of historical, decentralised decision–making–has led to many administrative resources being over-invested in certain stores. These resources (which were considered against a framework) were then moved into our new stores". Looking ahead, the group added that it plans to introduce Staffing Framework 2.0, which includes adding a junior management level in new stores to reduce management costs. "The introduction of a junior management level for our new stores, which reduces the management cost per store. Cost-saving mechanisms are not traditional job cuts. "Prioritisation implies that we are ensuring that all services and products that we make available in our ecosystem are reimagined and delivered to our employee base with 'extra value', allowing them to understand the products and services and be ambassadors for the change in our brand positioning". [email protected] IOL Business Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
IOL News
02-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Dis-Chem clarifies job security amidst declining retail staffing costs
JSE-listed pharmacy group Dis-Chem has insisted that it has not cut any jobs Image: Karen Sandison, Independent Newspapers JSE-listed pharmacy group Dis-Chem has insisted that it has not cut any jobs, despite its latest financial results showing a slight decline in retail staff costs. The group posted solid results for the year ending February 2025, with revenue rising 8% to R39.2 billion and headline earnings per share increasing by 20%. While the reduction in employee costs sparked questions about possible layoffs, the group told IOL these savings were not the result of job cuts. "There are no job reductions, no role consolidations and no reduced working hours – using existing staff across more stores," the group said. Dis-Chem explained that the cost containment measures under its Staffing Framework 1.0 focused on improving operational efficiency by adjusting staff ratios. This included increasing the number of post-basic qualified (PBQ) employees who handle administrative tasks, enabling pharmacists to focus on clinical duties. "The main drivers of cost containment of framework 1.0 were related to the following: Ratio change in our pharmacy category – this resulted in the addition of more resources to improve our dispensary service, driven by a ratio change between our pharmacists and our post-basic qualified resources (who are at a lower price point). "This allows the PBQs to process the administrative requirements of capturing the script and for pharmacists to practice at the top of their scope, checking the dispense and engaging with patients. "Redistribution of over-invested front shop staff – as a result of historical, decentralised decision–making–has led to many administrative resources being over-invested in certain stores. These resources (which were considered against a framework) were then moved into our new stores". Looking ahead, the group added that it plans to introduce Staffing Framework 2.0, which includes adding a junior management level in new stores to reduce management costs. "The introduction of a junior management level for our new stores, which reduces the management cost per store. Cost-saving mechanisms are not traditional job cuts. "Prioritisation implies that we are ensuring that all services and products that we make available in our ecosystem are reimagined and delivered to our employee base with 'extra value', allowing them to understand the products and services and be ambassadors for the change in our brand positioning". [email protected] IOL Business Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
IOL News
30-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Dis-Chem Pharmacies reports strong annual earnings growth, but share price falls on the JSE
Dis-Chem directors said they continue to make progress on eight strategic areas aimed at delivering sustainable shareholder value. They said the biggest contributor to earnings growth in the year to February 28, 2025, was better cost management, particularly payroll cost. Image: Karen Sandison, Independent Newspapers Dis-chem Pharmacies' share price slumped 5.5% on Friday despite reporting good annual earnings growth and solid revenue growth for the first quarter to May 27. Group revenue grew by 8.6% for the three months of the new financial year compared with the same time last year, while retail revenue was up 7.8%, supported by the opening of 9 pharmacy stores, with comparable pharmacy store revenue growth at 4.6%, the group said in a statement Friday. It plans to open a further 39 stores this year. Revenue increased 8% to R39.2 billion in the 12 months to February 29, 2025, while headline earnings a share (HEPS) was up 20% to 137.5 cents. The final dividend was raised 23.8% to 27.85 cents, bringing the payout for the year 19.9% higher to 54.83 cents. Dis-Chem's share price traded at R33.91 on Friday, barely changed from R31.28 a year ago. In contrast, for comparison, competitor Clicks Group's share price at R389.62 was 32% higher over 12 months. Dis-Chem directors said they continue to make 'solid progress' on the eight strategic areas aimed at delivering sustainable shareholder value. They said the biggest contributor to earnings growth in the year was better cost management, particularly payroll cost. Excluding a once-off property gain associated with the acquisition of the Midrand warehouse, HEPS increased 12.3% to 128.7 cents a share. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Retail revenue grew by 5.9% to R33.6bn, with comparable pharmacy store revenue growth at 4.1%. Net store changes in the past year included opening 20 and closing 3 retail pharmacy stores, and the closure of a net nine baby stores, resulting in a footprint of 285 retail pharmacy stores and 45 retail baby stores. Wholesale revenue grew 9.9% to R30.1bn. Wholesale revenue to own retail stores, the biggest contributor, grew 7.4% while external revenue to independent pharmacies and The Local Choice (TLC) franchises grew by 22.1%. Independent pharmacy growth was 22.7% attributable to both new customers and increased support from the current base. A R650m loan taken out in the year was used to acquire the Midrand warehouse property, while a R502m facility taken out in the prior period funded the acquisition of the Longmeadow warehouse property. Wholesale expenses grew 11.1%, mainly due to the acquisition of the Longmeadow warehouse in the prior period. Excluding the additional costs incurred for the Longmeadow warehouse, wholesale expenses grew by 9%.
IOL News
29-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Retailers must tighten cybersecurity as omnichannel strategies expand
Educational institutions have fallen prey to social engineering and spoofing attacks, says the writer. Image: File In an age where customer experience reigns supreme, South African retailers are increasingly adopting omnichannel strategies to capture the attention and loyalty of consumers. This approach, characterised by a seamless integration of in-store, online, and mobile platforms, offers unparalleled convenience. However, as businesses strive to meet rising consumer expectations, they face a daunting challenge: the growing risks associated with cybersecurity. Cloete, an industry expert, explains that 'omnichannel strategies require extensive customer data collection across multiple touchpoints to deliver a seamless experience.' While this data collection might enrich the customer experience, it simultaneously broadens the attack surface for cybercriminals. The interconnected nature of modern retail creates numerous opportunities for malicious actors to intercept sensitive data shared in real time across various platforms. Retailers are particularly appealing targets for cybercriminals due to their access to highly valuable personal and financial information. Login credentials, payment card details, and purchase histories are just a few nuggets of gold waiting to be mined. Cybercriminals employ increasingly sophisticated tactics that exploit vulnerabilities within security systems, often seeking out weak points where access can be gained. For many retail businesses, the omnichannel model prioritises ease of access, which can inadvertently lead to a false sense of security. Cloete cautions against the notion that robust cybersecurity measures might hinder customer experiences. 'Restrictions imposed by cybersecurity,' he notes, 'may be perceived to conflict with smooth interactions. However, for most consumers, strong security builds confidence and trust.' Moreover, retailers must also contend with the vulnerabilities posed by the third-party services essential to the omnichannel experience. A notable case occurred in 2022 when pharmacy giant Dis-Chem suffered a cyberattack traceable to a third-party service provider. This breach affected the personal information of over 3.6 million South Africans, vividly illustrating how interconnected technology can become a double-edged sword. 'Payment processors, marketing integrations, and customer service tools can introduce security gaps if not properly vetted and monitored,' Cloete explains. 'A breach in any of these systems can compromise customer data, even if the retailer's own security measures are strong.' The call for retailers is clear: they must rigorously audit all suppliers and software vendors to ensure they are maintaining an adequate security posture. The stakes are high. According to the 2024 IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average cost of a data breach for South African companies reached a staggering R41 million last year, with business disruption and post-breach response activities accounting for a significant portion of these costs.
IOL News
26-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Move over, green tea! These 5 fruits pack a bigger antioxidant punch
Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and even peanut butter are great sources of vitamin E, along with healthy fats and fibre. Image: Polina Tankilevitch Winter in South Africa is a unique experience. Chilly mornings, cosy evenings, and let's be honest, two types of eaters: those who reach for nourishing, healthy foods, and those who find comfort in hearty, sometimes indulgent meals. Whether you're sipping rooibos by the fire or tucking into a spicy curry, the cold season draws out our cravings. But there's one health trend that unites both camps: antioxidants. If you've scrolled through HealthTok (the wellness side of TikTok) or browsed the shelves at Dis-Chem, you've seen the word 'antioxidant' everywhere. It's on teas, face creams, snack bars, and even frozen veggies. But what's the real story behind the antioxidant buzz? Are they really the magic bullet for health and longevity, or just another fad? What exactly are antioxidants? In simple terms, antioxidants are tiny molecules that help protect your body's cells from damage. Think of them as your body's own security guards, fighting off harmful 'free radicals' that can cause chronic health issues like diabetes, cancer, or heart disease. According to "Harvard Health", antioxidants are found in many plant-based foods, particularly in vitamins like C and E. But here's where it gets interesting. Antioxidants aren't just about what you eat, they're also used in food production to keep things fresher for longer. Just as they help preserve your food, they may help preserve you, too! Should you get antioxidants from food or supplements? A lot of us reach for supplements, thinking they're a quick fix. But the science says whole foods have the edge. For example, a cup of fresh strawberries packs about 80mg of vitamin C, plus a powerful cocktail of plant chemicals (polyphenols) like proanthocyanins and flavonoids. These natural compounds work together in ways that isolated supplements just can't match. According to "The Nutrition Source" at Harvard, taking a mega-dose vitamin C supplement (say, 500mg) won't give you the same benefits as eating an orange or a bowl of berries. Too much of a single antioxidant can sometimes do more harm than good, acting as a 'pro-oxidant' and causing cell damage instead of preventing it. What are the actual health advantages driving the hype? Research, including insights from registered dietitian Lori Barrett (RDN, LD), highlights that antioxidants may help lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and even brain decline, MindBodyGreen. They also have powerful anti-inflammatory effects, supporting your immune system during cold and flu season, a real bonus in winter. However, not all antioxidants are created equal. There are dozens of types, from vitamins to plant compounds. For instance, green tea is packed with catechins, especially EGCG, which is known to reduce inflammation and support brain health. Just one cup can have 50-100mg of catechins! Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Blackberries, blueberries, and plums pack potent antioxidant properties. Image: Lisa from Pexels Foods that beat green tea in antioxidants Dark fruits: Think blackberries, blueberries, and plums. The deeper the colour, the higher the antioxidant punch. Plums, for example, are loaded with phenolic acids and anthocyanins. Citrus: Oranges, naartjies, and grapefruit are all packed with vitamin C and flavonoids. These are SA staples, especially in winter. Apple: 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away' rings true, thanks to antioxidants like quercetin and phenolic acids. Oranges, naartjies, and grapefruits are loaded with vitamin C and flavonoids, making them perfect winter staples. Image: Lisa/Pixabay The old adage rings true 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away' thanks to antioxidants like quercetin and phenolic acids. Image: John Finkelstein /pexels Raisins, apricots, and dates offer a concentrated source of antioxidants. Just be cautious of excess added sugars. Image: Alex P /pexels Dried fruit: Raisins, apricots, and dates are South African favourites. With the water removed, their antioxidant content is even more concentrated. Just watch out for added sugars. Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and even peanut butter offer a healthy dose of vitamin E, plus fibre and healthy fats. Veggies: Don't forget spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Carotenoids like beta-carotene give them their colour and their health benefits. Let's be real, winter is a time when we all crave a bit more comfort. And that's okay! The trick is to balance. As South Africans, we're lucky to have access to such a variety of fresh produce, even in winter. By making small, mindful choices, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: comfort and health. So next time you're shopping at your local market, remember antioxidants aren't just a trend. They're a delicious, natural way to boost your health, fight winter bugs, and keep you glowing all season long.
