Dis-Chem Pharmacies is ramping up its national footprint and digital transformation strategy, with ambitious plans to expand its retail network and introduce a next-generation loyalty programme aimed at reshaping access to healthcare in South Africa.
For the six-month period ending 31 August 2025, Dis-Chem reported robust financial results:
- Group revenue rose by 8.7%, reaching R21.3 billion.
- Retail revenue increased by 8.3% to R18.1 billion, driven by a 5.4% growth in comparable pharmacy sales.
- Wholesale revenue surged by 11.1% to R16.8 billion, with sales to Dis-Chem’s own stores growing by 10.9%.
- Revenue from external channels—including independent pharmacies and TLC franchises—grew by 11.6%, with independent pharmacy sales up 7.9% and TLC franchise growth at 16.5%.
Dis-Chem’s wholesale division now services 1,608 independently owned pharmacies, representing approximately 85% of the independent pharmacy market in South Africa.
During the reporting period, Dis-Chem opened 17 new retail pharmacy stores, bringing its total to 203 pharmacy outlets and 44 baby stores nationwide. The group has already launched 20 new stores in FY2026 and plans to open 32 additional pharmacy locations before year-end.
To support this expansion, Dis-Chem is accelerating its site identification and development pipeline. The company is also undergoing a strategic brand evolution, from a traditional retail pharmacy to an integrated primary healthcare provider.
As part of this transition, Dis-Chem is introducing a ‘store of the future’ concept. These new outlets will be designed to support omnichannel retailing and healthcare delivery, integrating digital and physical touchpoints to enhance customer experience. The first of these futuristic stores is expected to begin trading in Q1 FY2027.
Dis-Chem is also launching Better Rewards, a reimagined loyalty programme designed to deepen customer engagement and promote proactive health management.
The programme aims to:
- Increase access to affordable healthcare
- Reward customers for healthy behaviors, such as filling prescriptions and adhering to chronic treatment plans
- Enable reinvestment in personal health through tangible benefits
Better Rewards is powered by X, bigly labs by Dis-Chem, the group’s innovation engine that leverages technology, data, and customer insights to solve complex challenges. The programme reflects Dis-Chem’s commitment to prevention and protection, rather than reactive care.
The group stated:
Better Rewards demonstrates how our purpose, technology, and scale combine to make quality healthcare more affordable, more accessible, and more human.
Dis-Chem’s profitability also improved during the period:
- Basic earnings per share (EPS) rose by 9.6% to 73.9 cents
- Headline earnings per share (HEPS) increased by 9.0% to 73.8 cents
The group’s interim dividend was also upped by 9% to 26.98 cents per share.
| Metric | 6 months to 31 Aug 2025 | 6 months to 31 Aug 2024 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group revenue | R21.3 billion | R19.6 billion | 8.7% |
| Earnings per share | 73.9 cents | 67.4 cents | 9.6% |
| Headline earnings per share | 73.8 cents | 67.7 cents | 9.0% |
| Dividend declared per share | 29.42 cents | 26.98 cents | 9.0% |
