The Foschini Group

The Foschini Group (TFG), also known as TFG Limited, is a South African retail clothing company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Headquartered in Parow East, near Cape Town, the company operates over 4,700 outlets across 26 countries, trading under multiple brand names. It offers a wide range of products, including clothing for men, women, and children, as well as jewellery, accessories, homeware, cosmetics, sporting equipment, and furniture.

Founded in 1924, TFG has grown through strategic acquisitions, including the British apparel chains Phase Eight in 2015 and Whistles in 2016, as well as Australia's Retail Apparel Group in 2017. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the group acquired Jet stores from Edcon, further expanding its retail footprint.

In a significant collaboration, TFG partnered with TymeBank in October 2021 to introduce 600 banking kiosks across its retail outlets by 2022. The company has also made strides in boosting local production, with 75% of its apparel manufactured in South Africa by November 2021.

TFG's corporate strategy is centred on four strategic pillars, driving its growth and sustainability objectives. It operates through several segments, including TFG Africa Retail, TFG London, TFG Australia, and Credit. The company's brands include well-known names such as Foschini, Phase Eight, Hobbs, Jet, Sportscene, and @home, catering to various customer segments.

TFG’s purpose is to inspire customers to live their best lives, and it aims to provide remarkable omnichannel experiences. As of March 2024, it serves over 37 million TFG rewards customers and employs more than 47,520 individuals globally. Through its focus on customer-first values and innovation, TFG continues to evolve and strengthen its position as a leading retail group.

The Foschini Group (TFG), also known as TFG Limited, is a leading South African retail clothing group, headquartered in Parow East, near Cape Town. The company was founded in 1924 by the Foschini siblings, who opened a retail garment store in Cape Town. Over the decades, their business expanded, becoming South Africa's first retail chain in the 1960s. In 1941, TFG was listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), marking a significant milestone in its growth.

By 1958, Stanley Lewis had acquired a major shareholding in TFG, driving its further expansion. In 1967, TFG acquired American Swiss Watch Company, followed by the acquisition of Markham in 1968. These acquisitions laid the foundation for the company’s diverse retail portfolio. The 1990s saw more growth with TFG acquiring Sterns in 1993 and launching Donna Claire in 1994, a brand later rebranded as Donna. TFG continued to strengthen its position in the retail market, acquiring Sportscene in 1996 and rebranding its Pages stores to Exact in 1999.

In 2010, Foschini Limited changed its name to The Foschini Group (TFG) Limited, reflecting its growth as a diversified retail group. In the following years, TFG pursued a series of acquisitions to expand internationally. In 2015, it acquired the British apparel chain Phase Eight from TowerBrook Capital Partners for £300 million. This acquisition was followed by the purchase of British chain Whistles in 2016 and Australia’s Retail Apparel Group in 2017. These moves positioned TFG as a global retail player with significant operations in Africa, the UK, and Australia.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, TFG ceased rent payments for its retail locations during South Africa’s lockdowns, demonstrating the challenges faced by retailers during this time. In the same year, TFG expanded its retail footprint by acquiring the Jet chain from Edcon, a major South African retail group that was in financial distress. This acquisition further solidified TFG’s position as a retail conglomerate.

In 2021, TFG entered into a partnership with TymeBank, a South African digital bank. This collaboration aimed to introduce 600 banking service kiosks in TFG’s retail outlets by 2022, enhancing its service offerings. In the same year, the company also increased its local production capacity, with nearly 75% of its apparel being produced within South Africa by November 2021.

TFG operates through several segments, including TFG Africa Retail, TFG London, TFG Australia, and a credit division. The company’s diverse brand portfolio includes well-known names such as Foschini, Sportscene, Phase Eight, Hobbs, and Jet. TFG also maintains a strong digital presence, offering its products online in addition to its extensive network of physical stores.

In 2022, The Foschini Group (TFG) launched its online platform, BASH.com, and acquired Tapestry Home Brands, which includes well-known names such as Coricraft, Dial-a-Bed, The Bed Store, and Volpes. This expansion continued in 2023 with the acquisition of Street Fever. By 2024, TFG entered into a franchise agreement with JD Sports and inaugurated the Riverfields Distribution Centre, further enhancing its operational capabilities and expanding its retail presence.

The Foschini Group (TFG) is committed to inspiring customers to live their best lives by offering exceptional retail experiences. Through a wide range of diverse brands, TFG seeks to meet the evolving needs of customers by providing high-quality products that reflect their lifestyles. The Group focuses on delivering value and convenience, both in-store and online, while fostering a culture of innovation and customer-centricity. TFG strives to build long-lasting relationships with its customers, ensuring that every interaction enhances their satisfaction and encourages loyalty to the brand.

The Foschini Group envisions becoming a global leader in the retail industry by delivering the most remarkable omnichannel experiences to its customers. The Group is dedicated to driving growth through its dynamic portfolio of brands, innovative retail strategies, and digital transformation. TFG aims to continue expanding its geographic reach while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and responsible business practices. The Group aspires to be at the forefront of retail evolution, offering customers seamless and personalised experiences that blend physical and digital shopping environments, ensuring convenience and satisfaction at every touchpoint.

The Foschini Group (TFG) operates across several sectors, including e-commerce, information technology, internet services, and retail. TFG offers a comprehensive range of products and services, catering to diverse customer needs. In the retail segment, TFG provides clothing, footwear, accessories, jewellery, cosmetics, homeware, and furniture through a variety of well-known brands such as Foschini, Markham, Jet, and Sportscene. These brands target different customer demographics, ensuring a broad appeal across multiple markets.

TFG’s e-commerce platforms play a significant role in its retail operations, allowing customers to shop online from a wide range of products through BASH.com and other brand-specific websites. The company integrates technology into its operations, leveraging data analytics and customer insights to enhance shopping experiences and streamline supply chains. This commitment to innovation extends to its IT and internet services, where TFG utilises omnichannel strategies to create seamless customer experiences both in-store and online.

In addition to its retail offerings, TFG has partnered with TymeBank, allowing banking kiosks to operate in its stores, thus adding a financial services dimension to its portfolio. The group continues to invest in local manufacturing and digital infrastructure, reinforcing its position as a market leader in both physical and digital retail environments.