TFG Plans 180 More Store Closures as Online Sales Accelerate
South African fashion retailer TFG expects to close another 180 stores over the next three financial years as it restructures its physical retail portfolio and records rapid growth through digital channels.
The Johannesburg-listed group, which owns brands including Foschini, Sportscene and Markham, announced the planned closures on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
TFG said approximately 80 stores are expected to meet its closure criteria during the 2027 financial year, with another 100 projected to close over the subsequent two years. The company described the plan as part of an effort to reduce structural costs, remove economically unviable outlets and improve the efficiency of its store network.
The prospective closures follow the removal of 85 stores during the 21 weeks ending August 22. TFG also opened 25 new locations during that period, indicating that it is reshaping rather than entirely withdrawing from physical retail.
Group sales increased by 0.2% to 23 billion rand, while its African operation recorded growth of 3.4%.
Online revenue rose 15.3% and accounted for 15.9% of group sales. Digital sales within TFG’s African business increased by 54.1%, driven by its Bash e-commerce platform, raising online commerce’s contribution to African sales from 7.1% to 10.5%.
The planned closures matter because they reflect the accelerating movement of African fashion retail towards combined physical and digital operations. The changes could also affect shopping-centre occupancy and retail employment, although TFG has not disclosed how many jobs may be affected.
TFG’s decision follows a broader cost-reduction strategy announced with its June financial results, when the company described online growth and the Bash platform as central to a more capital-light business model.
