Annual Report - JD Group

Russells – your home lifestyle partner,
quality guaranteed
Established in 1943 and acquired in
1993, Russells operates 199 stores
in major cities and towns in South
Africa. Customers enjoy affordable
terms on quality furniture, branded
appliances and home entertainment
products.
Mission
Differentiate ourselves from our competitors by offering an
innovative range of furniture products, appliances and financial
services through competent employees, thereby exceeding the
expectations of our target market.
Review
Russells, with its large national footprint, continues to be the
largest contributor to the Group’s profit performance. Aggressive,
creative, highly successful marketing and merchandise campaigns
have resulted in turnover growth well ahead of the market. This
has been supported by a strong focus on operational disciplines
and efficiencies, resulting in very positive cash flows and a
consequent excellent return on assets.
Russells pioneered the differentiation drive. Fourteen stores have
been converted to the new look, supported by improved customer
facilities and service. Results from these stores have validated the
acceptance of our new look and feel by the target market.
37
Management development through various programmes has
ensured a steady flow of trained talent to provide for succession.
Outlook
Wietske van der Westhuizen (51)
Chief executive – 25*
Executive management
Philip Kruger (42)
BCom
Operations – 14*
Ronnie Mostert (51)
Operations – 30*
Tokkie Combrink (62)
Debtors – 37*
Wikus Labuschagne (45)
Debtors – 25*
Kobus Minnaar (51)
Marketing – 17*
Pieter Schoeman (48)
Merchandise – 23*
Barry Dell (49)
Human resources – 10*
Rens van Rensburg (54)
Logistics – 22*
* years experience in furniture
retail
Russells is perfectly poised to take further advantage of the
buoyant market and increase its market share even further. The
recently introduced programme for Business Performance
Improvement will ensure that efficiencies continue to add
economic value.