Where pensioners can stretch their budgets: factory shops to try

Many pensioners are looking for ways to stretch fixed incomes. According to The South African, shopping at factory shops can be one option for buying essentials at lower prices.

How factory shops help stretch a pension

According to The South African, factory shops are known to sell value brands at cost, and this business model means there are very few nationwide outlets. At locations that stock a range of essentials, pensioners can save 20% or more on typical grocery items.

Stores with nationwide or regional reach

According to The South African:

• Econo Foods has 50 branches across all 9 provinces. Pensioners can buy essentials as well as frozen chicken, frozen vegetables and frozen fruit. The retailer also offers online shopping and delivery for groceries and household products.
• Devland is a wholesaler with 22 locations, most in Gauteng. Recent specials listed included 60 large eggs for R100, 2-ply 18 toilet paper rolls for R83 and 2 litres of cooking oil for R53.
• Die Vis Fabriek operates in the Western Cape with over 20 stores. The chain mainly stocks frozen chicken and seafood and, The South African reports, almost everything on the shelves and in the freezers is under R200.
• 1UP Cash and Carry has shops in Mitchells Plain, Cravenby, Epping, Steenberg and Paarl. Examples of in-store deals reported include Early Morning Quick Cook oats 1kg and 1 litre fresh full-cream milk for R35, an 18-pack of 2-ply toilet paper for R85, and 5kg of IQF chicken for below R200. The South African also notes that 1UP offers online ordering with two-day delivery, though in-store specials are not always available online.

Smaller specialist and cash-and-carry options in Johannesburg

According to The South African:

• Multisnack sells shelf-stable products at lower prices, with some items about 40% cheaper than in supermarkets. The retailer offers snacks, nuts, raisins, sweets, pulses and beans. The South African lists a 1kg bag of brown lentils for R23 and a 1kg bag of red kidney beans for R53. An address given is 66 Roma Street, Cosmo Business Park, Randburg.
• Africa Cash and Carry was reported to have an 83-page catalogue of specials. Examples included a 6-pack of long-life milk for R85 and 2kg of a value-brand washing powder for R32. The South African notes that most buyers at this store are traders, so customers should expect queues; an address listed is at the corner of Crownwood Road and Coach Street, Crown Mines, Johannesburg.

What pensioners can expect to find

Product ranges vary by store, but The South African lists common items available at factory shops, including:

• Frozen butchery products, frozen fruit and vegetables
• Groceries and basic shelf-stable items
• Dairy, eggs and deli meats
• Toiletries, household cleaning and paper goods
• Snacks, nuts, dried fruit and baking products

Is a factory shop right for you?

According to The South African, not every factory shop will suit pensioners’ needs. Speciality factory shops may lack the staples pensioners want, while broader outlets that stock essentials can offer meaningful savings and comparable quality to supermarkets. The South African suggests it may be worth visiting a local factory shop to compare prices and stock.