The story of Mr Price began in 1979, when our co-founders, Laurie Chiappini and Stewart Cohen met while working at separate clothing retailers. Despite their different backgrounds, they quickly discovered a shared passion for fashion and a desire to make a meaningful impact on the retail industry in South Africa.

As their friendship grew, so did a common vision: to build a new kind of retail store, one that would transform the way South Africans shop and raise the bar for how employees were treated, with respect and inclusion at the heart of everything they created.

With the support of close friends and family, they took a bold step in 1985 by opening the first Mr Price Factory Store in Klerksdorp, North West Province. The concept was simple but revolutionary: offer good-quality clothing at prices people could afford, in a clean and uncluttered “factory fresh” store environment focused entirely on the product.

This single store marked the beginning of an incredible journey that would go on to reshape the retail landscape of an entire nation.

The store was a hit from day one. South Africans were captivated by the idea of affordable fashion, and customers quickly made their way to see what the newcomer had to offer. With the country in a period of economic growth, the timing was perfect.

As the demand for fashionable yet affordable clothing grew, Mr Price was ready to meet it.

But their success wasn’t just a stroke of luck – it was the result of an entrepreneurial spirit, hard work, and a purpose-driven mindset. As Mr Price opened more stores across South Africa, the two founders led with vision, focus, and courage. They weren’t afraid to take calculated risks or make bold decisions. At the heart of it all was a belief: that fashion should be accessible to everyone, and that the people helping to bring that vision to life deserved to share in its rewards.

Beliefs that endure to this day.