BACK OFFICE
Build it
Build it is a voluntary trading group of
independent retailers specializing in building
materials and related hardware. Boasting a
market leading growth, the group has grown
from strength to strength since its national
launch in 2000. In 1984, with a membership
of only 20, largely rural independent retailers,
Build it launched in KwaZulu-Natal.
Moving inland in the 1990s, expansion
was steady but slow until a decision was
made in 2000 to develop Build it nationally.
In the first five years numbers grew from 36
to 172, and fourteen years later Build it is
proud to report an impressive store count
of over 300! Market coverage includes the
whole of South Africa, Swaziland, Namibia,
Lesotho, Mozambique and recently
Its vision is to dominate the supply
central office providing national leadership
Botswana. Plans are in place to expand
of basic building materials to the market
and support. Apart from stocking all major
further into Africa.
in Southern Africa and focuses primarily
brands in the industry, the Group has its own
on the building of basic housing and all
high quality housebrand under the Build it
home improvements. The Group offers
name. These products offer the consumer
its customers a complete home building
a high quality product at the best value for
solution, from foundations to fittings at very
money.
competitive prices.
The Build it business model operates
The business is also committed to the
development of soccer at grass roots level
on the principles of voluntary trading. This
with their Under 13 soccer programme. This
model gives each member the advantage
programme is one of the biggest junior
of great buying power, a comprehensive
development programmes in the country.
distribution and delivery network, a
The investment from the company is huge,
strong regional and national advertising
with over R10.3 million in technical kit
programme as well as a full leadership and
distributed since the project was launched
consultant service, to name a few, without
in 2006. A staggering 42 000 players would
having to sacrifice their independence.
have been touched by the initiative in 2013
This system of trading puts the retailer
alone. “Our tournaments aim to give hope
in a position where they are able to
to those who need it the most,” said Les
compete with the major chains and assists
Pillay, co-ordinator of Build it’s U13 Soccer
in combating increased opposition and
programme. “The success of any business
competition.
organization could not be achieved alone,
The organization services its stores
but rather through the support of the local
through three regional offices, a central
community,” said Jackie Pillay, owner of five
office and a national distribution centre.
Build it stores and the current Mr Build it.
Each region is independently managed to
ensure local market conditions are met, with
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HARDWARE AFRICA 2014
For more information, 031-719-1783.