One of the oldest and most well-known retail brands in South Africa is Edgars. Established in 1929 as a single clothes store in Johannesburg, Edgars has gradually expanded into a big department store chain that sells a wide range of goods, from accessories and home goods to fashion and cosmetics.
The name “Edgars” has been a fixture in South African retail culture for almost a century, despite the company’s many changes, including ownership and marketing strategies. For a wide range of customers, the name is closely linked to accessibility, affordability, and style.
From the standpoint of branding, the word “Edgars” doesn’t seem to be an acronym or abbreviation, nor does it allude to any particular idea or term used in the industry. Rather, it works similarly to other well-known department store brands like Macy’s (USA) or Harrods (UK), which are brand identifiers that have become iconic in and of themselves. South African consumers have a strong sense of trust and brand loyalty because of the name’s history and familiarity.