Renier van Rooyen
Retail founder
By South African Index Editorial Desk · Published · Last reviewed
Renier van Rooyen opened the first PEP store in De Aar in 1965. [1]
He built the operating idea around low prices, useful products and respectful treatment of customers. [1]
Biography
Pepkor’s official history identifies Van Rooyen as the founder who opened the first PEP store in De Aar. [1]
The founding purpose combined price leadership with dignity and respect for customers. That approach shaped the later PEP culture. [1][3]
PEP grew from one Northern Cape store into the core retail brand of the wider Pepkor group. [1][3]
Van Rooyen died in Cape Town in November 2018 at the age of 86. [5]
Key contributions
Founded PEP and established its first store in 1965. [1]
Created the low-price customer proposition that remained central to PEP’s later operating model. [1][3]
Life and career timeline
Frequently asked questions
Who was Renier van Rooyen?
He was the South African retailer who founded PEP. [1]
Where did he open the first PEP store?
He opened it in De Aar in 1965. [1]
Related people
Associated organisations
Related research
Sources
- Pepkor Holdings, Integrated report 2018, 2018-11-26. Original source. Accessed 2026-10-28. ↩
- Steinhoff Africa Retail, Pre-listing statement, 2017-09-04. Original source. Accessed 2026-10-28. ↩
- Pepkor Holdings, PEP retail platform. Original source. Accessed 2026-10-28. ↩
- Steinhoff Africa Retail, Integrated report 2017, 2017-12-18. Original source. Accessed 2026-10-28. ↩
- Sunday Times, Renier van Rooyen: Pep Stores founder, 2018-11-18. Original source. Accessed 2026-10-28. ↩