Season 14 Episode 17
Norman Drieselmann on the future of profitable retail in South Africa
24 March 2026 · 23:51 min
In this episode of Business Talk, Norman Drieselmann, CEO of Retailability, unpacks one of South Africa’s most compelling retail turnarounds. By significantly reducing Edgars’ store footprint and cutting over R150 million in annual rental costs, the business has sharpened its focus on… profitability, capital efficiency, and customer experience. Norman explains why “right-sizing” stores has strengthened performance, with some locations halving their space while maintaining — and even growing — sales.
The conversation explores what this shift means for landlords, listed property groups, and the future of mall valuations. Norman also shares insights into the growing importance of experiential retail, the resilience of beauty as a category, and the balance between brick-and-mortar and e-commerce in an omnichannel world. The key message is clear: retail isn’t about size anymore — it’s about productivity, emotional connection, and making every square meter count.
Show more
Business Talk
More Series
