- 058 713 0992/1261/2089
- info@bibicashandcarry.co.za
ABOUT US
the Expansion Journey of BiBi Cash and Carry
The rise in the spending power of black consumers is driving significant growth in South Africa’s retail sector. However, there are still few black-owned retailers positioned to capitalize on this trend. One notable exception is Tommy Makhatho, the CEO of BiBi Cash and Carry. His business has seen tremendous growth, expanding to six stores in the Free State and one in Gauteng. Makhatho’s success showcases the potential for black entrepreneurs in the retail space to thrive and contribute to this economic shift.
since 1991
33
Years Experience
About Tommy Makhatho
Born and raised in Soweto, Tommy Makhatho left school in 1976 at the end of standard nine and worked as a waiter at a restaurant in Joburg’s swanky Carlton Hotel.
Tommy Makhatho is introduced to entrepreneurship
One of Makhatho’s flashy clients, a hairdresser with a cowboy hat and a luxury limousine, gave him his first break as a trainee shampooist. After qualifying as a professional hairdresser, Makhatho left his job in 1982 with R7,000 to start a salon in Soweto, but struggled to build a clientele and returned to his old job.
A year later, he began distributing hair-care products and bed linen across townships, traveling extensively. The business thrived, allowing him to finally open a successful salon in Qwaqwa.
Moving from service to retail business
In four years, he expanded to six salons but found it difficult to manage them remotely. This led him to close the branches and focus on his original location, where he accumulated R300,000 in two years.
Learning from this, he opened the Jabula Cosmetic Centre in Qwaqwa in 1991, focusing on centralized product distribution. With over 3,000 stock lines, the business required more space and improved management systems.
BiBi Cash & Carry Through the years
1992
Qwaqwa Warehouse
Growing into retail
1999
BiBi Cash and Carry Setsing
Opening the 2nd store
2006
BiBi opens its wholesale doors
BiBi Wholesale
1998
BiBi Supermarket is born
Opening the 1st store
2004
BiBi Cash and Carry Naledi Mall
Opening the 3rd store
2013
Sanlam Business Partners
SA's Entrepreneur of the Year