Raymond Ackerman: ‘Pick N Pay’ Founder Dies

 

Raymond Ackerman, who started the big supermarket chain Pick n Pay in South Africa, has sadly passed away at 92. He and his wife Wendy began Pick n Pay in 1967 by buying four stores in Cape Town. Over the years, Pick n Pay has grown to operate 2,000 stores in South Africa and seven other African countries. Raymond Ackerman was known for his fight against price regulations that made groceries more expensive for people.

He was also a kind-hearted person who started the Raymond Ackerman Academy for Entrepreneurial Development in 2004. It later joined forces with the University of Johannesburg. This academy helped 400 graduates find jobs. Ackerman received seven honorary doctorate degrees for his contributions to business and society.

Ackerman and his wife Wendy received a special title as Honorary Life Presidents of Pick n Pay in 2010 after Ackerman retired from his job. He remained an employee of the business and kept doing good deeds for the community.  

Mixed feelings have been expressed in reacting to Raymond Ackerman's death. While some express their sorrow over his passing and pay tribute to his achievement to the retail sector, others criticize him for maintaining a minimum wage policy despite his immense wealth.

The biggest shop in South Africa, Pick n Pay, offers a variety of goods and services, contributing significantly to the nation's economy and assisting charitable activities. Pick n Pay also supports a variety of community projects, including food banks and educational programs.