2023: Store base reaches 840, including 134 stores in neighbouring countries.
2022: Established Bedzone, a specialist retailer of base sets.
2020: Store base reaches 794 in South Africa, including 125 stores in neighbouring countries.
2019: Launch of the INspire – omni-channel retailer.
2018: Acquisition of United Furniture Outlets (UFO) (31 stores).
2016: Store base reaches 760 stores. Acquired 56 stores in neighboring countries.
2015: Store base reaches 716 stores.
2014: Acquisition of Beares (63 stores).
2012: Store base reaches 600 stores.
2011: Store base reaches 582. Exceeds R1 billion in operating profit.
2010: My Home launched – Lifestyle Living chain closed and stores converted to My Home.
2008: Best Electric expanded to include furniture lines and rebranded Best Home & Electric.
2007: Store base reaches 500.
2004: Listed on the JSE under the General Retailers Sector at R28 per share.
2003: Acquisition of Lifestyle Living (18 stores).
1998: Best Electric chain launched to sell branded electrical merchandise.
1997: 130 Dan Hands stores rebranded to Lewis.
1994: Monarch Insurance is established.
1980 – 1990: Group grows by 100 stores + expansion to Lesotho.
1957: The group has 55 stores trading under Barons Furnishers, Excelsior Meubels, Lewis and Universal Stores, a credit clothing chain.
1973: Store base reaches 227.
1972: A furniture chain of about 50 stores is acquired from Edgars and the chain is rebranded as Dan Hands. Universal Stores is sold to Edgars.
1969 – 1972: Opening of stores in Botswana, Namibia and Swaziland.
1947: UK-based retailer GUS plc acquired controlling interest in Lewis Stores Limited – company subsequently delisted.
1946: Listed on JSE on 30 October as Lewis Stores Limited to raise capital for expanding the business.
