PNA has reached a significant milestone in its 34-year journey with the opening of PNA Midstream – its 150th store across South Africa and Namibia.
Located at the newly opened Shopping on Eastway centre in Midstream, the store marks another chapter in PNA’s expansion, while recognising the people, partnerships and communities that have helped shape the brand over more than three decades.
For PNA CEO Eugene Ronné, reaching 150 stores represents far more than a number. “Absorbing the reality of that number feels somewhat surreal. When I joined PNA, I knew I was becoming part of a much-loved South African brand. Standing here today, celebrating our 150th store, I’m reminded that growth like this represents years of commitment, belief, resilience and hard work from so many people,” says Ronné.
He credits PNA’s franchisees, store teams, Head Office employees, suppliers and customers for playing a role in reaching the milestone. “Our franchisees invest in the PNA brand every day. Our store teams bring PNA to life for our customers, our Head Office team supports the journey, our suppliers partner with us, and our customers continue to choose PNA. This milestone belongs to all of them.”
Over the past 34 years, PNA has become part of communities across South Africa and Namibia, supporting everything from education and small businesses to creative pursuits, celebrations and everyday moments. “I’m incredibly proud of what has been built, but even more grateful for the people who have built it,” says Ronné.
A Milestone Built by People
For PNA Retail Growth Executive Herman Botha, who has been part of the PNA journey for almost 22 years, the opening of the 150th store offered an opportunity to pause and reflect on just how far the brand has come.
“Being at the opening of PNA Midstream – our 150th store across South Africa and Namibia – was an incredibly special moment. Seeing the energy in the store, watching the team bring it to life and seeing customers walk through the doors made the scale of what we have achieved feel real,” says Botha.
Having witnessed PNA’s evolution over more than two decades, Botha says the milestone is a reflection of the people behind every store and the relationships that make sustainable growth possible. “When you have been part of a business for almost 22 years, you get to see the changes, the challenges and the growth up close. What has remained constant is the commitment of our people and the belief in what PNA can offer its customers and communities.”
Botha says, “Opening a new store is never simply about adding another location. It is about finding the right community, the right opportunity and the right people to bring the PNA experience to life. PNA Midstream is a great example of that.”
The store’s “Bricks and Bees” concept also captured the spirit of the milestone, with the bricks representing the work behind every new store and the bees symbolising the teamwork required to make each one thrive. “The bricks represent everything that has gone into building 150 stores, while the bees represent the people working together to make each store successful. That is really what PNA is about – building something together and creating a brand that continues to have a place in people’s lives.”
The opening is particularly significant for the Venter family, who now have the distinction of being part of PNA’s 150th store milestone. PNA congratulates the Venter family and the entire PNA Midstream team on the opening and thanks them for their commitment to growing the brand within the Midstream community.
For Botha, the 150th store is not simply a marker of where PNA stands today, but a foundation for what comes next. “There is a real sense of pride in reaching 150 stores, but there is also excitement about what lies ahead. This milestone gives us the opportunity to celebrate how far we have come while continuing to look for new communities where PNA can make a difference.”
As PNA celebrates 150 stores, the milestone reflects both the journey so far and the opportunities that lie ahead for the proudly South African brand. “150 stores are worth celebrating,” says Ronné. “Here’s to the next chapter.”
ENDS
