Cash Converters identifies over 100 potential SA store sites

Cash Converters says a location-planning exercise for its next 50 South African stores returned more than 100 suggestions. The findings, outlined by its local site-selection manager, point to potential opportunities for prospective franchisees, rather than a confirmed schedule of openings.

Location search produces more than 100 suggestions

In a promotional article published by Daily Investor on 2 November, Stuart Cameron, Cash Converters SA Lease Negotiation and Site Selection Manager, described how the brand approaches finding premises for new franchise stores.

“We recently went through a research exercise to determine where our next 50 stores should go in South Africa – and the data came back with over 100 suggestions,” Cameron said.

The distinction between suggested locations and committed stores is important. The figure describes the outcome of a planning exercise; it does not establish that 100 stores will open, or that leases have been secured for the next 50.

For South Africa’s franchise community, the update provides a view of how one established brand is assessing room for further development. It also highlights the work that sits between identifying an area with potential and preparing a store to trade.

Cameron’s account places site selection, lease negotiations and shop fitting within the support available to prospective Cash Converters franchisees.

Visibility and local preferences shape the search

Cameron identified visibility as the first of four requirements for a store to thrive: people living in the area should be able to see the premises easily as they drive past.

The business also takes account of where a prospective owner wants to operate. That preference might reflect proximity to home or a personal connection to an area. Cash Converters then investigates suitable locations within that preferred area.

This approach combines an applicant’s local preferences with the brand’s site-selection process. A preferred neighbourhood is therefore a starting point for investigation, not necessarily the final choice of premises.

Cameron also described Cash Converters as a destination store, arguing that it does not depend on proximity to major anchor tenants in the same way as some other retailers.

“Other stores typically want to be as close to anchor tenants as possible, whereas we don't need that footfall as urgently,” he said.

According to Cameron, that can allow the brand to consider premises other retailers may not want, potentially creating opportunities for better lease rates. This is a possible advantage in negotiations, not a guarantee that every available site will offer lower occupancy costs.

Lease negotiations come with brand support

Cash Converters handles lease-rate negotiations on a franchisee’s behalf by default, according to the account. Prospective owners can also participate in, or take control of, those negotiations if they prefer.

Cameron said the brand would accommodate franchisees who wanted to join the process, but would not leave them to undertake it alone.

That support connects site selection with the commercial terms attached to the premises. Finding a visible store in a preferred area is only one part of the decision; reaching an acceptable lease agreement is another.

For applicants, the useful distinction is between access to negotiation support and the outcome of a particular negotiation. Cameron described the assistance available, rather than promising a standard rental rate or a fixed saving across all new stores.

Fit-out follows lease and costing approval

Once a lease has been secured, Cash Converters helps fit out the premises through its dedicated project management and shop fitting team, True North Projects.

The team prepares a shop plan aligned with the brand’s standards and requirements, then reviews it with the franchisee. Where an owner requests changes, Cash Converters says it works with them to balance those preferences against the requirements of the brand.

The account puts the fit-out period at six weeks after the costing has been approved, with the store ready for operation at the end of that process. That timing relates specifically to fitting out the premises; it should not be read as the full period from an initial franchise enquiry to opening day.

Practical takeaway: Prospective franchisees should ask which suggested locations remain available, how proposed lease terms compare, and what must be completed before the six-week fit-out period begins.