From humble South African origins to heading London's Biltong industry: Lisa Gardshol and The Savanna
The Savanna, a beloved South African grocery store, has made a significant impact on the UK market, thanks to its dedicated management team and a focus on quality produce.
Originating from a small shop in Raynes Park, The Savanna was the brainchild of Lisa Gardshol, who moved to the UK after finishing school in South Africa and settled in Scotland. Her retail experience, gained from seven years at Marks and Spencer, played a crucial role in shaping The Savanna into the thriving business it is today.
The Savanna's initial success was evident on opening day, with a long queue of customers, despite the store still being in the process of pricing stock. This demonstrates the demand for authentic South African products in the UK.
The South African community in the UK forms a large part of The Savanna's customer base, with over 150 thousand customers, representing about 70% of the business. The Savanna's management team includes people who have relocated from South Africa with their families and own shares in the business, adding to the store's authenticity and appeal.
In a bid to make shopping more convenient and foster a sense of community, The Savanna is launching an app. This app will not only simplify the shopping experience but also provide a platform for customers to connect with each other.
The Savanna's product range varies across stores to cater to different customer demographics. However, meat products are by far its biggest lines, showcasing the high quality of South African produce. The business's resilience can be attributed to having control over the supply chain, a strategy that Lisa Gardshol learned from her time at Marks and Spencer, and a team ready to adapt to changing circumstances.
The Savanna has recently opened two new stores, one at Waterloo Station and one in Guildford, and aims to open one store each year, expand the butchery by forty percent, and grow its wholesale business.
Working with landlords like Network Rail involves strict compliance, safety checks, and sign-offs. The Savanna's business analyst has created tailored dashboards and heat maps showing peak shopping times, helping to ensure smooth operations in these new locations.
The Savanna also collects data from tills, loyalty cards, credit card transactions, and social media, allowing for insights into customer behaviour and preferences. This data is invaluable in making informed decisions about the business's growth and development.
In a bid to build awareness around the quality of South African produce and encourage the British market to embrace it, The Savanna is constantly engaging with customers on social media. This social media team ensures quick adaptation to customer feedback and trends, further enhancing the shopping experience.
During the pandemic, The Savanna was able to shift its operations online and retain 90% of its web business when shops reopened, demonstrating its adaptability and commitment to customer service.
In conclusion, The Savanna's journey from a chaotic single store in Raynes Park to a thriving business with multiple locations is a testament to Lisa Gardshol's leadership and the team's dedication. The business continues to grow, driven by its commitment to quality South African produce and a focus on customer satisfaction.
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