Food retailer Pick n Pay has given an optimistic outlook for this year and said it expects sales to climb by up to 6 per cent year on year. This is despite retail sales across the country falling by 6.7 per cent year on year in April.

Gareth Ackerman, chairman of majority owner Pick n Pay Holdings, confirmed the group’s plans to open 58 company-owned and franchise stores this year. It will also spend R1.4bn (£104.6m) on refurbishing its existing store portfolio.