Page 63 - KZN Top Business Portfolio-eBook 2022

branches around the country. They opened the first
SMEG Concept store in Africa in the Cape in 2021.
They also opened a new Samsung Concept store in
the Cape in 2021 and a brand new state-of-the-art
flagship Hirsch’s store in Waterfall in the Midrand
opened its doors for the first time in 2022.
Charities and Sponsorships
The Hirsch family does not take anything for
granted and are regularly involved in various
charities and sponsorships. Their giving nature
ensures that they are always willing to help those in
need. Allan, for instance, is a patron of the Phoenix
Child Welfare society and Richard is a patron of the
Claire-Ellis School. Margaret is involved with the
School for the Blind in Gauteng. Since 2012, she has
been instrumental in helping to get the Girls with
Dignity project off the ground and has personally Smeg Opening Ribbon Cutting
purchased thousands of panty packs to hand out
to girls in underprivileged areas so they can attend
school full time. She also gives inspirational talks to
all the students.
Being passionate about women’s empowerment
and entrepreneurship, Margaret started business
women’s and entrepreneurial networking events
around the country. These were held instore until
the pandemic and are now held virtually. She is also
always involved in regular cooking events in store
– highlighting different products and putting the
spotlight on guest chefs she cooks with.
Technology and Marketing
Commenting on Hirsch’s marketing strategy, and
how online advertising has become an important
feature, Allan says “Technology has become almost
unrecognisable over the years. We have reached this Margaret and Sne and children at the Isipingo Orphanage
amazing communicative age where things happen
instantly. A lot more people are shopping online and
having goods delivered to them the next day.”
Sustainability and Environment
Allan is passionate about the environment and
energy efficiency. “Many years ago, I realised how
important energy efficiency was in South Africa.
It made me very aware of how appliances can be
used effectively and how certain appliances use
less water and less electricity and are quieter than
others. It is something we have been driving and
we try to encourage the consumer to buy energy
efficient products. I believe as an appliance retail
store we really can influence decisions and at the
same time make a difference. We believe it starts
at the socket. If things that are not being used are
unplugged it makes a difference,” he says. Waterfall Opening

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