For more than 70 years, De Jagers has been known for quality, affordability and friendly service. What started as a small family business has grown into something deeply rooted in Worcester—much like the region’s renowned wines.
But De Jagers didn’t begin with a grand plan in Worcester. In fact, it started almost by chance.

In 1955, a 27-year-old Japie de Jager travelled from Keetmanshoop to visit his cousin Frikkie and his wife Babs in Kuils River. Japie had one goal: to find the right location to open his own store. After searching in Stellenbosch and Paarl without success, Frikkie and Babs suggested looking “over the mountain” — beyond Du Toitskloof.

That suggestion led them to Worcester.

While the premises wasn’t in the heart of town, the space and price was right. Japie didn’t hesitate. On the very same day, he arranged the basics—counters, shelving—and signed the lease. Just like that, De Jagers Worcester was born, opening its doors on 1 March 1955.

Japie’s energy quickly rubbed off on those around him. Babs soon opened a ladieswear store in Kuils River, and a year later Frikkie followed suit in Stellenbosch. What started as three small, connected stores became the foundation of something much bigger.
In the early days, Japie and Babs would travel to Cape Town to source stock, often transporting it in Japie’s well-known blue Volkswagen bus. Quality was always non-negotiable—but so were fair prices, especially for their farming customers. Stock was bought in bulk and shared between stores, which even led to the Worcester branch jokingly being called “Japie Rejects”—a nickname that, thankfully, didn’t stick.

In 1963, Japie married Johanna Janse van Rensburg, who joined him in the business. Together, they identified a gap in the market: school uniforms. At the time, parents had to visit multiple shops to complete a single set. In 1972, De Jagers introduced schoolwear, becoming a convenient one-stop destination for families.
The business continued to grow, and in 1996 the next generation—Jobre, Andries and Pieter—took over. Building on Japie’s strong foundation, they expanded De Jagers into what it is today: a network of around 50 stores across the Western, Southern and Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, and the Free State.

Through all the growth, one thing has remained the same—our commitment to quality products, good value, and genuine service.
And that’s exactly what we’ll carry into the future.