Green Cross, once a household name in South Africa's footwear industry, is disappearing from the high street after AVI confirmed the closure of its retail division.
The JSE-listed consumer goods group announced in its latest full-year results that the brand's final three stores will close by the 2026 financial year, following the closure of 10 outlets in the past year alone. While the retail presence is ending, AVI said the brand would continue operating in the wholesale market, as reported by News24 .
Founded in 1975 by East German refugee Heinz Zeppel, Green Cross was built up by Zeppel and his sons into a comfort-focused footwear empire spanning manufacturing, imports, wholesale and retail. In 2012, AVI swooped in, acquiring the business for R382.5 million, with the possibility of an additional R35 million payment depending on profit performance. The deal, funded entirely from AVI's existing cash reserves, was seen as a show of strength at the time.