How the Morrison family has been running JMS Food Town for 100 years

Jock Morrison

JMS Food Town remains a family-owned company, now run by the original founder’s great-great-great-great grandsons and current directors – Rob, Mark and Nick Morrison. The business consists of five retail stores, two hardware outlets and a liquor store, all based in Northern Zululand. Its 100-year milestone was celebrated with a consumer promotion that included in-store competitions, on-the-spot prizes and a car giveaway.

Flexibility to adapt to customers’ needs

All the stores offer deliveries for bulk purchases, attention to customer service and a fantastic range of products. “As an independent, family-owned business in a corporate-dominated industry, we have the flexibility to adapt quickly to our customer’s needs and requirements,” says Nick Morrison, director, Jock Morrison & Sons.

A family-owned business can stand the test of time

Jock Morrison & Sons is a member of Unitrade Management Services (UMS), which includes the brands Powertrade, Food Town, Best Buy and Power Build. UMS is a voluntary trading organisation that provides a range of business services to independent wholesalers and retailers, including marketing, financial management, IT, business development and buying power, working in close partnership with each store. “Jock Morrison is proof that an independent, family-owned business can stand the test of time in a challenging environment against major competition,” says Dustin Pereira, operations director, UMS.

Customer satisfaction is the main mission

JMS Food Town has always focused on its customers. “We’ve kept to the principles of our forefathers by always putting our customer first with a value for money, high-quality offering,” explains Morrison. “Satisfying our customers’ needs, be it pricing, service or product, is our mission.”