The evolution of Pick n Pay supermarkets from the corner grocery store to a modern shopping experience may appear to be mere chance. It is not. Stephen Roberts of Bentel Associates International has played a significant part in that progression as Chartered Architectural Technologist and store planner.
 
His professional journey has taken him from KwaZulu Natal to the far reaches of the Cape, from north to south and everywhere in between. The end result is well over a 100 Pick 'n Pay stores and the establishment of a South African legend. Roberts heads up the Store Planning division of Bentel Associates International.

In 1976 when Roberts joined the practice, Pick 'n Pay had already opened their first hypermarket and eighteen supermarkets. Today that number stands at fourteen hypermarkets and 114 supermarkets with plans for some 23 new stores to be built over the next two years.

The actual task of store planning involves a good deal of orchestration and balancing wants and needs with practicalities. The overall designs must conform to the financial and demographic rationale of Pick 'n Pay. There are site and centre assessments that have to be made. Proper positioning of the store in relationship to parking, pedestrian access, goods deliveries and so on. Other factors, such as convenience, suitability, lighting are fundamentals that must be properly managed. This is all managed by Stephen, as a Chartered Architectural Technologist.

In helping to build the legend of Pick 'n Pay, Roberts believes his firm has received many benefits. He does not begrudge a moment of his time or a modicum of the considerable effort involved. Through rough times and smooth, he has enjoyed the challenge and particularly the relationships that have been built. He considers himself especially fortunate to have been given the opportunity.