Rellings in Kroonstad, the successful family business which has been in existence for 105 years and is managed by the fifth generation, is growing from strength to strength.
The latest addition to this company is Rellings Electrical, established in January 2024.
Rellings is an 80-year-old, five-generation, family-owned store in Kroonstad that was originally established 105 years ago in the Eastern Cape.
It started as an outfitters business that specialised in men’s clothing and later expanded with a ladies boutique, sports clothing and equipment, a camp and braai section, and a workwear and corporate clothing department.
They have an in-house embroidery and design centre, and in November 2022 they launched Rellings Energy which paved the way for the latest addition, Rellings Electrical.
“We have now evolved and enlarged our business to include a full solar and renewable energy team with a full-time, highly qualified electrician. We are registered as solar and electrical contractors with the department of labour, are green card holders, and are also registered with the National Bargaining Council for the Electrical Industry (NBCEI) and the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) to provide a top-quality solar system for our clients,” says Jock Relling, managing director.
The Rellings family originates from Holstein, Germany, who later moved to Madagascar and then to Port Elizabeth, now known as Gqeberha, and spread their wings to Graaff-Reinet and Aberdeen.
They then established themselves on a farm in the Ventersburg and Kroonstad district. Between 1926 to 1928, Ferdinand Relling moved to Ventersburg and opened a shop with the name Gebroeders Rellings. Here, siblings Hans, Fritz, and Ernst worked with grandfather Ferdinand.
In 1930, Gebroeders Relling burnt down.
A fire was set to the building after a thief broke in to steal a gramophone and tried to cover up the evidence of the crime.
Hans took over the shop in Ventersburg, while Ernst opened a shop in Virginia. Meanwhile, Fritz bought the Kroonstad-based store called The London Drapery Company in 1944, during World War II. This now stands as the Finns Foto First building in Kroonstad.
In 1948, Aubrey Kok joined the firm and in 1954 Werner Relling, son of Fritz, also joined the firm. Grandfather Ferdinand passed away on 6 June 1961 at the age of 88 years on his farm, Fairview, near Ventersburg. Werner and Kok went into a partnership with Fritz in 1965.
In 1980, Rellings relocated to the Harding and Parker building, home to the Absa bank. Jock Relling, son of Werner, joined the business in 1991 and in May 1993 Kok retired and sold his shares to Jock. In 1994, Rellings relocated to its current address of business, 78 Cross Street. In 2011, Jock also bought all the shares of the company owned by his father.
In February 2011, another Relling, Werner Relling Jr, joined the family business. Werner Jr, a fifth-generation family member, follows in his great-great grandfather’s footsteps.
In April 2015, Rellings extended the store to more than double in size, with two entrances in Cross Street and Oranje Street.
Currently, they have employed 17 permanent staff members, six in learnership agreements, six interns and one graduate intern, and three casuals. Rellings is known for its community development and involvement, and Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (WRSETA) Skills programme.
Not only is Rellings a company that provides top-quality products and service, they also offer the following to clients a six-month interest-free account, a 24-month hire purchase agreement, deliveries, the keeping of stock and samples to present to customers, the option of alterations that can be done in-store, and a sales team that visits prospective customers. Their computer systems are geared for efficient customer orders and nationwide deliveries.
Jock says, the secret to their business surviving five generations is an excellent relationship with customers, exceptional service, and the best quality products at the best possible prices.
“We would like to thank our heavenly Father for His blessing on us over the years as well as our loyal customers for their continued support. We, as Rellings, assure you that we will always strive to give excellent service, quality products, and support our community.”
Rellings: affordable quality, professional service in pursuit of excellence.
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