What’s in a name?

At the end of April, FX Africa will change its name to Travelex Africa. The simplified branding will eliminate confusion for the customers while still recognising the local heritage.

FX Africa, a member of the Thebe Group is licensed as an authorised dealer with limited authority (ADLA) with the South African Reserve Bank to provide currency exchange services to travellers, both South African and in-bound tourists. Apart from the provision of currency exchange, FX Africa also offers cross-border money remittance and is one of the largest Western Union money remittance agents in South Africa.

At the end of April, FX Africa will change its name to Travelex Africa. Rikus Kloppers, FX Africa’s Interim CEO, explains: “The approach of simplifying our branding will make sense as it will eliminate confusion for our customers.” At the moment the signage at the entrance of the retail stores has two logos, namely FX Africa and Travelex. The rebranding will result in Travelex being the only logo embellished on the outside light-box signage. “However, on the inside of our stores, the Thebe brand will be prominently displayed in recognition of our local heritage,” Rikus adds.

International travellers are familiar with Travelex brand. “I believe that the traveller’s awareness of the Travelex brand globally will assist in our footprint expansion objectives. As a retailer, FX Africa’s footprint is of strategic importance, and with the expansion in footprint comes increased exposure and brand building,” Rikus explains.

FX Africa currently has 50 branches nationally. The intention is to increase our footprint in local markets, where there is a definite need for FX Africa’s services. “We have a strong presence in traditional markets on high street and regional shopping malls, however we also need to target areas that might have been previously overlooked,” Rikus says.

Stores that have opened recently in Yeoville, Hillbrow, Kempton Park and Sunnyside in Pretoria, were strategically selected on the basis of increasing market share. These stores offer great convenience to customers who need to send and receive money from other parts of the world. “These stores are expected to benefit from the growth that we are seeing in cross-border money remittance,” Rikus concludes.