Pick n Pay's investment in "refreshing" its brand, converting Score stores into black-owned franchises, along with new information technology and a distribution centre, narrowed its operating profit during its first half.

Pick n Pay's investment in "refreshing" its brand, converting Score stores into black-owned franchises, along with new information technology and a distribution centre, narrowed its operating profit during its first half.

The grocery chain appears to be following Woolworths' example in looking to expand by opening smaller franchised branches and allying itself with a garage chain to open forecourt convenience stores.

On Monday Pick n Pay announced it is opening two "pilot" convenience stores at BP forecourts in Western Cape in the coming weeks to test this market.

This follows Woolworths' expansion using Engen forecourts.

The grocery chain's two coming forecourt outlets follow a recently opened Pick n Pay pilot store aimed at customers who shop frequently with smaller basket sizes.