The Gold Bar| KZN Future 50

Website: www.goldbar.co.za

The Gold Bar: Building a Modern Gold Recycling Business with Purpose

The Gold Bar, a proudly South African business headed up by Sholain Perumal, has grown from experience earned on the ground to a steadily expanding network of gold recycling stores in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. Today, it operates from six locations in leading shopping centres, offering customers a secure, transparent, and accessible way to exchange their old, broken or unwanted gold jewellery for cash.

Sholain’s introduction to the world of business began after school, when she took on a cashier role at Pick n Pay and saved to complete short bookkeeping courses. A key turning point came in 2005, when she joined Retail Solutions (RetSol), where she gained early exposure to business operations and mentorship. This experience, followed by her leadership role at DW Bullion—where she was appointed CEO and acquired a 26% shareholding—equipped her with the insight and confidence to eventually establish The Gold Bar.

With four of its six stores located in KwaZulu-Natal, The Gold Bar contributes to local employment by creating jobs and building skills within the communities it operates in and as the business expands, it continues to create new opportunities. A free gold cleaning service is also offered to the public, helping build long-term relationships with local customers—regardless of whether they choose to sell their gold.

The business model behind The Gold Bar also promotes sustainability by encouraging the reuse and recycling of gold items that may otherwise remain unused. This approach not only offers individuals a practical financial option but also aligns with broader environmental efforts to reduce waste in the precious metals industry. By creating a simple and transparent process for customers, The Gold Bar continues to make gold recycling more accessible and trusted in everyday South African retail spaces.

More than just a commercial venture, The Gold Bar has become a platform for broader impact. Sholain remains committed to supporting women and youth empowerment and frequently works behind the scenes to support charitable causes. The company’s approach to gold buying places strong emphasis on fairness, discretion, and professionalism—differentiating it from traditional pawn offerings and appealing to customers in the higher LSM market segment.

Looking ahead, The Gold Bar has its sights set on growth. With plans to expand to 60 stores nationally, the business is also investing in technology to improve operational efficiency and security for staff and customers alike. As it grows, The Gold Bar remains anchored in its values of integrity, community-mindedness, and customer service—continuing to raise the standard for gold recycling in South Africa.

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Image Credit: Supplied