Midrand: AfricUpdate – News Desk
The world’s biggest retailer, Walmart, has announced that it will be opening its first branded stores in South Africa in the final quarter of the year. Walmart is a US retail giant with over 10,750 stores in 19 countries. The group had total revenue of R11.9 trillion in its 2025 fiscal year, making it the biggest retailer in the world. The group said the plans for a South African launch follows its first growth summit held in April, where it drew suppliers from 12 countries across Africa, recruiting small and medium-sized Africa-based suppliers.
According to Kath McLay, Walmart International’s president and CEO, the South African stores will offer a wide range of merchandise, including fresh groceries, household essentials, apparel and technology. The stores will also feature a variety of locally-sourced products. McLay added that the stores themselves will be designed with customers in mind, including being brightly lit, with wide aisles, and featuring global brands.
Walmart South Africa will also leverage digital channels, it said. The stores will open in the fourth quarter of the year, with the group expected to announce official launch dates at the end of October. Notably, Walmart isn’t completely alien to South Africa. The group owns 100% of Massmart – operating iconic South African brands like Game, Makro and Builder’s.
The US retail giant first acquired 51% of Massmart in 2010, completing its acquisition of the group in 2022. The company was then delisted from the JSE. “We’re thrilled to begin this journey introducing the iconic Walmart brand to South African associates, customers and community,” said Massmart CEO, Miles van Rensburg. “By listening and working together, we aim to build lasting relationships and deliver a delightful shipping experience that reflects the needs and aspirations of South Africans.”
