Walmart coming to South Africa this year

BIANKE NEETHLING

Walmart has announced plans to open its first branded stores in South Africa before the end of 2025.

The United States retail giant plans to offer groceries and a selection of family, home and entertainment products, including global brands. The retailer also plans to partner with local suppliers and entrepreneurs to stock locally sourced products.

Walmart said the sites for its new stores are already in development and set to open before the end of this year. It did not specify where these stores would be located, but it said official opening dates, store locations, hiring, and community initiatives would be announced in the coming months.

“Walmart’s South African stores will offer a wide range of merchandise, including fresh groceries, household essentials, apparel and technology,” Walmart International President and CEO Kath McLay said.

“By partnering with South African suppliers and entrepreneurs, Walmart will bring its signature Every Day Low Prices and global standards to the market, while celebrating the country’s rich culture.”

The company added that South Africans can look forward to digital capabilities to enhance their shopping journey.

“Every rand matters when it comes to price. It is this balance and mindset on quality and Every Day Low Prices that enables us to deliver and build customer trust,” Massmart president and CEO Miles van Rensburg said.

“We’re committed to providing an exceptional in-store experience at every customer touchpoint, from a warm welcome upon entering the store, to helpful assistance in the aisles and friendly, efficient checkout.”

Walmart has had some presence in South Africa for years through its stake in Massmart, a local holding company that owns and operates major local retail chains like Game, Makro and Builders Warehouse.

Walmart first bought a 51% stake in Massmart in 2011 and, in 2022, had bought the remaining shareholding in the company, making it a wholly owned subsidiary of the US retail giant.

Daily Investor