Major US retail giant Walmart will open its first branded stores in South Africa in October 2025, the company confirmed on Tuesday, 9 September.
The move marks a major step for Walmart, which has owned a majority stake in Massmart since 2011.
Until now, the Walmart name brand has not appeared on local storefronts.
Walmart comes to South Africa
Walmart International CEO Kath McLay said the new stores will stock groceries, household essentials, apparel, technology, and global brands, alongside locally sourced products. Suppliers secured through Walmart’s first South African Growth Summit, held earlier this year, will also be part of the mix.
“The goal is to combine Walmart’s low prices and global standards with South Africa’s rich culture,” McLay said.
The company stated that the stores are being designed with wide aisles, modern layouts, and digital features to enhance the shopping experience.
Massmart CEO Miles van Rensburg also said that the rollout would focus on low pricing and customer service.
“We aim to build lasting relationships and deliver a shopping experience that reflects the needs of South Africans,” he said.
Details on store locations, recruitment, and community initiatives will be announced in the coming months. Walmart added that it plans to invest in jobs, local suppliers, and sustainability projects as part of its South African expansion.
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