Walmart has officially announced its first branded store location in South Africa, marking a significant step in its retail expansion on the African continent. The much-anticipated store will open its doors at Fourways Mall in Gauteng, a site previously occupied by Game. This strategic move is set to reshape the retail landscape and bring a world-renowned shopping experience to South African consumers.
Walmart’s First South African Store Location: What We Know
In early September 2025, Walmart will launch its first-ever branded store in South Africa, located at Fourways Mall. This announcement follows Walmart’s acquisition of Massmart in 2011, which allowed the company to operate other major retail brands in the country, such as Makro, Game, and Builders Warehouse. However, this new store marks the introduction of Walmart’s own branded outlet.
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Fourways Mall, one of South Africa’s largest shopping centres, will serve as the backdrop for the big move into the South African market. Previously home to a Game store, this prime location is expected to attract both loyal customers and new shoppers eager to experience Walmart’s global offerings.
Why Fourways Mall?
Fourways Mall was chosen for the debut in South Africa for several reasons. First, the mall is well-established, with a massive retail footprint and diverse customer base. It also has significant foot traffic, making it an ideal location to introduce a new retail brand.
Despite facing competition from other newer malls like Mall of Africa, Fourways Mall has undergone a revitalisation project with a R400 million investment. This has helped reduce the mall’s vacancy rate from 24% in 2024 to 13% in 2025. With tenants like Huawei and Mochachos joining the lineup, the addition of Walmart is expected to bring even more customers to the area.
Store Features and Offerings
The brand’s first South African store is expected to offer a diverse range of products, from affordable groceries to household essentials, apparel, and technology. The store will aim to provide a seamless shopping experience with a well-designed layout, wide aisles, and convenient digital capabilities. Walmart’s commitment to accessibility and affordability will likely resonate well with South African shoppers.
Kath McLay, President and CEO of Walmart International, explained: “Walmart’s South African stores will offer a wide range of merchandise, including fresh groceries, household essentials, apparel, and technology.” The stores will be designed to be “bright, well-designed” spaces where shoppers can easily find what they need.
Economic Impact of Walmart’s Entry
Walmart’s entry into the South African market could have far-reaching economic benefits. The retailer is expected to create new employment opportunities and boost local supply chains. Walmart’s ongoing partnership with local suppliers is aimed at integrating more locally sourced products into their offerings, benefiting South African businesses.
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The new store will also support the local economy by attracting more foot traffic to Fourways Mall, which has struggled with declining tenancy in recent years. As the largest mall in South Africa by retail space, Fourways Mall will likely benefit from the renewed interest brought by Walmart’s high-profile presence.
The Future of Walmart in South Africa
While the first store will open in Fourways Mall, this is just the beginning of its South African journey. Walmart has plans to expand further across the country, with additional store openings scheduled in the coming years. The company’s acquisition of Massmart, which also operates Makro, Game, and Builders, means Walmart already has a strong presence in South Africa.
Massmart has emphasised that the new branded stores will not replace the existing brands but will serve as a complementary addition to their portfolio. However, the future rollout of these stores may lead to shifts in Massmart’s retail strategies, including its small-format Makro stores.
What the First South African Store Means for Consumers
Walmart’s First South African Store Location at Fourways Mall signals a new chapter for the retail giant in Africa. The combination of affordable, high-quality products and modern shopping experiences will likely draw a significant number of customers, eager to enjoy what Walmart has to offer.
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Massmart continues to expand its footprint in South Africa, it is expected to make a substantial impact on both the retail sector and local communities. With a focus on local partnerships and an emphasis on accessibility,The debut store is set to be a game-changer for the South African retail industry.
