New international retail giant taking over shopping malls in South Africa
Malaysian retail giant MR.DIY is rolling out stores across South Africa, taking retail space in five shopping malls in recent months, with plans to double this number by the end of this year.
The group announced its fifth local store at Mall@Carnival in eastern Johannesburg that will open at the end of March.
The expansion is part of a much larger strategy to secure space in major shopping centres and build a national footprint in one of Africa’s biggest consumer markets.
The new Mall@Carnival branch spans more than 1,000 square metres and adds to a growing network that began with the company’s South African debut at Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in Pretoria in June 202.
The group has since expanded to include locations such as Irene Village Mall, Boardwalk Richards Bay, and Norwood Mall, which opened in December 2025.
The retailer noted that instead of expanding recklessly, it is targeting high-traffic retail destinations where it believes it can best connect with local consumers and embed itself in surrounding communities.
Jamie Williams, Head of Business Development at MR.DIY South Africa said the fifth opening is about more than just numbers.
“Reaching five stores is an important step for us. It shows that our model is working locally and that customers are responding to the value we offer. At the same time, it reinforces our commitment to building a business that is rooted in South Africa.”
That model is built around scale, variety and price. Each store typically carries between 17,000 and 18,000 items across categories such as hardware, household goods, décor, electrical accessories, stationery, toys and general home essentials.
The appeal lies in offering shoppers a one-stop destination for practical, low-cost purchases—something that fits into South Africa’s increasingly price-sensitive retail environment.
The business is also leaning heavily on local hiring as part of its expansion story. Every South African store is staffed by local employees and supported by a South African head office and operational structure.
Big plans for South Africa
The company started out with a relatively small local team, but now employs close to 100 people across its stores, warehouse and head office.
Each new branch is estimated to create between 10 and 15 jobs, giving the rollout a direct employment impact at a time when job creation remains a major national priority.
“We are proud that every MR.DIY store in South Africa is run by South Africans,” Williams said.
“As we grow, we are not only expanding our footprint, we are creating opportunities, building skills, and contributing to the communities we operate in.”
MR.DIY has already mapped out the next stage of its local expansion, with five more stores planned for this year in key urban areas, including Johannesburg and Durban.
This would take its South African footprint to roughly 10 stores by year-end. “Our focus is on building a strong foundation and then scaling with intent. We have a clear pipeline of stores and a long-term vision for South Africa,” said Williams.
“By 2027 and beyond, our goal is to have a meaningful national footprint that allows us to reach far more communities.”
Globally, MR.DIY has grown from a single hardware store launched in Malaysia in 2005 into a retail giant with nearly 5,000 stores across Asia and Europe.
Its presence spans countries including Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, India, Türkiye, Spain, and Poland. South Africa is the group’s 14th international market and its first move into Africa.
Images of MR.DIY in South Africa
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