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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The stores will also feature a variety of locally-sourced products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
McLay added that the stores themselves will be designed with customers in mind, including being brightly lit, with wide aisles, and featuring global brands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Walmart South Africa will also leverage digital channels, it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notably, Walmart isn’t completely alien to South Africa. The group owns 100% of Massmart\u2014operating iconic South African brands like Game, Makro and Builder’s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n