US retail giant Walmart has announced that it will be opening its first branded store in South Africa this week, on Saturday, 22 November.
The first Walmart store to open will be at Clearwater Mall in Roodepoort.
The store marks Walmart’s first branded push into the country, where it already operates through Massmart and its Makro, Game and Builders brands.
The US retail giant first acquired 51% of Massmart in 2010, completing its acquisition of the group in 2022. The company was then delisted from the JSE.
Walmart announced plans in September 2025 to start rolling out branded stores for the first time in the country, following Massmart’s long-term struggles with brands like Game.
In October, the group revealed that Clearwater Mall would be the location of its first store, with more stores opening in time. One other store has been confirmed in Fourways Mall.
The store’s products will include fresh and frozen foods, groceries, health and beauty items, apparel, baby products, homeware, electronics, toys, sports and outdoor equipment, and seasonal goods.
Walmart said that the store’s product selection reflects a commitment to both local suppliers and international variety. Most products will be locally sourced, with the addition of selected global brands.
“Reflecting Walmart’s commitment to local community investment, the store’s product offering is largely sourced from local suppliers, complemented by a curated selection of global brands,” the company said.
Among the imported items are lifestyle products from the Beautiful range by Hollywood actress Drew Barrymore, which include kitchen appliances such as air fryers, kettles, blenders and toasters.
Walmart described the line as offering “premium quality, elegant design and soft pastel tones,” adding that it “adds an inspiring touch to customers’ regular weekly shopping trips.”
Mark Scott, Walmart’s merchandise vice president, said the goal is to strike a balance between familiarity and a sense of discovery.
“A key objective has been to broaden product choices in a way that creates a sense of discovery—where shoppers are pleasantly surprised by options that bring interest and excitement to their everyday shopping experience,” he said.
The store will employ more than 80 staff members, led by Store Manager Onicca Mothapo, who brings two decades of retail experience. Walmart described Mothapo as a leader known for her “operational excellence and people-first leadership.”
“Opening this store is deeply personal. From where I began my career as a store cashier, I could never have imagined that I would one day grow to become store manager for the first Walmart store in Africa,” Mothapo said.
