First Walmart-branded store opens in Africa
The first-ever Walmart-branded store on African soil has opened its doors in South Africa.
Located at Clearwater Mall in Roodepoort, west of Johannesburg, the store is designed to deliver a friendly, efficient and engaging shopping experience. It includes fresh and frozen food and groceries, along with a curated range of family, home and entertainment items including apparel and baby, small appliances, toys and electronics.
The assortment extends beyond everyday essentials to reflect the rhythm of South African life — from Heritage Day celebrations and summer gatherings to festive occasions and back-to-school preparation, the company said.
Although this is the first Walmart-branded location in Africa, the company has does business in the past in South Africa through Massmart, which operates a variety of local store banners. Walmart acquired 51% interest of the company in 2011, and acquired the remaining shares in 2022.
Walmart reportedly has other sites under development in South Africa
“Opening this first Walmart store in South Africa is about much more than a business milestone: It is a commitment to helping customers save money and live better by consistently delivering the lowest total cost for the basket of products they need,” said Andrea Albright, executive VP and chief growth officer for Walmart International and operating partner, Massmart. “We’re delivering quality without requiring customers to wait for short-term promotions or worry about fluctuating prices.
Store and product highlights include:
- Sixty-minute express online delivery, within a five-kilometer store radius;
- ”Most wanted” international toys, based on Walmart global sales trends;
- Essence beauty products rated No. 1 in South Africa for value;
- International confectionary from Dubai, the U.K. and the U.S.;
- International cold beverages;
- Frozen convenience food from popular local franchise outlets;
- and more.
The opening follows Walmart’s first Growth Summit, held in April. The event featured suppliers from 12 countries with products made, grown or assembled in Africa. It resulted in the recruitment of small and medium-sized Africa-based suppliers.
“We’re thrilled to bring Walmart’s Every Day Low Prices and convenience to families in Roodepoort,” said Onicca Mothapo, the store manager. “We are also incredibly proud that the Walmart Clearwater store has created 80 new career opportunities and will support 15 SME suppliers identified at the Walmart Supplier Growth Summit held in Johannesburg earlier this year.”
