Walmart to open first branded stores in SA later this year

US retail giant, Walmart, has announced that it plans to open its first branded stores in South Africa later this year.

Their stores will offer fresh groceries, household essentials, clothing and technology, adding emphasis on sourcing products from local small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The company, which owns local retailer Massmart, says its latest decision underscores its commitment to availing high quality, affordable and more accessible products to consumers.

Massmart Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Miles Van Rensburg says the exact locations and dates of the opening of its new stores are yet to be announced.

“Today, Walmart announced plans to open our first Walmart-branded stores in South Africa later this year. This news demonstrates Walmart’s commitment to making high-quality, affordable merchandise accessible to more customers in our market, and its great news for both our country and our economy. We’ll announce official opening dates of our store locations in a few weeks,” says Rensburg.

Furthermore, the South African government has welcomed Walmart’s latest decision to invest further in the country, saying it underscores a strong belief in the country’s economic trajectory and confirmation that the country remains a reliable investment destination.

[WATCH] Walmart has announced plans to open its first branded stores in South Africa later this year. The outlets will offer fresh groceries, household essentials, clothing and technology, with a strong focus on sourcing from local SMEs. pic.twitter.com/GkldCsdmzf

— SABC News (@SABCNews) September 9, 2025