Walmart’s arrival heralds ‘full-throttle assault’ on SA retail scene

This places Walmart up against the likes of Shoprite – the dominant local player which has multiple retail brands competing at different levels of the market – and Pick n Pay. 

The US retailer has had a presence in the country since 2022, when it fully acquired Massmart, an SA-based group that operates the Makro and Game chains, Jumbo Cash & Carry supermarkets, and the home improvement brand Builders Warehouse. However, Walmart has until now not operated under its own brand in South Africa. 

Globally, Walmart has more than 10,750 stores and numerous e-commerce websites in 19 countries. 

Business Day, a business newspaper published out of Johannesburg, calls the announcement a “full-throttle assault on local retailers”, adding that Walmart “will transplant its ‘everyday low-price’ model into the SA market, setting up a fresh duel with Shoprite, the dominance of which stops short of monopoly.” 

Walmart emphasises its committment 

In its own media statement, Walmart says it is a strategic move that “underscores Walmart’s commitment to making high-quality, affordable merchandise accessible to more customers”. 

The statement adds that the move also follows Walmart’s first Growth Summit, held in Johannesburg in April 2025, which “featured suppliers from 12 countries across the continent with incredible innovations and products made, grown, or assembled in Africa. The event resulted in the recruitment of small and medium-sized Africa-based suppliers”. 

Walmart’s South African stores will offer a range of merchandise – including fresh groceries, household essentials, apparel and technology – many of which will be sourced locally. 

In its media statement, Walmart notes that customers “can also look forward to digital capabilities to enhance their shopping journey”, indicating that it intends to be an e-commerce player as well.  

Amazon and local e-commerce giant Takealot.com are among the established key players in that sector. 

“By partnering with South African suppliers and entrepreneurs, Walmart will bring its signature ‘every day low prices’ and global standards to the market, while celebrating the country’s rich culture,” comments Kath McLay, Walmart International President and CEO.