Walmart opened its first Walmart-branded store in South Africa today, 22 November, marking a major milestone for both the company and the community it now serves.
The store opened in Clearwater Mall, Roodepoort, just 73 days after Walmart announced its plan to launch the brand in Africa by the end of 2025.
Led by an African store manager and staffed by more than 80 associates, the new location is ready for the holiday shopping rush.
Walmart opens first store
Andrea Albright, executive vice president and chief growth officer for Walmart International, said the move is rooted in a simple goal: give customers a reliable way to save.
She noted that Walmart wants shoppers to access quality products at the lowest total cost without chasing short-lived specials or worrying about sudden price changes.
The Johannesburg store is designed to make shopping easy. Fresh and frozen food, groceries and daily essentials are all under one roof, along with clothing, baby items, electronics, toys and home goods.
The assortment reflects day-to-day South African life, Walmart said, from seasonal celebrations to school-year prep.
Highlights include:
- Sixty-minute online delivery within five kilometres
- Globally popular toys such as Labubu versions 1–3, Fuggler’s plush toys, Gabby’s Dollhouse and Hot Wheels
- Designer-style appliances from Drew Barrymore, including air fryers, kettles, blenders and stand mixers
- Walmart’s Pen & Gear back-to-school stationery
- Essence products, ranked as South Africa’s top value beauty brand
- Imported treats like Sour Patch Kids plus confectionery from Dubai, the U.K. and the U.S.
- International drinks including Canada Dry, Clypso lemonade, Dr Pepper and Lacroix
- A-grade beef from a family-owned farming group
- Frozen meals from Steers, Wimpy and Col’cacchio
A new app for African shoppers
Alongside the store opening, Walmart released an Africa-specific version of the Walmart Shopping app on Apple and Google Play.
The app supports online ordering for fresh food, frozen items, groceries, adult beverages and small appliances, with delivery available within one hour in the surrounding area.
The system combines Walmart’s global software with local fulfilment operations.
