RETAIL
ATTENTION ALL CUSTOMERS: WELCOME TO WALMART
BY TARRYN-LEIGH SOLOMONS
SOUTH AFRICA’ S RETAIL SECTOR IS POISED FOR ITS MOST SIGNIFICANT UPHEAVAL YET. WALMART ENTERS WITH CONFIDENCE AND A MODEL THAT COULD REDRAW THE COUNTRY’ S ECONOMIC LANDSCAPE FROM THE CHECKOUT LINE UPWARDS.
Walmart’ s first South African store, set to open at Clearwater Mall in Johannesburg’ s West Rand, signifies a significant milestone for the country’ s retail sector. The global retail giant offers the promise of competitive pricing, international standards, and job creation, but also raises important questions about how local retailers, suppliers, and consumers will adapt to this new era.
The South African government has welcomed the investment as a sign of confidence in the economy. According to the Government Communication and Information System( GCIS), Walmart’ s commitment to sourcing locally produced goods will support job creation and growth – key priorities of the country’ s medium-term development plan. The company’ s recent growth summit in South Africa has already drawn small and medium-sized suppliers from across the continent.
A NEW CHAPTER FOR SOUTH AFRICAN RETAIL
Walmart’ s entry introduces its hallmark Every Day Low Prices( EDLP) model to South African consumers – a strategy built on stable, yearround pricing rather than periodic discounts. The approach, central to Walmart’ s global success, enables shoppers to plan their spending with confidence.
“ The new store offers a world-class shopping experience, supported by Walmart’ s Every Day Low Prices philosophy,” says Miles van Rensburg, Massmart president and CEO.“ It’ s an experience that combines the best of global retail with a proudly local touch. Since announcing the arrival of the first Walmart-branded stores in South Africa, the excitement has been tremendous, and our team is proud to deliver this new and meaningful chapter in South African retail.”
42 INBOUND SA / December 2025