Business
MR DIY’s expansion across South Africa’s malls gains momentum
Walk through almost any busy mall in Gauteng right now, and you’ll notice something quietly shifting in the retail mix. Between familiar brands and long-standing anchor stores, a new name is steadily appearing on storefronts.
That name is MR DIY, and in a matter of months, it has gone from a newcomer to one of the fastest-growing retail arrivals in South Africa.
From one store to a growing network
The story started in mid-2024 when MR DIY opened its first South African branch at Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in Pretoria. At the time, it felt like just another international brand testing the waters.
Fast forward to now, and the rollout has picked up serious pace. The retailer has already secured space in multiple shopping centres, including Irene Village Mall, Boardwalk in Richards Bay, and Norwood Mall, which opened towards the end of 2025.
Its fifth store, set to open at Mall@Carnival in eastern Johannesburg at the end of March, marks another milestone. The space alone says a lot about the company’s ambitions. At over 1,000 square metres, it is designed to pull in high volumes of foot traffic and keep shoppers browsing.
Why South Africa is a key target
South Africa is not just another market on a map for MR DIY. It is the group’s first move into Africa and a strategic one at that.
Rather than opening stores everywhere at once, the company is deliberately choosing high-traffic malls where people already shop, socialise and spend time. The idea is simple. Meet customers where they are, then become part of their everyday routine.
This approach is already paying off. According to the company, reaching five stores is less about hitting a number and more about proving that local shoppers are responding to what it offers.
The appeal: variety meets affordability
Step inside any MR DIY store and the concept becomes clear almost instantly.
Shelves are packed with thousands of items, from basic hardware and cleaning supplies to décor, stationery, toys, and small electronics. Each store typically carries between 17,000 and 18,000 products, all positioned as practical, affordable buys.
In a country where many households are feeling the pressure of rising costs, that mix hits a very specific sweet spot. It is not luxury retail. It is everyday convenience at a price point people can justify.
That is exactly why social media chatter around the brand has been steadily growing. Shoppers are sharing finds, comparing prices, and treating the stores almost like treasure hunts for budget-friendly essentials.
Jobs, local hiring, and community roots
Beyond the shelves and price tags, there is another layer to the expansion story.
Every MR DIY store in South Africa is run by local staff, supported by a local head office and operations team. What started as a small setup has already grown to close to 100 employees across the country.
Each new store adds between 10 and 15 jobs, which may seem modest on paper but becomes meaningful when scaled across multiple locations. In a retail sector that often talks about growth without tangible employment impact, this rollout is bringing real opportunities into communities.
What comes next
If five stores felt quick, the next phase could feel even faster.
MR DIY has plans to open five more stores before the end of the year, targeting key urban areas such as Johannesburg and Durban. That would take its footprint to around 10 stores locally in a short space of time.
Looking further ahead, the ambition is even bigger. The company is aiming to build a strong national presence by 2027 and beyond, reaching more cities and communities across the country.
A global giant, now local
Globally, MR DIY’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. What began as a single hardware store in Malaysia in 2005 has grown into a network of nearly 5,000 stores across Asia and Europe.
Now, with South Africa as its 14th international market, the brand is testing whether that same formula can take root on African soil.
So far, the signs suggest it can.
And if the current pace continues, spotting an MR DIY in your nearest mall might soon be less of a surprise and more of a given.
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Source: Business Tech
Featured Image: DIY International
