Business
Inside Walmart’s First South African Store at Clearwater Mall
A long-awaited moment for SA shoppers
South Africans have watched the retail landscape shift many times, from the rise of mega malls to the fall of familiar chains. This week marks a new chapter. The global retail giant Walmart is officially opening its first branded store in the country at Johannesburg’s Clearwater Mall. The launch takes place on Saturday, 22 November 2025, at 08h00, and excitement has already spread across social media, where shoppers have been sharing early glimpses and debating which items will fly off the shelves first.
Although this is Walmart’s first store to carry its name in South Africa, the company is far from new to the local market. It first entered the country in 2010 when it acquired a majority stake in Massmart, the parent company of Makro, Game, and Builders. That relationship deepened when Walmart completed its full acquisition in 2022, followed by Massmart’s delisting from the JSE. After years of trying to revive brands like Game, Walmart revealed in September 2025 that it would introduce fully branded Walmart stores for the first time.
A preview of what shoppers can expect
Broad Media was invited to a preview this week, offering the first close-up look at the 3,500 square metre Clearwater space. The store currently employs 86 staff members under the leadership of store manager Onnica Mothapo, and the atmosphere during the preview was described as both polished and energetic.
The store follows Walmart’s global philosophy of everyday low prices, with aisles packed with a mix of essentials, imported treats, and popular lifestyle items. The product selection is wide and deliberately family-friendly. Shoppers can expect fresh and frozen foods, pantry staples, health and beauty products, clothing, homeware, toys, electronics, and outdoor gear.
Standout products already drawing attention
Some highlights noted during the preview include Crumbs and Cream cookie ice cream, premium Sparta beef steaks, a deli serving hot rotisserie chicken, and a speciality aisle carrying confectionery and drinks from the United States, Dubai, and the United Kingdom. Unusual items such as Pickle in a Pouch and Sour Patch Kids candy are expected to become instant social media favourites.
The store will also offer well-known convenience brands like Col’Cacchio pizzas, authentic Italian VSG pastas and frozen meals, as well as a wide range of air fryers. Tech lovers can browse PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro consoles, Hisense televisions, and a variety of appliances. Parents and collectors will find toys including Labubu, Fuggler, Hot Wheels, and Bricks. Beauty shoppers can look forward to stocked Catrice and Essence ranges.
A broader rollout is on the way
The Clearwater Mall store is only the beginning. Walmart confirmed that more stores will open across South Africa in the coming weeks and months, including another already in the pipeline at Fourways Mall. For many Joburg residents, this feels like a turning point for local retail, with expectations that competition could force prices down and product standards up.
Opening weekend energy
Walmart has promised competitions, fun activities for families, and special offers for the opening weekend. With the store located in one of Johannesburg’s busiest malls, the turnout is expected to be significant. Judging by the early online reactions, many shoppers plan to visit simply to see what the first Walmart in South Africa looks like inside.
A new era for local retail
Walmart’s arrival with its own brand marks a symbolic shift from its quiet involvement through Massmart to a more direct presence. Whether it reshapes pricing or consumer behaviour remains to be seen. For now, the excitement is real, the doors are opening, and the country is about to experience something very familiar to global shoppers yet brand new to South Africans.
Also read: Mr Price Powers Into 2026 With Strong Sales, Rising Profits and Ninety-One New Stores
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikT
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Source: Business Tech
Featured Image: TechCentral
