By: Sarene Kloren – IOL Lifestyle

The location of Walmart’s inaugural branded store in South Africa has been confirmed: it will open at Fourways Mall in Gauteng, occupying the space formerly held by Game. 

The announcement follows Walmart’s commitment in September 2025 to launch its first own-brand stores in the country before the year end. Walmart already has a substantial footprint in South Africa through its ownership of Massmart, which operates the Makro, Game and Builders Warehouse chains. 

The Fourways Mall store represents its first retail operation under the Walmart banner, rather than via its existing brands.

According to official communications, the new stores are expected to offer an extensive range of merchandise including fresh groceries, household essentials, apparel and technology. 

Locally sourced products will also form part of the offering. The stores will be designed with bright, wide-aisled layouts and enhanced digital capabilities to improve the shopping experience. 

Massmart had previously stated that while Walmart will be added as a trading banner, it will not replace Makro, Game or Builders Warehouse.

Walmart’s rollout will include both new sites and, where suitable, the conversion of existing retail space in the firm’s real estate portfolio. 

Observers noted that at Fourways Mall, the former Game outlet has been closed for several months. 

Massmart’s social media channels and local media teased the appearance of Walmart signage: the “Walmart Spark” logo was installed on the site on October 6, 2025, and a photo of the newly branded storefront was published on October 14.

 A Fourways Mall employee confirmed that the store is located at the old Game site, though it was not yet open for trade.

Fourways Mall is South Africa’s largest mall by retail space since 2019, but it has faced challenges: high vacancy rates, increased competition, and concerns over tenant retention. 

However, it is undergoing a revitalisation. A R400 million investment is underway to improve infrastructure, reduce vacancies, and bring in new tenants.

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