Walmart Launches First South Africa Store Amid Strong Shopper Demand

Walmart officially opened its first store in South Africa on Saturday, marking a major step in the U.S. retail giant’s expansion into the African market. The new store in Roodepoort, west of Johannesburg, immediately drew huge crowds, with more than a hundred eager shoppers lining up for hours to explore Walmart’s “Everyday Low Prices” and access international products that are often hard to find locally.

Customers were particularly excited about globally popular items such as Drew Barrymore’s designer countertop air fryers, collectible Labubu dolls, and American beverages like Dr Pepper. Refilwe Mabale, one of the first in line, said she visited the store specifically to find a Labubu toy, noting that it’s rare to get such products in South Africa.

Others saw the opening as an opportunity to score Black Friday weekend deals. Tshepo Rambau, 44, said he hoped to buy tech products like WiFi extenders at a better price, expressing optimism that Walmart’s entry would bring more competitive pricing to the market.

Walmart is also debuting a sixty-minute online delivery service, placing it in direct competition with Checkers Sixty60, the dominant on-demand delivery platform operated by Shoprite. This move signals Walmart’s intention to challenge established retailers both in-store and online.

Andrea Albright, Walmart’s executive vice president, said the launch is not just a business milestone but a long-term commitment to offering South African consumers lower prices and a better shopping experience. According to the retailer, the Roodepoort store has already created 80 new jobs and is partnering with 15 local small- and medium-sized enterprises, reinforcing Walmart’s investment in the local economy.

Walmart’s arrival brings new energy to South Africa’s retail landscape, giving customers broader product choices, competitive pricing, and faster delivery options as the company establishes its footprint on the continent.