Walmart, the American retail giant that owns South African retail group Massmart, which operates major stores such as Game and Makro, is set to open its first Walmart-branded store in South Africa at Clearwater Mall in Johannesburg.
The move marks another major addition to the local retail landscape and could bring more competitive pricing for Johannesburg shoppers.
The store will introduce Walmart’s global “Every Day Low Prices” philosophy to South African consumers — a model aimed at ensuring consistently affordable prices without relying on short-term promotions.
“We’re thrilled to bring customers on the West Rand Walmart’s promise of Every Day Low Prices — together with a world-class assortment and shopping experience, both in-store and online,” said Miles van Rensburg, Massmart president and CEO. “It’s an experience that blends the best of global retail with a proudly local touch.”
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The Clearwater store features a modern, customer-centric design with bright lighting, wide aisles and efficient checkout systems. Shoppers can expect a diverse product range including groceries, fresh and frozen food, electronics, homeware, apparel, health and beauty products, as well as sports and outdoor equipment.
Many of the products are locally sourced, complemented by a curated selection of international brands such as Drew Barrymore’s Beautiful range of kitchen appliances and American favourites like Reese’s and Nerds.
Mark Scott, Walmart’s Merchandise Vice President, said the company aimed to “broaden product choices in a way that creates a sense of discovery, where shoppers are pleasantly surprised by options that bring interest and excitement to their everyday shopping experience.”
Leading the team of over 80 associates at the new store will be Onicca Mothapo, the first Store Manager for Walmart South Africa.
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“Opening this store is deeply personal,” she said. “From where I began my career as a store cashier, I could never have imagined that I would one day grow to become store manager for the first Walmart store in Africa. I’m proud that our store will serve the community through partnerships such as Africa Food for Thought, which supports early childhood development centres in the area.”
The Walmart Clearwater store, located at Clearwater Mall on Hendrik Potgieter and Christiaan de Wet Roads in Roodepoort, is expected to open its doors in the coming weeks.
The Joburg Reporter 
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