By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Caption: Kath McClay, President and CEO of Walmart International, Image Supplied.
South Africa’s retail landscape is taking shape as Massmart, the owner of Game, Makro and Builders considers closing about 20 Game stores across Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
Game currently operates about 122 outlets locally, part of a wider network of roughly 150 stores across 12 African countries.
In a statement shared with media, Massmart noted: “The potentially affected stores represent a small part of our total Game store portfolio, and we continue to invest in the future growth of Game, including through the rollout of our pantry merchandise proposition, which is enjoying high demand from Game customers.”
The group added that there are no plans in place to close the Game business.
That assurance comes despite mounting pressure on traditional big-box retailers, as analysts tracking the sector point to years of economic strain, rising competition and the rapid growth of online shopping as factors reshaping consumer habits.
Electronics and appliances, long staples of Game’s offering, rank among the most popular categories for e-commerce purchases.
Momentum behind the strategy became more visible late in 2025 when Walmart opened its first branded South African stores at Clearwater Mall and Fourways Mall, both converted from former Game sites. Another location is scheduled for launch in Boksburg during the first quarter of 2026.
Walmart, which first acquired a 51% stake in Massmart in 2011, moved to take full control in late 2022.
Kath McLay, who is the president and CEO of Walmart International, highlighted the company’s local ambitions.
“By partnering with South African suppliers and entrepreneurs, Walmart brings its signature Every Day Low Prices and global standards to the market.”
Massmart chief executive Miles Van Rensburg echoed that focus on affordability, noting: “Every rand matters when it comes to price. This balance of quality and everyday low prices enables us to build customer trust.”
Founded in 1962 by brothers Sam Walton and James “Bud” Walton in Rogers, Arkansas, Walmart has grown from a small discount store into a global retail powerhouse. It now operates 10,750 stores and clubs in 19 countries, alongside eCommerce platforms, and employs approximately 2.1 million people worldwide.
Source: https://fullview.co.za/20-game-stores-to-close-and-may-reopen-under-walmart/