Game, Makro to include Walmart private label items in their stores

SOUTH AFRICA – Massmart-owned Game, Makro, and Builders store has announced plans to incorporate Walmart private label items and unique international products in their stores

Massmart, which took over these stores in South Africa in 2011, is now bringing unique products from Walmart and other countries. With 22 Makro stores, 107 Game outlets, and 104 Builders locations nationwide, the company’s extensive footprint ensures that these new products will be widely accessible.

Herman Venter, Massmart’s chief merchandise officer, has outlined the company’s strategy to introduce a variety of Walmart private label products previously available only in the US and tap into various quality suppliers in SA and Africa.

This includes private-label snacks and bulk American breakfast cereals that promise to add variety to local breakfast tables, further strengthening Massmart’s South African retail market position.

According to Venter, the goal is to offer products that resonate with local consumers. He sees significant potential in the snack category and anticipates strong demand from local shoppers.

A supplier summit scheduled for April aims to attract local manufacturers, assemblers, and growers as potential contributors to Massmart’s product range. This will help local businesses grow and add more African-made products to Massmart’s shelves.

The introduction of Walmart’s private label products is also expected to drive competitive pricing, providing consumers with high-quality goods at more affordable prices.

Recently, Walmart confirmed that it bought Monroeville Mall from CBL Properties in an all-cash deal for US$34 million. Cypress Equities will manage the site in the USA.

The company stated, “Walmart did purchase the Monroeville Mall and is very interested in being part of any future redevelopment of this site. Walmart is working with Cypress on mall operations and potential site redevelopment.”

In a statement, Cypress said the mall property is well suited for significant redevelopment and repositioning into a mix of uses, including retail and entertainment, restaurants, residential, hospitality, office and public spaces.

Cypress CEO Chris said a new security firm was already in place a day after the sale was finalized. He said they are addressing the parking lot, cleanliness, and low lighting while they gather data and community input on the redevelopment.

“We’ll talk to the local community, conduct focus groups and studies, and conduct our higher-level demographic/psychographic analysis to determine who lives there. Then, we can match that with a retail database to determine where the voids are,” said Maguire.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.