Massmart’s conversion of South African Game stores into Walmart-branded outlets is paying off on the sales floor, with newly opened locations outperforming their predecessors by nearly 30% in trading density. According to financial results released by property owner SA Corporate Real Estate for the six months ending June, the Walmart store at the East Point Shopping Centre achieved a trading density 28.7% higher than the Game store it replaced over its first four months of operation.
Retail Footprint Shift and Sales Performance
The East Point outlet commenced trading in March, operating in the exact Boksburg retail footprint previously occupied by Game. Trading density measures the sales generated per square metre of retail space, making the direct location comparison a clear indicator of shifting consumer spending habits. SA Corporate Real Estate noted that management is already pursuing an upmarket coffee offering, additional children’s entertainment, and complementary athleisure brands to adapt the centre around the new anchor tenant.
Massmart launched the Boksburg branch following successful store openings at Clearwater Mall in Roodepoort and Fourways Mall in Johannesburg in November 2025. Massmart stated that customers have enthusiastically embraced Walmart’s Every Day Low Price philosophy across all three sites. André Steyn, Massmart’s vice-president of format acceleration, expressed gratitude for the local turnout, pointing to the welcoming energy of the new openings that drew families in large numbers.
Game Footprint Contracts Below 100 Stores
While Walmart expands its physical footprint—having opened three South African outlets thus far—Game’s standalone store count has dropped significantly. Game operated 99 stores in South Africa at the end of January 2026, marking the first time the chain dipped below 100 stores in more than 15 years. Massmart has identified a further 21 stores for potential closure or conversion, which would leave approximately 78 Game stores operating if all targeted branches are transitioned.
Did you know? Walmart’s Boksburg opening at East Point Shopping Centre created 80 jobs for the local community while immediately boosting the centre’s sales per square metre compared to the former Game layout.
Massmart has stressed that trimming the Game portfolio does not signal the complete exit of the brand from South Africa. The company announced plans in February to invest in the remaining Game business while considering closing “around” 20 stores. Affected locations slated for potential closure or conversion include branches in Amanzimtoti, Ballito, Richards Bay, Pietermaritzburg, and The Pavilion in KwaZulu-Natal, alongside undisclosed sites in Gauteng and the Western Cape.
Future Rollout Plans and Strategic Pivot
Massmart previously proposed a broader pipeline of 21 additional Walmart stores across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape. However, the company has not provided specific dates or locations for the next wave of openings, leaving the exact pace of the retail rollout uncertain. The current strategy also marks a change from an earlier 2024 proposal to test small-format Makro stores inside selected Game locations, a plan that has since received little public attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Walmart stores are currently open in South Africa?
Walmart operates three stores in South Africa, located at Clearwater Mall in Roodepoort, Fourways Mall in Johannesburg, and East Point Shopping Centre in Boksburg.
How does Walmart’s sales performance compare to Game?
According to SA Corporate Real Estate’s financial results, the Walmart store at East Point achieved a trading density 28.7% higher than the Game store it replaced over its first four months.
Is Game shutting down entirely in South Africa?
No. While Massmart is considering closing “around” 20 stores—bringing the total Game footprint below 100 locations—the company continues to invest in and operate the remaining Game store network.
What happened to Massmart’s small-format Makro plan?
The company’s initial 2024 proposal to test small-format Makro stores inside select Game locations has received little public attention as leadership prioritizes the Walmart brand conversions.