Walmart made its debut on the African continent on Saturday with the launch of its first store in South Africa, a strategic move by the U.S. retail giant as it seeks a foothold in a highly competitive market.
More than a hundred shoppers lined up for hours before the opening, eager to take advantage of Walmart’s “Everyday Low Prices” and to purchase international products that are not commonly available in South Africa, including Drew Barrymore designer counter-top air fryers, Labubu dolls, and Dr. Pepper sodas.
“I’m actually here for a specific product that you can’t really get in South Africa… it’s a children’s toy, Labubu,” Refilwe Mabale told Reuters.
Don’t Miss This:
Shoprite Nears Completion Of Africa Consolidation As Mozambique Remains Under Review
Other customers, such as 44-year-old Tshepo Rambau, were hoping to secure bargains during the Black Friday weekend. While waiting in line, he noted that he was particularly interested in tech items like WiFi extenders, adding, “Hopefully I’ll get them cheaper here.”
Walmart is also entering the on-demand delivery market by offering a sixty-minute online delivery service, positioning itself in direct competition with Checkers’ Sixty60 platform, which is operated by South Africa’s largest grocery retailer, Shoprite.
“Opening the first Walmart store in South Africa is about much more than a business milestone, it is a commitment to helping customers save money and live better by consistently delivering the lowest total cost for the basket of products they need,” Andrea Albright, executive vice president of Walmart, said in a statement.
The new store, located in Roodepoort west of Johannesburg, has created 80 jobs and partnered with 15 local small- and medium-sized enterprises, the company said.
Don’t Miss This:
South African Retailer Pick N Pay’s Founders Sell 64 Million Shares, Lose Majority Control
Image Credit: Qatar Tribune
