Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 25, Walmart (WMT.N) officially opened its first store in South Africa on Saturday, marking the U.S. retail giant's entry into the African continent.

Shoppers queue outside the first Walmart store in South Africa during its opening in Roodepoort, west of Johannesburg, South Africa, November 22, 2025.

The new store, located in Roodepoort west of Johannesburg, welcomed hundreds of shoppers who queued for hours to experience Walmart's "Everyday Low Prices" and access international products not widely available locally, including Drew Barrymore designer air fryers, Labubu collectible dolls, and Dr Pepper beverages.

"I'm actually here for a specific product that you can't really get in South Africa... it's a children's toy, Labubu," shopper Refilwe Mabale said.

Others, such as Tshepo Rambau, visited during the Black Friday weekend seeking discounts on electronics. The 44-year-old customer told Reuters: "Hopefully I'll get them cheaper here," while looking for Wi-Fi extenders.

The Roodepoort location has created 80 permanent jobs and partnered with 15 local small- and medium-sized enterprises to feature South African products on its shelves.

Walmart is also launching a 60-minute online delivery service, positioning itself in direct competition with Checkers Sixty60, the rapid-delivery platform operated by Shoprite (SHPJ.J), South Africa's largest grocery retailer.

Andrea Albright, executive vice president of Walmart, stated: "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."

The opening reflects Walmart's strategy to establish a presence in growing consumer markets across Africa, bringing its global assortment and pricing model while supporting local employment and suppliers. The combination of in-store international offerings and fast online delivery is expected to appeal to South African shoppers seeking value and convenience in an increasingly competitive retail environment.