Massmart is an African retail company that operates multiple home improvement chains, supermarkets, and wholesale stores. But is Massmart a reliable company? And what exactly does it sell?
I’ve been curious about the same topic, so I decided to research the company more in-depth. So keep reading to have all your questions answered about Massmart!
What Is Massmart In [currentyear]?
Massmart is a leading retailer in Sub-Saharan Africa that Walmart acquired to expand internationally as of [currentyear]. At the same time, Massmart wanted access to Walmart’s expert industry knowledge. Several brands exist under Massmart, like Game Foodco, Makro, Builder’s, and Cash And Carry. Each brand has its market segment, which makes Massmart dominant in all retail markets in Africa.
Keep reading to learn more about Massmart, all the brands that make it up, and how it relates to Walmart!
Stores Owned By Massmart
Although by itself, Massmart is not a grocery store, department store, or home improvement store, under the Massmart LTD’s Holding Company, you can find several well-known African brands like:
GameCo Foods
Present in over 13 markets, GameCo is a large discount retailer in Sub-Saharan Africa.
In GameCo stores, shoppers can find everything from groceries to appliances and even value services!
Essentially, you can consider this multi-category discount retailer to be much like Africa’s answer to Walmart.
Makro
Another superstore under the Massmart umbrella is Makro. At Makro, shoppers can find various products, including electronics, groceries, or even liquor.
Massmart Builders
Massmart Builders is a home improvement store that offers a range of building materials, supplies, and several store formats to suit different needs.
With its Warehouse, Express, Trade Depot, and Superstore locations, you have access to all the tools you need to improve your home.
Builders Warehouse
At Massmart Builders Warehouse, shoppers can find low-priced home improvement products with a large garden center and Builders Supply Yard.
Builders Express
Made specifically for DIY enthusiasts, Massmart Builders Express stores have a customer-friendly store layout and friendly staff available to offer personalized service and advice to assist with your projects!
Trade Depot
Likewise, builders, renovators, and tradespeople can trust Massmart Builders Warehouse to buy supplies and equipment.
At Trade Depot, artisans can purchase affordable tools at this chain that caters mainly to medium to large-sized contractors and tradespeople.
Also, stores have equipment that contractors will need for the building, maintenance, and renovation industry.
Builder’s Superstore
Since Builder’s is committed to serving underserved markets, most Builder’s Superstore locations can be found in residential, developing areas, and along transit lines.
That said, this allows access to those who may not have transportation to get to stores but still need access to work or home improvement tools.
Cash And Carry
Like a Costco or Sam’s Club, Cash and Carry is a South African retailer that sells various products in bulk to the commercial and wholesale markets.
Then, Cash and Carry is further divided into the following brands:
- CBW
- Jumbo Cash & Carry
- Sunshine
- Trident
- Eureka
- Saverite brands
Cambridge Foods And Rhino Cash & Carry
Both Cambridge Food and Rhino Cash & Carry are food retailers with stores trading in all nine provinces of South Africa.
At Cambridge Foods, you’ll find locally-sourced fresh and perishable goods that it packages under its brand, groceries, general merchandise, and other services.
Also, at Rhino, you’ll find your national brands of choice!
Why Did Walmart Buy Massmart?
Africa is a region with a booming population and an expanding middle class. As such, Walmart has been looking to expand its global presence.
Additionally, it wanted to work with an established brand that residents trusted while entering the region.
Clearly, it’s an ambitious move for the company and will help Walmart expand its global retail presence and reach consumers in regions where it previously had a weak foothold.
Also, Massmart will benefit from Walmart’s expertise in the retail industry and new growth opportunities as Walmart shoulders the burden as the major shareholder.
On the other hand, Walmart can leverage Massmart’s strong presence in Africa to boost its global profits and grow retail outlets in the regions.
Who Owns Massmart?
With this purchase, Walmart now owns Massmart and expands into new markets, offering its customers more product choices.
Since it owns Massmart, Walmart can associate with a well-known and trusted brand in Africa as it establishes its presence.
When Did Walmart Purchase Massmart?
As Walmart continues to expand its international business, it’s acquired Massmart Holdings LTD as of 2011.
How Much Did Walmart Pay For Massmart?
When Walmart acquired a majority share (51%) of Massmart Holdings LTD in 2011, Walmart paid $2.4 BN.
How Many Countries Does Massmart Operate In?
Since the retail conglomerate Walmart entered the South African market, the stores have grown to cover more than 1,200 retail outlets across Africa.
That said, you can find the company operating in 13 countries in South Africa, including:
- Botswana
- Cameroon
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Mauritius
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Nigeria
- Swaziland
- Tanzania
- Zambia
On top of that, Massmart LTD, corporate headquarters are located in South Africa.
Who Is The Massmart CEO?
Current Massmart CEO Mitch Slape is an experienced leader who has had great success across various divisions and geographies.
Before Slape joined Walmart in 1995, he had held several significant leadership positions, including global roles in Argentina, Korea, Mexico, and the International Support Center.
In his leadership roles, Slape led all merger and acquisition activity for Walmart International, assumed responsibility for Superama Supermarkets in Mexico, and ran operations for the India business before joining the Walmart US team.
In addition, Slape is fluent in Spanish and has a graduate degree from Thunderbird School of Global Management.
How Can I Contact Massmart?
Can’t find the information you need and still want to know more about Massmart? Don’t worry – Massmart is here for you! Just visit LinkedIn for employment opportunities.
Also, you can follow Massmart’s Twitter feed for the latest store news, store promotions, and savings tips.
On top of that, feel free to contact associates by email at info@massmart.co.za or phone at 27 (11) 517-0020.
If you want, you can even send a letter to the corporate mailing address in South Africa!
Massmart House, 16 Peltier Drive, Sunninghill Ext. 6,
Sandton 2157,
Republic of South Africa
Who Bought Cambridge Food?
Recently, several brands were bought by Shoprite in August 2021 from Massmart, including Cambridge Food. As a way to invest in e-Commerce, Massmart sold the brands for 1.3 BN.
If you want to learn more, you can also see our posts on whether or not Walmart owns Dollar Tree, if Walmart owns Wayfair, and Walmart vs. Costco.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Walmart’s acquisition of Massmart could introduce new ideas and opportunities for both retailers.
Since both companies are dominant in their respective locations, they can help each other reach new markets.
Additionally, like many others Walmart has made, this acquisition has given Walmart access to new talent, resulting in innovations like the integrated website featuring all Massmart stores recently unveiled.
