Well-known retailer’s stores disappearing across South Africa

Massmart is considering closing about 20 Game stores across Gauteng, the Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal as part of a broader restructuring plan.

In February 2026, MyBroadband reported that employees at several outlets had been informed of possible shutdowns, raising concerns about retrenchments.

According to staff members, stores in areas such as Amanzimtoti, Ballito, Richards Bay, Pietermaritzburg, and The Pavilion were among those identified for potential closure.

Another employee suggested that just over 20 locations could be affected in the coming months, revealing the scale of the proposed changes.

“We have selected a small number of around 20 Game store sites in Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal that we would like, subject to engagement with the potentially affected Game employees, to consider closing so that we can potentially redevelop the sites for new Walmart stores,” Massmart told Daily Investor.

“This is consistent with our Walmart store Real Estate strategy, which involves utilising existing sites within the portfolio as well as developing new sites.”

Despite the planned changes, the stores under review represent only a small portion of Game’s total footprint, which currently stands at more than 120 locations nationwide.

Game has had a long-standing presence in South Africa, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, where it first launched in Durban in 1970.

Founded by Alan Hellman and Jack Schaffer, the retailer introduced a department store that offers a wide range of household products.

At the time, Game built its reputation on being quick to bring new products to market, which was a big advantage at a time when global supply chains were less developed.

The brand changed ownership several times throughout the years before being acquired by Massmart in 1998 for R755 million.

By 2020, Game had expanded significantly, operating around 150 stores across 12 African countries. However, in recent years, the retailer has struggled to maintain its relevance in a rapidly evolving retail environment.

Game’s downfall in South Africa

A major challenge has been the rise of online shopping. Categories central to Game’s offering, such as electronics, appliances, and home goods, are increasingly purchased through e-commerce platforms.

This has put pressure on traditional big-box retailers. Over time, Game has also struggled to clearly define its market position.

Efforts to diversify, including a move into fresh and frozen foods, were reversed in 2020 as the company refocused on general merchandise and basic clothing lines.

Even so, competition has intensified. Established players like Shoprite, Checkers, and Mr Price have strengthened their offerings in overlapping categories, while digital-first platforms such as Takealot and Temu continue to capture market share.

In addition, Game’s large-format stores in major metropolitan areas like Johannesburg and Cape Town have seen declining foot traffic, further impacting performance.

Before Massmart delisted from the JSE in 2022, Game had been recording annual losses exceeding R1 billion. Things needed to change, and quickly.

To address these challenges, Massmart has explored several strategic options. These include downsizing store formats, converting locations into Makro outlets, or rebranding certain sites under the Walmart name.

The shift towards Walmart-branded stores is already underway. The first examples, launched in late 2025 at Clearwater Mall and Fourways Mall, were previously Game locations that have since been transformed.

However, the group has emphasised that it is not phasing out the Game brand entirely. A number of stores continue to perform well, and the retailer remains a recognised name in South Africa’s retail landscape.

Ultimately, the planned closures and conversions form part of a broader effort to adapt to changing consumer behaviour, streamline operations, and position the business more competitively for the future.