Unique international retail giant worth R60 billion rolling out new stores across South Africa

Malaysian retail giant MR.DIY has opened its fifth store in South Africa in less than a year, as the company looks to double its size by the end of 2026. 

Focusing on shopping malls in Gauteng and Durban, MR.DIY said it is experiencing strong interest from the South African public. 

The company has also focused solely on brick-and-mortar stores so far in South Africa as opposed to the aggressive digital expansion pushed by many newcomers. 

MR.DIY’s stores are unique in South Africa in that, despite being located in malls, they are huge and offer a substantial range of products.

Despite the name, the company’s stores are not similar to what one would experience in a Builder’s Warehouse or similar DIY stores. 

MR.DIY’s latest store is a case example, with it spanning over 1,000 square meters and stocking between 17,000 and 18,000 items. 

These items range across various segments, from hardware and household goods to electronic accessories, stationery and toys. 

Head of Business Development at MR.DIY South Africa Jamie Williams explained that the company tries to meet all customer needs in one place. 

“We are seeing strong demand from consumers across all income groups for affordable essentials. Even higher-income shoppers are looking for value as they become more conscious about their spending,” Williams said. 

“This is changing how landlords think about tenants. They are starting to prioritise retailers that offer consistent footfall and broad appeal, rather than just prestige.”

Williams said this also informs its mall-based approach as it gives the brand credibility, lowers the opening costs, and puts it where people shop regularly. 

“Being in a super-regional mall gives you credibility. It opens doors with other landlords and helps consumers understand what the brand is about. From there, you can expand into suburban and rural areas,” Williams said.

MR.DIY has also punted its fully local team as a key differentiating factor, with all stores staffed by South Africans and supported by alocal head office. 

The company now has nearly 100 employees across its stores, head office, and warehouse. Each store adds about 10 to 15 jobs, the company said. 

Gearing up for expansion

MR.DIY is getting the building blocks in place for future expansion in South Africa, with it set to double its store footprint this year. 

The company has appointed Mike Brown as its Business Development Manager to lead this rollout into the future, with MR.DIY moving into a new phase. 

Brown has experience from expanding the operations of global brands, such as Skechers and Nike, in particular markets. He is set to focus on MR.DIY’s expansion into the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. 

“As we expand our footprint, it is essential that we have the right expertise in place. Mike’s experience will help us continue to grow in a way that is both strategic and sustainable,” Williams said. 

Now that five stores are open, MR.DIY South Africa is moving into its next phase of growth with a clear plan for opening more locations.

The company has already planned more store openings for this year, with five more stores coming to key areas like Johannesburg and Durban. 

By the end of the year, there will be about 10 stores, strengthening the brand’s presence in major cities.

Looking ahead, MR.DIY aims for strong national growth and plans to expand quickly over the next few years.

“Our focus is on building a strong foundation and then scaling with intent,” Williams said. 

“We have a clear pipeline of stores and a long-term vision for South Africa. By 2027 and beyond, our goal is to have a meaningful national footprint that allows us to reach far more communities.”

This growth will follow the same principles that guided the brand’s start: choosing good retail locations, staying relevant to local needs, and always offering value.

“We are not just opening stores for the sake of it, Every location is carefully considered. It is about sustainable growth, understanding our customers, and building something that lasts,” Williams said. 

MR.DIY is a Malaysian retail brand and has grown rapidly over the past twenty years from opening its first hardware store in 2005 to having nearly 5,000 across Asia and Europe.

Today, it has a global footprint in Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Bangladesh, Türkiye, Spain, and Poland.

In June 2025, South Africa became the 14th country in its global network, marking the company’s first foray into Africa.