The retailer taking over South Africa with 22 stores and a huge new R90 million warehouse
Mambo’s Storage & Home (Mambos) is expanding its physical footprint in South Africa, having recently entered into an agreement for a new R90 million distribution centre in Cape Town.
The retailer now boasts 22 stores nationwide, the majority of which (14) are located in the Western Cape.
On Tuesday, 11 August, Western Cape-focused real estate investment trust Spear announced that it has entered into an agreement with Mambos.
This agreement will see Spear develop Mambos’ flagship 7,150 m² distribution centre in Blackheath, Cape Town. Spear estimated the development costs at R90 million.
This new distribution centre will supply Mambos stores across South Africa, enhancing the retailer’s operational capacity and supporting its growing national retail footprint.
The Blackheath base will also house Mambos’ head office and supply chain operations.
Spear explained in a press release that the expansion will provide additional warehousing capacity and improved logistics functionality.
It will also feature upgraded operational infrastructure to support increased volumes, enhance distribution efficiencies, and enable future growth.
Mambos CEO Demetre Nikolopoulos said the new distribution centre will strengthen the core of his business, providing the capacity needed to grow the retailer’s reach.
“We look forward to continuing our strong and long-term partnership with Spear as we transition from one Spear real estate solution to another in support of Mambos’ ongoing growth,” he said.
Spear’s head of leasing, James Bylos, said the development is the result of a longstanding relationship and a clear understanding of where Mambos’ business is headed.
“We have worked closely with Mambos throughout the planning process and are pleased to support the next phase of their growth trajectory,” Byblos said.
Nikolopoulos explained that the centre will play an important role in the company going forward, particularly as Mambos has plans to expand its store network in the coming years.
“Spear has taken the time to understand our requirements and develop a property solution that supports our long-term national expansion plans,” he said.
Mambos’ growth in South Africa
The new distribution centre will support Mambos’ existing 22-strong store base in South Africa.
The retailer has been operating in the country since its establishment in 2000 and was originally known for its durable, practical plasticware.
The company was co-founded by its current CEO, Nikolopoulos, and originally traded under the name ‘The Plastics Warehouse’.
In the years since its founding, Mambos’ offering has grown into an extensive range of household categories, including storage, homeware, and related lifestyle products.
Mambos’ current store base consists of larger retail-format stores. The vast majority of its physical footprint is in the Western Cape, which boasts 14 Mambos stores.
The rest of its stores are in Gauteng (4), the Eastern Cape (3), and the Free State (1).
Mambos’ target markets are students, young couples renting, young families, first-time homeowners, and more mature households.
Now, the brand plans to expand its footprint in South Africa further, and the new Blackheath distribution centre will play a critical role in this expansion.
Spear said in its press release that Mambos is advancing plans to expand its national footprint in the near term.
“Businesses should not be constrained by the space they occupy. As operational requirements evolve, our objective is to ensure our properties evolve with them,” Bylos said.
“That approach allows our tenants to focus on growth while ensuring our portfolio continues to meet the demands of a changing market.”
Development works on Mambos’ new distribution centre started on 1 August 2026, with completion anticipated in mid-2027.
“Once complete, the expanded facility will significantly enhance Mambos’ warehousing and distribution capabilities, supporting the company’s continued growth across South Africa,” the company said.
Mambos photos
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