A shrinking footprint for one of South Africa’s best-known retailers

South Africa – Retail chain Game has reduced its South African footprint to 96 stores, down from approximately 150 in 2019, as its parent company, Massmart, continues to restructure its retail operations amid growing competition and the expansion of Walmart-branded stores.

According to MyBroadband, six additional Game stores appear to have closed following the retailer’s earlier consideration of shutting around 20 outlets in 2026. Massmart confirmed that Game operated 96 stores as of October 13.

The latest closures follow years of contraction for the retailer, which has faced pressure from changing shopping habits and the growing popularity of online retail.

In February, BusinessTech reported that Massmart was considering closing around 20 Game stores in Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, with some locations potentially being converted into Walmart outlets.

Pressure

At the time, Massmart stressed that the proposed closures would affect only a portion of Game’s network, saying: “However, there are no plans in place to close the Game business.”

Walmart’s expansion has added pressure to the changing retail landscape. According to BusinessTech’s September report, Walmart’s East Point Shopping Centre store in Boksburg achieved a trading density 28.7% higher than the Game store it replaced during its first four months of operation.

“Walmart commenced trading at East Point in March 2026 and has already outperformed the Game store it replaced,” SA Corporate Real Estate, the shopping centre’s owner, said.

Meanwhile, Game has faced complaints about its online shopping service, including reports of cancelled orders and delayed refunds. One customer quoted by MyBroadband said: “R7,999.00 was successfully debited from my bank account. The Game order subsequently reflected as failed. No goods were supplied to me.”

Latest reduction 

Responding to concerns about online orders, Massmart told MyBroadband: “Regarding online orders, we take customer concerns seriously and are committed to resolving issues that arise.”

Despite the store closures, Massmart has maintained that it intends to invest in Game’s future, while Walmart’s rollout offers the group another route to expand its presence in South Africa.

The latest reduction to 96 outlets highlights the scale of Game’s retreat from its former nationwide footprint, as its owner adjusts its retail strategy to changing consumer preferences and competition.