Will Walmart’s arrival flip the market or force existing supermarkets to come to their party?

For South Africans used to watching prices climb faster than paycheques, 2025 might still bring a new kind of competition to the supermarket aisles. Global retail heavyweight Walmart is preparing to open its first stores, before the end of the year, under its own name in South Africa, and the move could flip the retail market in ways we have not seen in years.

The company, already known worldwide for its Every Day Low Prices model, says it plans to introduce that same approach here. The idea is simple: fewer short-term specials and more long-term affordability. For households trying to stretch salaries to the end of the month, that could mean a basket of basics that costs less, not just occasionally but consistently.

South Africans have learned to chase deals, comparing app prices, collecting loyalty points and waiting for weekly specials. If Walmart maintains its flat-price approach, it might take some of that pressure off. Knowing what something will cost week after week could help families budget more confidently instead of guessing which store will be cheaper on any given day.

The company has confirmed that its new stores will offer fresh groceries, household essentials, apparel and technology. It also plans to include a range of locally sourced products by partnering with South African suppliers and entrepreneurs. In addition, Walmart has indicated that its stores will integrate digital capabilities to enhance the shopping experience, including online options.

Its arrival could change how the big players operate. Checkers, Pick n Pay, Shoprite and Woolworths may have to look at their pricing structures, promotions and supplier models to stay competitive. A global giant entering the space often forces others to rethink how they serve the customer, and in this case, the customer stands to benefit the most.

This journalist does not believe that Walmart will (necessarily) replace South Africa’s favourite mom-and-pop shops or loyal supermarket chains, but it will almost certainly push every player to be sharper, leaner and more competitive. And in Flip the Market’s opinion, that is never a bad thing.

Whether it changes how we shop or simply adds another strong choice, Walmart’s move into South Africa is already living up to the publication’s name. It is about to flip the market.