Additional Game Stores at risk as Massmart considers closing 20 branches

Massmart confirmed it was considering closing around 20 Game stores across Gauteng, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal
Several KZN branches are reportedly among the affected stores, raising concerns about job losses in the retail sector
South Africans online are divided on whether the closures signal the end of an era or simply a Walmart rebrand

Game stores are closing their doors across South Africa, and shoppers are taking notice. Massmart, the retail group that owns the Game chain, confirmed in February 2026 that it was weighing up the closure of approximately 20 stores in Gauteng, the Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal.

More Game stores to be closed in South Africa — More Game stores may be closed in South Africa as Mass Mart reviews several locations. Image: @Nhleiks5
Source: Getty Images

By October 2026, the group's South African footprint had shrunk to 96 stores, down sharply from 150 in 2019. Branches reportedly in the firing line include Amanzimtoti, Ballito, Richards Bay, Pietermaritzburg, and The Pavilion.

For consumers, store closures typically bring closing-down sales with steep discounts, much like those seen during the 2022 round of closures. Shoppers holding gift cards or vouchers are being urged to use them while they still can. The broader impact is fewer retail options in affected areas.

The job picture is more complicated. The 2022 closures put roughly 700 positions at risk. This time around, some staff could be transferred as certain locations are converted to Walmart-branded stores, since Walmart owns Massmart. The company has stated it continues to invest in its remaining Game locations.

Mzansi remembers Game fondly

For many South Africans, the news stirs a mix of nostalgia and pragmatism. Whether the Game name disappears from mall directories or simply gets repainted in Walmart blue, the change marks the end of a retail chapter many grew up with.

Some Game stores were turned into Walmart stores — Some Game stores were turned into Walmart. Image: Per-Anders Pettersson
Source: Getty Images

Enock Vachiteck Phiri wrote:

"The Game is simple, someone will pop up and sell the same product and name it Mega Stores."

Thulas Maphumulo said:

"I've heard that all Game stores will be rebranded. They will become Walmart."

Chilidzi Matodzi shared:

"The game continues. This is life, not some movie 🍿, things get rebranded."

Christelle Buys noted:

"Means nothing... Walmart will absorb some of the workers, although of course there will be work losses, and open areas in malls."

Samuel Blue Bodibe explained:

"Walmart owns Massmart, which owns Game. They will be absorbed into that entity 🫰🏽 It's not that deep."

Rajhan Dhoopraj offered a nostalgic take:

"Those days Game adverts came out on a Sunday. Everyone looked forward to this. Sundays had long queues before opening. There were just two branches in KZN, West Street and Game City."

Additional Game Stores at risk as Massmart considers closing 20 branches

Mzansi remembers Game fondly

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