"We need to support our stores": Several iconic stores are closing down locations across Mzansi

Content creator Cool Story Bru shared a breakdown of iconic South African retail brands scaling down physical locations
Game has reduced its footprint from 150 stores in 2019 to 96, while Ster-Kinekor continues to downsize its cinema presence
Major retail groups like TFG are closing hundreds of underperforming stores, whereas Edgars is planning to open 50 new branches

His video highlighted how several famous retail chains are scaling back their physical footprints across Mzansi — A popular content creator shed light on major changes sweeping through South Africa’s shopping malls. Image: Cool Story Bru
Source: Facebook

Popular South African content creator Cool Story Bru sparked widespread discussion on 19 October 2026 after posting a viral breakdown on Facebook about famous retail brands that are quietly disappearing across the country. In the video, he detailed how changing consumer habits and economic shifts have forced long-standing retail staples to scale down their physical footprints or rebrand completely.

Among the major names highlighted was retail giant Game, which saw its store count drop from 150 in 2019 down to 96 nationwide. Cinema chain Ster-Kinekor has also been forced to downsize its cinema count due to declining movie theatre attendance. Furthermore, major retail powerhouses like The Foschini Group (TFG)—which owns popular brands including Markham, American Swiss, Dial-a-Bed, and Total-Sports—flagged over 300 underperforming locations, with around 100 set to close permanently.

Fuel Stations Rebrand as Iconic Department Store Stages Comeback

The breakdown also noted structural changes in the fuel sector, where Caltex service stations are actively being rebranded as Astron Energy stations, effectively phasing out the historic brand name. However, the clip ended on a rare positive note by highlighting Edgars. After years of downsizing, the iconic department store chain successfully staged a turnaround and plans to open 50 new stores across South Africa over the next two years.

Watch Cool Story Bru's Facebook reel below:

Mzansi weighs in on shifting retail landscape

South Africans quickly took to the comments section to debate the changing retail environment and share their perspectives on local shopping trends.

@Liezl Macaskill commented:

"Foschini are now only in townships."

@Juan de Waal noted:

"Lewis owns Dial-a-Bed"

@Warren Johnston added:

"Game stores will be replaced by their owner, Walmart, who already has stores in SA."

@Marcus Craveiro pointed out:

"Astron bought out Caltex SA, and they are in the process of rebranding."

@Nomtha Ndoni-Andrews shared:

"I love the Edgars story. We need to support our stores as a slow rise of unemployment occurs."

@Land Rover wrote:

"Everything will disappear. We are going to be left with Boxer and PEP."

"We need to support our stores": Several iconic stores are closing down locations across Mzansi

Fuel Stations Rebrand as Iconic Department Store Stages Comeback

Mzansi weighs in on shifting retail landscape

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