Founded in 2003,[1] it is a wholly owned subsidiary of holding company Massmart (who itself is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer Walmart), which, through its Massbuild division, operates various kinds of stores, including Builders Warehouse, Builders Express (small-format stores), Builders Trade Depot (focused specifically on construction entrepreneurs), and Builders Superstore.[8][6][9]
Operations
Builders Warehouse patio section
Builders Warehouse operates 117[3] stores in 4 countries across Southern and East Africa; South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, and Zambia.[4] It also provides an online shopping service.[10]
Some Builders Warehouse stores offer services such as tool hire, pool water analysis, and car key programming, and have partnered with local coffee chain Vida e Caffè.[11][12]
History
Builders Warehouse paint display
Massmart began its acquisitions of the Builders brand when it acquired five Builders Warehouse stores operating in Johannesburg and Pretoria, in 2003.[2]
In May 2011, Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer Walmart acquired 51% of parent company Massmart Group's stock, at a value of R17 million (approximately US$2.54 billion or £1.54 billion), after receiving regulatory approval from the South African Competition Tribunal. By November 2020, Walmart had finalized the purchase of the remaining 49% of shares, making Massmart a wholly owned subsidiary of Walmart.[13]
In 2017, the company revealed its first store that is in part powered by renewable energy. Located in Northriding, Johannesburg, the store uses 400 roof-mounted photovoltaic panels to provide 16% of its annual energy consumption. According to Massmart Group's sustainability manager Alex Haw, serves to reduce the company's greenhouse gas emissions.[14]
In 2019, Builders Warehouse revealed a new store prototype in Boksburg, Gauteng, offering, among other things, 3D printing; flatpack furniture; and a smart home hub for digital, in-store shopping and retrieving product information. The store was to serve as a benchmark for all future new store builds and renovations.[12]
References
1 2 "Builders Warehouse". Political Analysis South Africa. 8 September 2022. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
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