Game Specials This Week: Where the Discount Retailer Stands and How to Shop It

Quick answer: Game is a South African general-merchandise retailer, owned by Walmart through Massmart, that sells appliances, electronics, groceries and liquor. Its weekly specials are published on its website and in store, but the chain has shrunk: by 2026 it operated 111 stores in seven African countries, 98 of them in South Africa, and had closed 28 South African stores since 2025. Check that your nearest branch is still open and compare prices with Makro, Takealot and brand stores.

Last updated: October 2026. Facts come from Wikipedia (Game and Makro). We do not quote current prices.

The Game story

Game was founded in 1970 by Alan Hellman and Jack Schaeffer, who opened the first store on Smith Street in Durban. Massmart bought Game from McCarthy Retail for R755 million in 1998. Game opened its first international store in Gaborone, Botswana, in 1993, followed by Windhoek in 1996, and later Zambia. Walmart acquired 51% of Massmart in 2011 and bought the remaining shares later, making Game part of a Walmart-owned group. Store numbers peaked at roughly 150 in 2019, fell to about 122 by 2024 and stood at 111 across seven countries in 2026.

Year	Game milestone
1970	First store in Durban
1993	First international store, Gaborone
1998	Massmart buys Game for R755 million
2011	Walmart buys 51% of Massmart
2019	About 150 stores
2020	Turnaround programme and "Game Reimagined" refurbishments begin
2024	About 122 stores
2026	111 stores, 98 in South Africa

Restructuring: what it means for you

By 2022 about 114 stores had been refurbished under the turnaround while underperforming stores were closed. As of October 2026 Game had closed 28 South African stores since 2025, and some Gauteng stores were converted to small-format Makro and Walmart outlets. In April 2024 Massmart announced plans to convert four Game mall stores into 3,000 sqm small-format Makro stores as a test. For a shopper this means you should confirm opening status and stock before travelling. If the Makro offers are not quite what you need, it is worth comparing them with the latest KIT KAT Cash & Carry catalogue before you decide.

What Game sells

Category	What to check
Appliances	Capacity, warranty, delivery
Electronics	Exact model numbers and warranty
Groceries	Unit prices; Game has expanded into groceries
Liquor	18+ only; compare per unit

Game versus Makro versus Takealot

Retailer	Footprint	Membership	Best for
Game	111 stores in seven countries (2026)	Check store terms	Mall-based appliances and electronics
Makro	46 locations (2025)	Free Makro card	Bulk and large items
Takealot	Online only	No card needed to browse	Wide online choice

How to shop Game specials

1. Check the Game website or catalogue for dates.
2. Confirm the store still trades and has the item in stock.
3. Compare model numbers with other retailers.
4. Ask about delivery and installation costs for large items.
5. Keep your invoice for warranty claims.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Mall locations make it easy to see products in person.
• A wide range of home goods.
• Group backing from Walmart.

Cons

• Shrinking store network.
• Stock can vary by branch.
• Promotions may be less frequent than at larger rivals.

Frequently asked questions

Who owns Game?

Walmart, through Massmart.

How many Game stores are there?

111 in seven countries in 2026, with 98 in South Africa.

Is Game closing?

It has closed 28 South African stores since 2025 as part of a turnaround; the brand is still trading.

Where do I see Game's catalogue?

On the Game website and in store; confirm validity dates.

Big-ticket buying checklist

When you buy a fridge, washing machine or TV from any general-merchandise retailer, run through these checks:

1. Measure the space and the door or stair clearance.
2. Check the energy rating and running costs.
3. Ask what delivery, installation and removal of the old appliance cost.
4. Confirm the warranty and who services the product locally.
5. Compare the exact model number online so you are not misled by a similar-looking product.
6. Photograph the box and product on delivery before signing.

Appliance	Key check
Fridge-freezer	Capacity in litres and noise level
Washing machine	Load size and water use
Microwave	Wattage and turntable size
TV	Panel type, HDMI ports and warranty

A note on reading catalogues

Catalogue prices are valid for the dates printed and while stocks last. If a store has sold out, ask whether it can order the item from another branch or whether a similar model is available, and never pay a deposit without a written confirmation of price and delivery date.

Sources

• Wikipedia: Game (South Africa)
• Wikipedia: Makro (South Africa)