Mr.DIY is accelerating its South African expansion with new stores in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, while simultaneously increasing its focus on local sourcing and developing partnerships with South African suppliers.
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The retailer will open a new store at Saxony Westwood in KwaZulu-Natal on 14 August 2026, followed by its first store in Mpumalanga at Highveld Mall on 19 August.
The openings form part of Mr.DIY's broader strategy to extend its presence beyond its existing markets and move closer to its ambition of becoming a household name across South Africa.
"Every new store gives more people the opportunity to experience Mr.DIY," says Lara-lee De Jager, imports manager at Mr.DIY. "We are widening our footprint and working towards becoming a household name across the country."
Expansion goes hand in hand with local sourcing
As Mr.DIY grows its physical footprint, the retailer is also developing the South African supplier base supporting its stores.
The company currently sources 12% of its South African range locally, with an ambition to increase this to 20%. It works with 46 local suppliers across 11 departments, creating opportunities for South African businesses to supply the growing retail network.
"We want local suppliers in every category across Mr.DIY," says Khumo Mabe, procurement specialist at Mr.DIY. "From a local sourcing perspective, there is no limitation and our aim is to just keep finding local suppliers who can add to our already extensive catalogue."
The retailer says it assesses potential suppliers on factors including product quality, their ability to meet demand at scale and experience in supplying retail chains. Sourcing and sustainability practices, as well as the willingness to establish a long-term commercial relationship, are also considered.
"We place a lot of value on suppliers who see this as a genuine partnership where we can grow together," Mabe explains. "They help us build Mr.DIY and we help them strengthen, expand and sustain their businesses."
Local products alongside global Mr.DIY range
Mr.DIY's sourcing strategy combines products sourced from South African businesses with imported products developed specifically for the retailer, many of which carry the Mr.DIY brand.
The company says the two sourcing approaches are complementary rather than competing.
"It is important to note that local and imported sourcing are not in competition with each other," says De Jager. "Local sourcing allows us to support South African businesses and communities, while the main drive behind our imports is to bring Mr.DIY-branded products to the South African consumer."
The retailer initially developed its local sourcing network by partnering with brands already recognised by South African shoppers, with a focus on products that offer value without compromising on appearance, quality or performance.
For Mr.DIY, expanding its supplier base also forms part of its broader contribution to the communities surrounding its stores.
"We are driven to source locally and support South African businesses and communities, just as we employ local people," De Jager adds. "As Mr.DIY expands, we want the businesses we work with to benefit too."
Customer demand shaping the range
While supplier relationships are central to the retailer's sourcing strategy, customer demand also influences which products make their way onto store shelves.
Mr.DIY's procurement team monitors the wider retail market and sales data, while store teams provide feedback on what shoppers are requesting. Customer questions and product requests on social media provide another source of insight.
"We have a team that picks up on products that customers are asking about or expect to find in our stores," says Mabe. "We combine that feedback with our sales data to respond to purchasing patterns and seasonal demand."
This approach allows the retailer to adapt its assortment to local requirements while maintaining the broad product offering associated with its international format.
Quality and compliance remain a priority
The expansion of local and imported ranges is supported by quality and compliance processes designed to ensure products meet applicable standards before reaching consumers.
Mr.DIY's South African imports team works with suppliers and global procurement teams to assess products and ensure they meet relevant quality and safety requirements.
"We work from supplier level straight through to market level," De Jager explains. "Trade compliance is a very important part of what we do, from complying with international regulations to meeting the requirements of South African governing bodies."
Taking Mr.DIY to new communities
The new stores will give shoppers access to Mr.DIY's range of household, hardware and lifestyle products, spanning everyday essentials and products for different members of the family.
For Highveld Mall, the arrival of Mr.DIY adds another value-focused retail option for consumers in Mpumalanga.
"Mr.DIY is a welcome addition to Highveld Mall, giving our shoppers access to an extensive range of quality products for the home and everyday life at accessible prices," says Nicola Blake, marketing manager at Highveld Mall. "With something quite literally for every member of the family, Mr.DIY brings real value and variety to the mall."
The Mpumalanga opening is particularly significant as it marks Mr.DIY's first store in the province, while the Saxony Westwood launch further strengthens its presence in KwaZulu-Natal.
"We want every consumer, at every level and in every region, to have access to our brand, our pricing and our quality," says De Jager. "To the people of Mpumalanga, please come and join the Mr.DIY family. We look forward to welcoming you and becoming a household name in the region."
With new locations opening alongside a growing network of local suppliers, Mr.DIY's expansion is positioning the retailer not only as a growing national retail player, but also as a potential route to market for more South African businesses.
