MR DIY has quietly expanded its presence in South Africa, recently opening multiple stores in the country. The Malaysian retail brand has experienced significant growth over the past two decades, starting with its first hardware store in 2005 and now boasting nearly 5,000 locations across Asia and Europe.
Daily Investor is reporting that in June 2025, South Africa became the 14th country in MR DIY’s global network, marking the company’s inaugural entry into the African market. Following strong interest from customers at its first store in Pretoria’s Menlyn Mall, MR DIY opened its second store at Irene Village in September.
With a product range that includes over 17,000 items across categories like hardware, household goods, décor, stationery, toys, and tech accessories, MR DIY poses a substantial competitive threat to established South African brands. The demand for building materials has remained high since the pandemic, benefiting local players such as Massmart’s Builder’s Warehouse, SPAR’s Build it, and Cashbuild, even amid a stagnant economy.
What sets MR DIY apart is its strategy of locating stores within shopping malls, thereby introducing a new retail format for hardware sales in South Africa. Unlike Builder’s Warehouse, Build it, and Cashbuild, which typically operate as standalone stores catering to both DIY enthusiasts and contractors, MR DIY focuses exclusively on home DIY, aiming to capture this market by being conveniently located for consumers.
The company plans to establish six stores in South Africa by the year’s end, with two already operational. Jamie Williams, Head of Business Development for MR DIY South Africa, highlighted the growing demand for affordable, high-quality household products in the country. As consumers become more value-conscious, MR DIY’s business model, centred on a broad product range and a convenient shopping experience, positions it well to meet these needs.
In light of a renewed interest in home improvement post-pandemic, MR DIY aims to capitalise on market recovery. During lockdowns, hardware sales surged as households invested in property improvements, buoyed by a shift towards remote work. This trend led to strong financial performances for established brands like Builder’s, Cashbuild, and Build it.
However, the subsequent years saw hardware sales decline due to stagnant economic growth and a gradual return to office work. South Africa’s construction industry also faced challenges, with anticipated infrastructure spending failing to materialise. This situation put significant pressure on wholesale hardware stores, as construction activity is closely linked to economic sentiment.
Recently, signs of recovery have emerged, and MR DIY is poised to take advantage through its aggressive store rollout. Cashbuild’s full-year results for the financial year ending 29 June indicated a resurgence in demand for hardware supplies. The company opened eight new stores, closed 12 underperforming ones, refurbished 26, and relocated one P&L Hardware store. Cashbuild plans to continue its expansion strategy while maintaining a focus on efficiency and margin management.
The demand for hardware supplies and the financial performance of companies like Cashbuild have been volatile in recent years, largely constrained by overall economic growth. However, with interest rate cuts and lower inflation expected to ease household financial pressures, economists predict a shift in consumer spending patterns in the coming year. Access to long-term retirement savings through the two-pot system may also stimulate further consumer investment in hardware.