: MR.DIY is expanding its presence in KwaZulu-Natal with the opening of a new store at Saxony Westwood. Known for its wide range of household, hardware and lifestyle products at “Always Low Prices”, the international value retailer is steadily bringing the MR.DIY name to more and more communities 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.”
The Saxony Westwood opening builds on MR.DIY’s presence in KwaZulu-Natal and takes it another step towards becoming a national player. As it opens in new locations, the retailer is also developing the South African supplier base behind the products customers find on its shelves.
MR.DIY currently sources 12% of its South African range within the country and is working towards a target of 20%. It already works with 46 suppliers across 11 departments, creating opportunities for South African businesses as the retailer expands.
“We want local suppliers in every category across MR.DIY,” explains Khumo Mabe, Procurement Specialist at MR.DIY. “From a local sourcing perspective, there is no limitation. There is meaningful room to increase our range and we are always open to finding quality products from South African businesses.”
MR.DIY began by building relationships with brands that South African shoppers already know and trust. Products need to offer good value without compromising how they look, feel or perform.
Potential partners must also be able to keep up with demand as new stores open. For MR.DIY, these relationships work well when both businesses see the opportunity to develop together.
“We place a lot of value on suppliers who see this as a genuine partnership,” Mabe points out. “They help us build MR.DIY and we help them develop their businesses. We want to work with people who understand where we are going and want to be part of it.”
These partnerships allow MR.DIY to support the local communities around its stores. This complements its commitment to creating local employment as it establishes its presence in South Africa.
“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.”
South African products appear alongside imported items, many of which are made specifically for MR.DIY and carry its name. This means shoppers can find familiar brands alongside the MR.DIY-branded products available across the retailer’s international markets.
“Local and imported sourcing are not in competition with each other,” De Jager explains. “Buying locally allows us to support South African businesses and give back to the economy. The main drive behind our imports is bringing MR.DIY-branded products to consumers here.”
What South Africans want to buy also influences the products selected for MR.DIY stores. The procurement team studies the retail market, while store staff share feedback about what shoppers are looking for. Questions and requests received through the retailer’s social media channels provide another source of insight.
“We pick up on the products customers are asking about or expect to find in our stores,” says Mabe. “If people keep looking for something, we take note. That feedback helps us identify opportunities to introduce something new.”
Quality checks begin with the supplier and MR.DIY’s South African imports team works with suppliers and its global procurement teams to ensure that imported products meet the relevant requirements before entering the market.
De Jager elaborates: “We work from supplier level straight through to market level. Trade compliance is a very important part of what we do. The products we bring into South Africa must meet the required quality and safety standards before they reach our shelves.”
At Saxony Westwood, shoppers can expect the wide choice and accessible pricing that MR.DIY has built its name on. The store will bring together everyday essentials and useful finds for the whole family under one roof.
“Each store brings us closer to South African customers and to becoming a truly national brand,” De Jager adds. “We invite the people of KwaZulu-Natal to visit Saxony Westwood, explore everything the store has to offer and join the MR.DIY family. We are expanding across South Africa, so keep an eye out for where MR.DIY will pop up next.”
The MR.DIY Saxony Westwood store opens on 14 August 2026, with the Grand Opening Event on 29-30 August.
