Wal-Mart owned Massmart (MSM) on Wednesday announced that Builders Warehouse, which is part of its Massbuild division, had opened its first store outside SA, in Botswana.

"As the largest home improvement retailer in the industry in SA, we are delighted to be opening in Gaborone," Massbuild Chief Executive, Llewellyn Walters said.

 
The opening was attended by Peter Siele, Minister of Labour & Home Affairs and Vincent Seretse, Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry.

Builders Warehouse follows the big box or warehouse retail format, offering small to large building and maintenance contractors, DIY enthusiasts and home owners a range of products. The stores include a large garden centre display and builders' supplies yard.

For the year ended June 27, the Massbuild division delivered a 21.6% increase in trading profit, while total sales increased by 14.2%.

"Builders Warehouse and Builders Express reported very good trading performances, despite residential housing market statistics indicating a declining market," the group said.

The division also includes Tile Warehouse, Builders Express (formerly Servistar) and Builders Trade Depot (formerly Federated Timbers).

Massmart acquired five Builders Warehouse stores in 2003 and three De La Rey stores in the Western Cape were acquired and rebranded in 2005.

The chain now trades out of 27 Builders Warehouse stores in 8 provinces.

 
In August, Massmart CEO Grant Pattison said the group planned to open a total of 27 new stores by the end of June 2012.

RESOURCE: Money Web

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