Build It Specials: Spar's Hardware Division, Store Counts and 2026 Trading
Quick answer: Build it is the hardware and building-materials division of the Spar Group, run through independent retailers. Spar's trading update for the 26 weeks to 27 March 2026 shows Build it revenue growth of 1.3%, up from a decline of 2.4% in the 18 weeks to 30 January 2026, and a June 2025 report says Spar aims to double its non-grocery business within five years, with Build it and Spar Health outperforming the core grocery business. Store counts conflict: a Build it promotional PDF says over 350 stores across Southern Africa, while other listings say about 300 in South Africa. We found no report that Spar sold Build it.
' 'Last updated: October 2026. Facts come from Spar Group's trading update (via Listcorp), BusinessDay (8 June 2025), Wikipedia (Spar South Africa), Build it's promotional PDF and catalogue aggregators (Kimbino, Tiendeo, Guzzle). The Wikipedia page for Build it could not be opened. We do not quote shelf prices.
' 'The facts
'| Question | Answer | Caution |
|---|---|---|
| Who owns it? | Spar Group; stores are independent retailers | Store-level pricing differs |
| Revenue growth | -2.4% (18 weeks to 30 January 2026); +1.3% (26 weeks to 27 March 2026) | Spar trading update |
| Strategy | Spar aims to double non-grocery operations within five years; Build it and Spar Health performed better than core Spar (BusinessDay, June 2025) | Plan, not result |
| Store count | Over 350 across Southern Africa (promo PDF); about 300 in South Africa (listings) | Different geographies |
| Sale of Build it? | No report found | Spar is exiting Poland and selling Switzerland and UK operations, not Build it |
| Catalogues | Kimbino listed a September 2026 online catalogue | Check regional dates |
What an independent-retailer model means for you
'Because each Build it is independently owned, the owner decides the local prices and which specials to run. A catalogue price may not apply in every store, and stock levels differ. Delivery and quotation services also vary. That makes it worth phoning your local store for a written quote before you buy materials in bulk.
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- Ask for a written quote for your full material list. '
- Ask what the delivery fee is and when delivery happens. '
- Ask about returns for unopened bags and boards. '
- Compare with Builders Warehouse, Cashbuild and local suppliers. '
Comparing hardware suppliers
'| Supplier | Owner or model | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Build it | Spar Group, independent retailers | Local pricing; revenue +1.3% to March 2026 |
| Builders Warehouse | Massmart (Walmart) | 117 locations in 2025; four formats |
| Cashbuild | JSE-listed | 317 stores; revenue R12.1 billion FY2026 |
| Leroy Merlin South Africa | International DIY brand | Fewer stores; bigger formats |
Worked example: a quote check (invented numbers)
'| Item | Store 1 | Store 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 40 sheets of 6 m roof sheeting | R9,600 | R9,200 |
| Fasteners and flashing | R1,100 | R1,350 |
| Delivery | R300 | R0 |
| Total | R11,000 | R10,550 |
The cheaper sheeting at Store 2 also had free delivery, which saved R450 in total. Always compare the whole quote.
' 'Your rights
'The Consumer Protection Act applies: goods must be of good quality and accurately described, and you generally have six months to return defective goods. Keep your quote, invoice and delivery note.
' 'How to read a hardware catalogue
'Hardware catalogues often show a "from" price for a product range rather than the price of the exact item you need. Check the size, thickness, grade and pack quantity in the small print, because a cheap price per sheet can hide a thinner board. For cement, check the strength class and whether the bag is 25 kg or 50 kg. For paint, check whether the price is per litre or per tin and the coverage per litre. For electrical items, check the rating and whether installation by a registered electrician is required. Comparing unit prices is the only reliable way to find the best deal.
It also helps to know the seasons. Paint and waterproofing sell strongly before summer and winter. Garden products peak in spring. Heating products and gas bottles sell in winter. Retailers run specials to draw customers into the store, so a special price on one item does not mean the rest of your list is cheap. If you build often, keep a small price notebook for the 15 items you buy most and update it every month.
'| Product | What to check in the catalogue |
|---|---|
| Cement | Bag size and strength class |
| Paint | Litres per tin and coverage |
| Roof sheeting | Length, profile and thickness |
| Timber | Size, treatment and grade |
| Electrical items | Rating and installation rules |
Pros and cons
'Pros
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- Local stores with local service. '
- Backed by Spar's group buying. '
Cons
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- Prices and stock differ by store. '
- Conflicting store counts in public sources. '
Frequently asked questions
'Who owns Build it?
'The Spar Group, with independent retailers running the stores.
'How did Build it trade in 2026?
'Revenue grew 1.3% in the 26 weeks to 27 March 2026.
'Has Spar sold Build it?
'We found no such report.
'How many stores are there?
'Over 350 across Southern Africa per a promotional PDF; about 300 in South Africa elsewhere.
' 'Sources
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- Spar Group trading update for the 26 weeks ended 27 March 2026 (Listcorp) '
- BusinessDay (8 June 2025): Spar aims to double non-grocery operations '
- Wikipedia: Spar (South Africa); Build it promotional PDF '
- Kimbino, Tiendeo and Guzzle: Build it catalogue pages '
Wikipedia: Spar
