Just over ten years ago, Hannes van der Walt embarked on a journey to pursue his dream of opening a shop that offered something new and exciting.  Having stumbled across Gadget Shop in the UK, van der Walt recognised that with growing technological developments in South Africa that there was a demand for a store that appealed to gadget lovers and technology driven enthusiasts.  This was the motivation for opening the first store in April 2005 at Brooklyn Mall in Pretoria. Ten years later, The Gadget Shop has grown into a truly successful South African business.

The opening of the second store followed in 2010 at Randridge Mall in Johannesburg.  “I wanted to make sure that the first store was properly tested in both good and bad economic times.  I was assertive in that I wanted to ensure that the concept worked in South Africa before growing the business,” van der Walt explains.

The success of both the stores resulted in franchising The Gadget Shop with the first franchise opening in Centurion Mall.  Thereafter stores were opened in Woodlands, Rustenburg, Kolonnade and Sandton City, expanding the national footprint.  In 2013, Emile van der Walt and Neville Read joined the company as directors.  “It was soon after Emile and Neville joined that we decided to end the franchise business due to the challenges and complications of franchisees,” van der Walt adds.

Since 2013, the expansion of The Gadget Shop has continued with the establishment of 15 stores nationwide.  The recent refurbishment and investment into the website which was launched two months ago ties in with the vision of being the number on go-to store when it comes to gadgets and gifts.  “We wanted our customers to be able to enjoy our products and business as much as we do and this was the motivation behind making our products accessible anytime and anywhere.  The online store is a key focus for us and it is something that we are constantly improving by adding new features,” he says.

“Back in 2004, the Gadget Shop in the UK had 57 stores across Britain offering gimmicks and gags but we wanted to be unique by concentrating on delivering more practical, good quality and branded products,” he says.  With plans to open between three to four stores every year and a goal of having 30 stores by 2020, The Gadget Shop has big ambitions to grow.  “We are very excited to be opening our first ‘Mega’ store in June 2016 at the Mall of Africa.” 

Hard work, dedication and passion is what attributes to The Gadget Shop’s prosperity.  “We pride ourselves in offering innovative, fun and superior products that are ideal gifts, differing from conventional and boring presents like socks and ties.  We have some bold ideas to invent our own line in the distant future,” van der Walt concludes.