Halsted Builders Express, a company born of the vision of “building tomorrow together,” recently celebrated a major milestone, the opening of a newly relocated branch along the Harare/Kwekwe Highway, Kwekwe, making it the second in the Midlands Province after Gweru.
Previously the Kwekwe branch operated from Stand Number 1 Cobar Street, Light Industrial Area. Having been part of Zimbabwe’s growth for over 75 years, Halsteds understands that “every project, no matter how big or small, is a step toward a better future. Whether you’re building a home, running a business, or repairing what matters most, you’re not just working with timber and
tools—you’re building a life, a legacy, a tomorrow.”
It is against this backdrop that the new Halsted Builders Express Kwekwe, spanning an impressive 2,400 square metres, offers customers a far more spacious, modern, and efficiently laid-out shopping experience. Strategically located just off the highway, the store provides easy access for both local residents and out-of-town contractors traveling through the Midlands, built for convenience with ample parking and a brighter, more open design. The scale and strategic layout of the new complex are immediately evident.
The exterior features a large warehouse park, comprising a massive, long building with a dark, corrugated metal roof, complemented by a smaller, separate turquoise-roofed structure. This large industrial footprint is situated alongside a major road, and the site is a true commercial hub, with the mainentrance prominently displaying the illuminated “Halsted Builders Express” sign, sharing the complex frontage with other businesses like “House & Home,” “Dees Pharmacy,” and “Bakers Inn,” creating a one-stop destination for various needs. The forecourt and yard areas accommodate large storage areas containing stacked building materials and pallets, and the store’s distinctive look, including its corrugated metal roof and brick facade, glows brightly with
signage at dusk.
As is the standard with all Halsted Builders Express stores countrywide, the Kwekwe branch is backed by three rigorous quality control measures for materials like cement, steel, and timber.
They source exclusively from trusted, reputable suppliers, they grade all incoming materials on arrival to confirm they meet stringent benchmarks, and they reject any products that fall short due to defects, damage, or inconsistency. Inside the 2,400 square metres, the store utilizes a modern, warehouse-style layout with high, truss-supported metal roofs and bright strip lighting. The retail floor is organized into clear departments for “hardware,” “plumbing,” “bathroom accessories,” and “security,” showcasing a vast product range.
The offerings cover everything from rough building to fine finishing. The paint section is extensive, with bulk displays of large blue Dulux “Weatherguard” tubs and smaller cans of wood treatments. The bathroom section offers high-end sanitary ware, including multiple white bathtubs and a striking freestanding black and white tub, alongside wall displays of chrome-plated
fittings, including Franke stainless steel kitchen sinks and an extensive range of Wilro by Bri and Cobra taps and shower mixers and bathroom accessories.
Essential equipment includes the power tools section, featuring drills, saws, and sanders displayed alongside safety gear like colourful hard hats and safety footwear, while smaller machinery like the bright blue lawnmower sits on dedicated shelving. Basic essentials are organized neatly, from shovels and spades to fuel containers like the yellow, red, and green jerry cans, and large yellow rolls of robes and wires.
Furthermore, the store prominently displays modern solutions like solar water heating systems (Solara and Eco Solar) and features practical utility items such as green wheelbarrows and various colours of corrugated iron sheeting near the entrance.
The Kwekwe branch is designed to serve every segment of the building community—from homeowners to large-scale industrial players. The store is committed to introducing premium and specialized offerings previously difficult to find locally, including custom trusses manufactured to plan and high-quality safety footwear. Specific support or loyalty programs are being rolled out
for local contractors and builders in Kwekwe to foster long-term partnerships.
“Our True Blue Loyalty Program is active in Kwekwe, rewarding customers for their continued trust and support. Members enjoy tiered discounts, early alerts to promotions and specials, and direct WhatsApp communication with our team for tailored offers relevant to their projects. It’s all part of building long-term, mutually rewarding relationships with the region’s builders, residents and tradespeople,” said Jerome Cambell, General Manager.
Sustainability is built into the foundation of the new branch. This has seen the Kwekwe store operating with a 24kVA solar system, significantly reducing reliance on the national grid and ensuring a more energy-efficient, environmentally responsible operation.
