Various centres throughout the country have extended their trading hours to ensure maximum benefit for retailers and shoppers during this period.

From super-regionals to community centres, the retail industry has anticipated the positive impact that the tournament will have on the sector.

Situated in the heart of the affluent suburb of Sandton, Morningside Shopping Centre - which boasts some 80 handpicked retailers selected for their quality products and personal service – has extended its trading hours.  Until Sunday 18 July, the centre will operate from 9am until 7pm,   Monday to Friday, 9am until 6pm on Saturdays and 10am until 4pm on Sundays.

Says Jacqui Douglas, Centre Manager at Morningside Shopping Centre, “The management at Morningside Shopping Centre have decided to extend the trading hours of the centre to accommodate both local and foreign visitors over this busy and exciting period. Morningside Shopping Centre has a primary focus on convenience and, in line with this, believes that the longer trading hours will meet the market needs.”

Shoppers at the centre can enjoy a wide variety of fine dining and eateries as well as an extensive offering of unique shops and services, including designer gifting, jewellery, fashion and beauty.

Another centre in Gauteng extending its trading hours is the iconic super-regional Sandton City Shopping Centre.  Until Thursday 15 July, Sandton City will be trading from 9am until 9pm daily.

“Sandton City is Afro-Cosmopolitan, a melting pot of cultures, couture and countries whilst being truly South African.  We have exciting activities lined up for the World Cup period as well as being one of the largest shopping destinations in the Southern Hemisphere, and have therefore decided to offer shoppers 12 hours of uninterrupted shopping daily.”, says centre manager Sharon Swain. 

“Sandton is set to be the epicentre of the World Cup, with fan parks and official routes and celebrations all taking place within the area.  We anticipate an influx of interest and have ensured that we will cater to shopper demand.”

Further afield, Cape Town’s massive premier shopping centre, Canal Walk, is leading the retail pack in the Cape. 

The centre has over 400 stores representing the most desirable local and global brands, as well as shopping convenience and daily leisure and entertainment. 

“Cape Town is one of the host cities for the World Cup, and Canal Walk has positioned itself as the centre of choice for visitors and locals during this period with an exceptional retail offering and unmatched shopping hours.” says Camilla Lor, Marketing Manager at Canal Walk.

“Canal Walk has a wide variety of offerings including the Afribazaar – an African walkway dedicated to the crafts, culture and products of the continent. All these elements will be showcased throughout the tournament, with Canal Walk establishing itself as a retail destination akin with international standards.”

The sporting spectacular promises to deliver an economic and tourism boost to South Africa and the leaders in the retail sector are set to meet the needs, expectations and demands created during this iconic period in South African history.