An initiative which has seen smaller tenants in a new shopping centre receive free consulting services on retailing is to be replicated in other complexes around the country.

The extension of the service follows its successful introduction by Old Mutual Properties at Gateway Theatre of Shopping, the shopping leisure and entertainment complex at Umhlanga.

The service, introduced in November, has paid off in significant growth in turnover, say some smaller Gateway tenants.

Old Mutual Properties MD Ian Watt says the service was introduced as a landlord initiative to support small traders needing help through difficult periods, particularly in the early stages of a shopping centre's life.

"Small traders E are a distinguishing feature at a growing number of complexes,"

Watt said. "This trend has highlighted the need for a win-win relationship for landlord and retailer and for both parties to apply themselves to real issues causing difficulties in newer complexes.

We will now introduce the service at other centres in our portfolio."

Barry Nesbitt, MD of re:solutions, the Camps Bay-based consultancy offering the service, says the initiative by a landlord to appoint a specialist to work with retailers in a shopping centre has not been undertaken in South Africa before.

He commended Old Mutual Properties for its vision.

"When Gateway opened, there were perceptional problems between tenants and management.

Tenants were concerned E that because some leading retailers were not represented, the centre would not be a one-stop destination E This led to the formation of a tenants' forum.

"My thrust has been on helping retailers make their offerings better by refocusing on the basics of retailing and concentrating their energies on their operations and not on criticism of the landlord.

Our approach is that mastery of the basics and answers to poor performance in retailing are not found in corporate boardrooms but on the shop floor."