Do the smaller retailers subsidise the rentals of their "bigger brothers" in South African Shopping Centres? Is there a monopolisation of ownership of shopping centres? These will be some of the hot issues debated at the 8th African Congress of Shopping Centres to be held from 12-14 October 2003 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Under the heading "The Great Debate," the scene will be set by Doug Parker, Managing Director, Douglas Parker and Associates who will speak to the title "Retail and Shopping Centre Performance Uncovered", followed by Marcel Joubert, Chairman of SA Council of Retailers and Managing Director, Platinum Group, who has been quoted in the media as saying, "the cornerstone of the issue is the significant monopolised concentration of shopping mall ownership, with only six to ten shopping centre owners in South Africa. His topic for discussion will be "The Plight of the Small Retailer". Still focussing on the smaller retailers, Prof Brian Kantor, Investment Strategist, Investec Securities will discuss "Developers,

Investors and marketplaces". An interactive audience discussion with the speakers will follow and should provide an interesting insight, particularly to the small and medium sized tenants.

Within a theme of "Reinventing Retail Relationships", the Congress seeks to provide an understanding of the retail and property marketplace, the people involved and the brands and dynamics within which they operate. It will be addressed by the major players, such as Whitey Basson of Shoprite and Brian Beavon of Spar, and also takes a look at the newer success stories, such as Loads of Living and Primi Piatti. In keeping up to date with international trends, it introduces overseas speakers such as David Peek, a retail psychologist, who will focus on "Its all about the Customer".

The congress is held under the auspices of the South African Council of Shopping Centres (SACSC). The SACSC is a trade association aimed at creating a forum within which its members can do business and network with one another. It endeavours to bring together all businesses that are active within a formal retail environment and to forge links with the aim of maximising the business of retail. These include all retailers, landlords, owners and suppliers and contractors who service the industry. Members should ideally feel that their industry is enhanced by the intervention of the Council through its provision of professional facilitation and a range of products and services that add value and encourage partnership.

Ends.

Contact: Chris Lawrence 082-461-2986