This fashion-focussed area was produced in conjunction with a change to Hatfield Plaza's tenant mix, its R21 million refurbishment and the selected reconfiguration of space within the mall.

"It's all about return on investment," explains Laetitia Steynberg of Investec Property Group, Hatfield Plaza's property managers.

"When the tenant mix at a shopping centre is in line with the needs of its target market and the shopping centre creates an aesthetically pleasing environment, it will attract customers easily, its tenants will trade well and its owners will see a desirable return on investment," said Steynberg.

This complex relationship between shopping centre, tenant and customer needs to be constantly evaluated to retain the integrity of the synergy. Hatfield Plaza's new tenant mix and refurbishment ensure that this positive balance is enhanced and will be maintained into the future.

As a result of its refurbishment Hatfield Plaza has experienced an increase in demand for premises in its 50 stores and, through this, has met the voiced customer need for additional fashion outlets in the centre.

Included in the new tenant mix are Identity, Topic, East to West footwear, Hang 10 and Just Friends hairdresser and coffee shop. A specialise body art and piercing shop, Keep It Real Body Art, is opening on 01 March.

In addition, through the expansion of Pick 'n Pay as an element of the refurbishment, the convenience shopping offered by Hatfield Plaza has also been greatly enhanced.

"The demand for space from national tenants is such that we cannot accommodate all the interested parties, as a result we have been selective in accepting tenants based on our shoppers' expressed needs, bringing Hatfield Plaza closer to our customers," said Steynberg.

Hatfield Plaza has strong support from a market consisting of the extensive student population in the area as well as residents from Hatfield and surrounding suburbs. In line with this market the new fashion stores at Hatfield Plaza come together to create a trendy and upmarket fashion node.

Ends.

For further information, please contact

Laetitia Steynberg

Investec Property Group.

Tel: (011) 286 7000

or

Sandy Davey

Marketing Concepts

Tel: (011) 880 2213