The launch of Spearhead Properties’ new R130 million Sable Square development on the corner of Ratanga and Bosmandam Road ("the shoulder of Century City") will bring to Cape Town a retailing concept never before seen here – one that has already been highly successful in the USA and Europe.

Sable Square will be the first Cape Town centre to focus on "outlet retailing". Conceived in the USA in the 1980's, this allows premium brand clothing and accessory manufacturers to offer excess or last season’s merchandise at discount prices - without competing directly with high street branded stores in more central locations.

There are over three hundred outlet centres now in the USA and some five hundred worldwide.

The concept of brand outlet shopping villages is now proving particularly popular in Europe where it is spreading fast.

Previously, overstock or off season goods from the branded retailers had usually to be sold to back-street traders. Sable Square, like its USA counterparts, will however be stylish, ultra-modern, secure and upmarket - and will offer a variety of coffee shops, restaurant and entertainment facilities, making it an attractive venue for the shopper. It will also offer ample free parking.

At to the concept being able to attract top brands - letting thus far has been successful with over 60% of the retail space now signed for. It is already known that Adidas, Diesel footwear, Tommy Hilfiger, Levis Footwear, Pony, and others will be taking space. The "mix" will include a diversity of smaller independent shops and a convenience aspect. Spaces will be available from as little as 10m2 up to 600m2.

Also in the complex will be a new 1500m2 training school and restaurant for the International Hotel School.

The new complex, designed by retail experts Bentel Associates International, will have 22000m2 of rentable space. These will be centred on an attractively paved village square with sidewalk cafes. Ample free parking will be available in large open spaces. Covered parking will also be available.

Retail space will be economically priced compared to nearby shopping malls, in line with the “outlet retailing” concept.

The siting of Sable Square will ensure that it will have a high profile on roads with passing traffic of 40 000 vehicles a day.

This area, now known as the West Coast Strip, is the fastest growing residential area in the whole of South Africa. Projects like The Island Club, Century View, The Oasis, Knights Bridge, Villa Italia and Royal Ascot have all helped put the West Coast Strip on the map - and there are more to come.

Work on the site is scheduled to begin in May 2005.  Sable Square is scheduled to be open to the public in April 2006.

The complex is ideally positioned and will benefit from its close proximity to Century City and Canal Walk from which a steady stream of shoppers will filter across to the new site.
 
For further information contact Anthony Wolpert on 021 425 1000.