The 11th African Congress of Shopping Centres, which was held from September 13 to 15 at the Sandton Convention Centre, drew a record 1000 delegates. About 800 delegates were expected.

The South African Council of Shopping Centres, which hosted the congress, said this endorsed the international status of SA's retail industry and proved that international brand marketers increasingly considered the country a major world player.

Council GM Tracey Fowler said the theme of the conference was Thinking new - the birth of new concepts. The conference focused on SA's "leading role in the retail field".

Fowler said overseas and local speakers underlined SA's attraction, based on its advances in retail design and marketing.

She said this was highlighted by the new retail developments discussed at the conference and the results of the council's annual Footprint Awards for innovative marketing.

Fowler said that panel discussions at the conference were at a very high level.

She singled out the session chaired by local architect Lisa Blane on retail development and design.

Fowler said that highlights were the panel discussions on retail development and design and on the iconic Melrose Arch development and the success of Rand Merchant Bank's new lifestyle clothing centre, Worldwear, in Fairland, Johannesburg.

Business Day

Publisher: I-Net Bridge
Source: I-Net Bridge