Poppie Mphuthing

The Maponya Mall, due to open at the end of the month in Soweto, has attracted exclusive and international concept-driven retail outlets.

International Italian shoe company Geox, which entered the South African market through sole distribution in Spitz stores last month, will open its first concept store in sub-Saharan Africa at Maponya.

Geox founder and chairman Mario Polegato described the Geox concept store as “designed to be relaxed, friendly and approachable to shoppers”.

Polegato said: “South Africa is the most important country in Africa as far as marketing a product like luxury footwear is concerned. We chose Maponya Mall in Soweto as it is going to be one of the top malls in the country.

“The Maponya Mall represents the fastest-growing consumer group in the country who also have the biggest impact on the economy — Black Diamonds who are worth R180bn, 28% of South African spending power.”

International company Vlisco closed down its boutique store in Rosebank Mall in favour of opening Woodin Le Créateur, a mid-segment-price “one brand concept store” at Maponya as part of a new strategy. The group’s Ghana -based Africa retail manager, Addy van Veggel, said Woodin presented a “lifestyle brand” in the same vein as international brands Diesel, Guess and Nike.

Other labels that are opening stores include Guess, Levi’s, Aldo and Kurt Geiger. Pick ’n Pay and fast-food outlet McDonald’s are opening flagship branches.

Business Day