It’s been a breakthrough year at Atterbury’s malls across South Africa and in the neighbouring countries. We got the highlights from asset managers Zandri Wells, Adelene van der Westhuizen and Catherine Bosman and found out what special festive treats shoppers can expect to find…
Describe a couple of the malls’ highlights from the past year.
Zandri Wells, Flamwood Walk, Klerksdorp: We had a Dirt Run with an obstacle course on the open field behind the centre, with cool prizes for teams and individuals; the annual Community Concert on 8 December is always very popular, with live music and a beer tent. Black Friday was also a highlight, with Game trading from midnight, and many other retailers also opening earlier on the day.
Catherine Bosman, Sterland, Pretoria: For our Back to School campaign Sterland partnered with a local artist to design a limited-edition notebook that learners could use at any time during their school year. It was very well received. We also had a very popular campaign for our food tenants: each week a carousel advertisement was used on digital platforms such as Facebook to promote our food offerings and draw shoppers to the stores. Tenants reported increased trading as a result. And we love our new blue refaced pylon with branding and tenant logos!
CB, Pemba Retail Centre, Mozambique: The opening of the football pitch during the World Cup was a highlight, as was the first anniversary of the mall’s opening in July.
CB, Pan Africa Shopping Centre, Alexandra: President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to the mall in November was a big highlight! We are proud of the tenant mix and the low vacancy rate.
Adelene vd Westhuizen, Grove Mall of Namibia, Windhoek: The Win a Wedding Campaign which had a wedding worth R250 000 as a prize, was a first for Windhoek and Namibia, and created great excitement. The winner passed the prize on to her brother and soon-to-be sister-in-law, and the wedding was fairytale come true. The Diesel to Dust competition included a series of adventurous activities and was another of our top highlights! We also observed Black Friday with Game opening at midnight on the day; and free parking all day.
AvdW, Dunes Mall, Walvis Bay, Namibia: This year we celebrated our first birthday; and besides that the arrival of our Mascot Little Foot was a highlight, as well as our regular movie nights to provide more entertainment to the whole family.
One lesson you learnt at the mall this year?
AvdW, Grove Mall of Namibia: Service delivery and customer satisfaction still remains top of mind.
AvdW, Dunes Mall: the people in the area have a great need for entertainment, which is why we place a strong focus on events and entertainment at Dunes Mall – these remain major draw cards and attract consumers.
ZW: Flamwood Walk: More strategic activity on social media really pays off; we started posting at the times when our customers are online and got a lot more engagement. We also upgraded the web page and the Facebook page. We also learnt that monthly events are a much better option than once every two or three months – shoppers like the frequency, and they like activities that they can engage with in person, particularly family activities. So we’ll be planning more of these, so that we really provide a service to our community.
CB, Sterland: Our shoppers love a good movie and good specials. The busiest day of the week is on a Tuesday when movies are discounted to half price and restaurants have special offers on meals. Our customers enjoy being entertained and enjoy events that provide them with an incentive, no matter how small. It’s the little things that count.
CB, Pemba Retail Centre: A big lesson learnt at the mall this year was the positive impact and convenience the Pemba Retail Centre has brought to the community.
CB, Pan Africa Shopping Centre: As shared by our new general manager, Rachel Mashigo, we continue to learn the lesson of ubuntu, with many different cultures coming together and creating a community as a true African shopping centre.
What can consumers expect at the malls over the festive season? Highlight any special treats you have planned.
CB, Sterland: The centre will be lit up with festive lighting to create an exciting atmosphere.
CB, Pan Africa Shopping Centre: The mall is getting free wi-fi as part of the FATTi installation, which is much looked forward to; and there will be a festive kids’ playing area for a more pleasant shopping experience.
CB, Pemba Retail Centre: Over the festive season we are offering kiddies entertainment, also live music and traditional art across a few special activations.
AvdW, Grove Mall of Namibia: The mall will be sparkling with Christmas décor installations, and there will be extended trading hours and gift wrapping stations. We are also providing kiddies’ entertainment.
AvdW, Dunes Mall: Get ready for fabulous festive décor, including a giant photo-opportunity snow globe, plus extended trading hours and a variety of entertainment for the whole family, including Foozball, hopscotch and more. Shoppers can also avail themselves of the free glam gift wrapping service.
