Malls brace for festive shopping spree

South African malls are expecting a flurry of festive season shoppers to descend on their stores just before Christmas.

The South African Council of Shopping Centres (SACSC) conducted a snap survey among the country’s busiest malls and found that while Black Friday was a busy trading day‚ most are anticipating brisk business in the second half of December. The busiest days are likely to be just before Christmas.

Joseph Parsley, general manager of Vincent Park Mall in East London, told the Daily Dispatch: “We expect an increase at the end of this week as most people will be getting paid and some will be receiving their bonuses and that is when the shopping rate increases the most. This has been the trend over the years and that is what we are expecting this year as well.”

Mdantsane City Mall centre manager Dean Deary said they were expecting an upswing from Friday when most companies shut down and family return home.

“This weekend also sees most employees receiving their annual bonuses so they will be wanting to get early Christmas presents.”

Preston Gaddy‚ general manager of Sandton City‚ Johannesburg‚ said the days between December 16 and 23 were usually “bumper trading days” – but this was dependent on factors like weather and long weekends.

Julie-Anne Zuma‚ marketing manager of the Pavilion‚ Durban‚ said the mall’s consumer influx normally commenced from December 14.

Karla Linder‚ marketing manager for Table Bay Mall‚ Cape Town‚ said there had already been an increase in footfall.

We expect an increase as most people will be receiving their bonuses