Celebrate mall’s modern look
THERE is always a hive of activity at the Chatsworth Centre and with the introduction of new retail stores, it’s now busier than ever.
The 28-year-old centre, which has played an integral role in the lives of the community it serves, will be hosting grand relaunch events and invites patrons to be part of the festivities.
On Saturday, East Coast Radio will broadcast the Coca Cola Top 40 live from the venue and on July 28 social media sensation Bash with Tash and comedian Meshantan Naidoo will tickle your funny bone.
To further promote July being the relaunch month, a double-decker activation bus often weaves its way through Chatsworth and around Durban where local entertainer Rajiv Mothie and crew share in the excitement.
“We can’t wait to celebrate with you,” said the centre’s marketing manager, Sashena Ramparsad.
The centre is brighter, neater and offers a more friendly shopping experience. New outlets include Legit clothing and Arthur Ford perfumes.
“This mall has been the heart of the community since its inception.
“It initially started off as a single phase with Shoprite as its anchor tenant and now, three additional phases later, it has become a prime shopping centre within the community boasting over 120 tenants and averaging 1.4 million shoppers monthly,” said the centre’s portfolio manager Keeran Govender.
The substantial capital investment, he said, has already brought about a massive change, which includes tiling, modern ceilings, innovative new shop fronts for some tenants and revamped surfaces.
“We have also launched a new logo, which was voted for by the community. The centre has a new look and feel with a fresh approach of shopping in mind.”
He said they have also offered extended trading hours – Mondays to Thursdays from 9am to 6pm, Fridays from 9am to 7pm, Saturdays from 8.30am to 7pm and Sundays from 10am to 4.30pm.
The owner of the Sausage Saloon, Theodore Sodalay, said they opened eight months ago and over the past three months his store had ranked number one in sales among branches in KZN.
“When it came to fast food outlets at the centre, we noticed a gap. There were chicken outlets, Nando’s and KFC, so we decided to grab the opportunity and set up shop. We offer a different fast food option and business has been booming. Other than being rated number one in the province, we are second nationally,” said Sodalay, who relocated to the city from Cape Town.
He added that patrons were “loving” the centre’s modern, vibrant feel. “It’s good to see it is keeping up to date with the bigger malls in Durban.”
Spar group content manager Rani Moodley said since launching the supermarket retailer in Chatsworth in November, the branch had been ranked the third highest store in terms of sales in KZN.
“Chatsworth needed a Spar. Since we opened, we noticed a lot more people coming to the centre,” said Moodley.
“We offer specials like the rewards programme where people can get discounts, we have Market Day on a Tuesday and Crazy Wednesday, so we basically cater for all.”
She said they have also created job opportunities.
Pensioner Jane Lutchman, of Montford, said: “I enjoy going to the centre these days because it looks welcoming and there are more stores to choose from. There are also more eating places, like the Chinese restaurant.”
The branch manager for Shoprite, Andy Dayanand, said the Chatsworth Centre now resembled an “A-class mall”.
“It is bright, modern and airy. Customers have already told me the centre looks nice,” said Dayanand, who added that they are confident foot traffic would grow.
He said Shoprite – which has been based at the premises for three decades – was one of the oldest stores at the mall.