First ‘concept’ store draws in crowds
BOASTING state-of-theart equipment, contemporary display cabinets, more than a 1 000 baked goods and confectioneries, fresh produce, a butchery and deli, and not to mention aisles of household goods and appliances, the opening of Checkstar’s first concept store will make shopping a dream.
The 1 176m² store in Moses Kotane (Sparks) Road is situated in the heart of Overport and can accommodate up to 20 000 customers.
It’s the first store to open at the new Spark Lifestyle Centre and has 600 parking bays.
The store has also contributed to help alleviate unemployment with a staff complement of 250.
The store’s general manager Colleen Padayachee, who has been with the Checkstar group since its inception four years ago, said the design was the brainchild of the owners, who were excited about their first stand-alone store in Durban.
“The owners decided that they wanted a store in the Overport area that was unique; where customers could enjoy a different shopping experience,” said Padayachee.
“A lot of research has gone into the entire operation. We have the most unique service providers and suppliers to make sure there are unique products on our shelves. When you look at our concept store, it is very different to other stores in the area.”
Padayachee added that another key feature was the home industry concept to “capture” the housewives attention.
“This is situated in front of the store, showcasing all of the home-made products from local suppliers. We encourage home bakers to use our store to sell their products, as long as they are able to produce according to the rate of sale.
“Currently, we have goods such as macaroons, meringues, butter biscuits, bite-sized cakes, home confectionery, peanut snacks and even frozen pastries that are bite size and convenient, all made by home bakers.”
Department sales manager for the fruit and vegetable section, Randhir Hottie, said: “Everything is new. We’ve upgraded from our Mount Edgecombe branch, and I believe this store has the best quality and best pricing when it comes to retail. From flowers to chocolates to household appliances and groceries, we cater for every need. We are fully equipped.
“Our other stores include Durban Central and Mount Edgecombe, but as the company opens new stores, it improves and upgrades along the way.”
One of the first customers, Vinesh Haridass, 61, of North Beach, said when he heard Checkstar was opening in Overport, he was ecstatic.
“I used to travel all the way to Phoenix to go to Checkstar. Their cakes and doughnuts are divine. I normally shop on a Friday, so this worked out perfectly for me. I said to myself, let me get in early and get a head start. I’ve been a loyal customer for quite some time, since their inception. It’s a different shopping experience here. There’s space, it’s clean and staff are friendly.”
Clive Moonsamy, 47, of Glenwood, added: “I’ve been to the one in Phoenix. You can find everything in one store. The way everything is presented is amazing. There’s also good parking facilities. I shop every Friday, and so my wife gave me a list to get what she needed from here.”