Virtual Sooq gets physical

LIFESTYLE CHOICES: STORE SELLS ONE-OF-A-KIND PIECES FROM SMALL SA BUSINESSES

Look for quality and craftsmanship at Lifestyle Centre.

The Sooq, a popular online marketplace for local small business products, is opening a store at the Free-range Lifestyle Centre on Witkoppen Road. This small but dynamic business believes that collaboration is the key to success.

Its mission is to create a platform that not only showcases bespoke products but fosters a sense of community and growth among local artisans and entrepreneurs.

“The Sooq was born from the belief that every small business deserves the opportunity to flourish, says Laverne de Jager, coowner and founder of The Sooq.

“By creating a free online marketplace, we aimed to connect entrepreneurs with a wider audience and expand their reach.

“However, we recognised that a purely digital concept had its limitations. That’s why we decided to embrace the power of a physical store, providing customers with a tangible window to experience and interact with the products.

“We understand that South Africans can be risk-averse when it comes to online shopping, and having a physical presence not only instils credibility, but it offers a physical experience for those who want to feel the fabric of the clothing before purchasing an item of clothing for example, while bridging the gap between the virtual and physical worlds.”

The Freerange Lifestyle Centre is the perfect destination for families, with activities galore, including a cooking school for kids and adults, a studio that has classes for sensory play and more, an indoor swimming school, art school and a café with amazing food and free Wi-Fi.

The products in the Sooq are carefully curated to include a wide range, varying from fashion and accessories to home decor and art, gifting and party goods, all created or resold by small businesses in South Africa, from Limpopo to Cape Town.

Customers can expect to discover one-of-a-kind pieces, most fully customisable, that truly reflect their individuality while supporting local talent.

“As we open our physical doors, we are excited to connect with the vibrant local community and offer them a shopping experience like no other,” says co-owner Gareth de Jager, one of the original visionaries behind the Sooq.

The priority is local friendly practices and ethical production methods with a focus on quality and craftsmanship.