Malls reveal positive festive trade despite bleak forecasts

THE SA Council of Shopping Centres ( SACSC) says there was some welcome good news coming out of the country’s malls and retailers at the end of last year, notwithstanding tough trading conditions in local markets.

SACSC chief executive Amanda Stops says that recent figures from Statistics SA show retail sales increased at 3.9 percent year-on-year for November. This is much higher than expected. Plus, updates from retailers also reveal sales growth for the final months of the year, including Truworths, Woolworths, Massmart, The Foschini Group and Shoprite.

The council’s review of festive trade taken from a sample of the country’s shopping centres shows a trend of growth in turnover, despite shopper numbers generally remaining unchanged from 2014.

“Of course, there were outlets that far outstripped this with significant growth in sales and shoppers. However, these were the exceptions and often the result of major extensions or upgrades taking place at a centre,” says Stops. “There were also some underperformers, mostly in communities particularly hard-hit by economic strife.”

Stops says the country’s shopping centres play an important role in the festive season and most worked hard to create a festive spirit for shoppers, serving up all the ingredients needed to support retailers’ sales and spread a little cheer.

“Many shopping centres began their year- end campaigns in November, dressing up in beautiful festive décor, helping shoppers by offering longer opening hours, presenting fun seasonal entertainment, offering big competition prizes and, of course, the alltime favourite attraction of photos with Father Christmas,” says Stops.

Many shopping

adults to enjoy

There were also many less glamorous preparations to ensure a pleasant shopping experience, even at the busiest times. This included increased cleaning, security and parking support. Fostering a safe festive season in places where many South Africans gather, there was also increased visible policing from SAPS at shopping centres across the country.

“December 23 and 24 were the busiest shopping days at many malls. However, several shopping centres, especially those in seaside cities, showed peak shopping and parking on December 19,” she says.

Stops reports the value for money and having an enjoyable experience were at the top of shoppers’ wish lists for the 2015 festive season.

Family and community were two strong themes at the country’s malls this festive season. “Many families get to enjoy precious time together during the holidays, so many shopping centres place a strong emphasis on providing attractions for children and adults of all ages to enjoy,” says Stops.

“With the season being a time for giving, community projects are also at the heart of most shopping centres’ festive campaigns. Many shopping centres partner with local charities for a gift-wrapping service to raise funds to boost good work in their communities, or collect gifts for the disadvantaged.”

The SACSC is the official umbrella body of all involved in shopping centres, including owners, developers, managing agents, brokers, retailers, marketers, service providers, financiers and researchers. It was launched in 1991.

SACSC promotes the interests of the sector, in South Africa and internationally, while addressing issues and meeting challenges in the industry. It engages with associated sectors and other stakeholders on behalf of its members and highlights the role of shopping centres as a major resource for all communities in South Africa.