Retail News South Africa

SA's shopping expands centres

Another two major shopping centres in the portfolio managed by Old Mutual Properties are being expanded as lively consumer spending continues to buoy the retail sector. The latest expansions are taking place at Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Umhlanga, and Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, Pretoria.

And a R130 million redevelopment and expansion of Riverside Mall in Nelspruit, which is drawing a host of retailers into an additional 13 000m² of space, is due for completion in November.

Sportsman's Warehouse and Boardman's, a member of the Edcon group, are opening stores at Gateway, which posted a 24.7% increase in sales in 2004.

Last year, the Edcon Group boosted its presence in the KwaZulu Natal market by opening a 6 000m² Edgars store and a 1 000m² Jet store at Gateway. Game, the largest retail discount chain in the Massmart group, opened a 6 600m² store.

At Menlyn Park, Edgars is expanding its store by 20% by adding 1 261m² of space. Trading in the expanded area is scheduled to begin at the end of October.

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