Retail is thriving in Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square

What differentiates retail today, is the ability to introduce fresh ideas, concepts and spaces; and between April and August 2021, both Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square will be introducing a host of new additions and designer destinations to the directory of over 300 stores.

Despite the evolution of online shopping, nothing can substitute experience, and retail is alive and well; with both Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square not just surviving but thriving.

Consumers do not simply buy goods and services, they invest in relations, stories and experiences; which is why both Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square are always looking to amplify the consumer experience, with unparalleled offerings and a plethora of firsts for South African retail.

“It’s not just about being better, it’s about being different; and giving consumers a reason to choose Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square as their preferred retail destination,” says General Manager of Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square – Preston Gaddy . “The success of a shopping centre depends heavily on the retail experience, and our retailers, creative and operational teams are committed to keeping their finger on the pulse, and always being ahead of the curve.”

Retail is focused on detail, and below is a detailed description of what consumers can expect from Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square over the next few months.

Adidas will be opening its first Halo store concept in South Africa, and the largest store Adidas has ever launched on the African continent, at the end of June. With a strong focus on digital, sustainability and innovation, the 1 600 sqm store in Sandton City will offer an interactive and completely revolutionised retail experience, featuring personalised products, localised campaigns and a premium women’s fitness and fashion offering.

Created by Giorgio Armani to capture the heritage of the Armani brand through the lens of its young fashion-forward urban spirit; the A|X Armani Exchange label is coming to Sandton City. Inspired by street culture, this trendsetting boutique will boast modern bold shapes in original shades, which reflect contemporary designs and stylish details, aimed at street fashion lovers and those who live a metropolitan life.

CHANEL will unveil its first flagship Fragrance and Beauty Boutique in Johannesburg in June at Sandton City. Dedicated to fragrance, makeup and skincare, this boutique brings CHANEL Beauty into a new dimension for South Africa. The immersive space will offer a large range of fragrances from the iconic N°5 to COCO MADEMOISELLE L’EAU PRIVÉE and LES EAUX DE CHANEL. The boutique will also present a comprehensive selection of CHANEL sunglasses. The CHANEL Fragrance and Beauty Boutique will be a place of true expression, where elegance and audacity are in perpetual motion.

Coming to the Food Court, CHIAPAS eat Mexican will offer consumers an authentic Mexican experience of building their own burritos and burrito bowls, as well as traditional crispy tacos, salads and nachos. Made from the freshest quality ingredients, the much-loved Mexican fast-food chain opens in Sandton City in May 2021.

Back by popular demand, leading fashion boutique Desch is reopening their contemporary boutique in Sandton City, and to celebrate, will be offering shoppers the premium shopping experience they are renowned for, as well as a 40% opening discount for the month of April.

Bringing a family favourite home to Sandton City, GAP will be opening their second store in South Africa in early winter. Recognised and loved by a global audience for its modern approach to American optimism, GAP will offer their iconic product range of essentials, from newborns to adults, including denim, t-shirts, and hoodies.

Opening their first store outside of Kwazulu-Natal, Gorimas’s Culinary Fusion is coming to Sandton City. With an authentic and affordable offering of premium spices, home cooks and chefs alike will be able to discover the iconic flavours and delights of Durban in the heart of the City.

With a legacy spanning over 43 years, Koco Bino was one of the founding stores when Sandton City originally opened its doors, and will boast a brand new look and location from April 2021. An institution in the City, Koco Bino has shared in three generations of milestones, happiness and excitement and “given birth” to their exclusive label, designed and manufactured in South Africa.

With a fresh new look and an attitude to match, Okaidi has relocated to a bigger and brighter space in Sandton City, that is easily accessible and the perfect place to launch their impressive new Winter Collection.

True Story is proud to present its premium lifestyle offering to Sandton City in a pop-up curated collection of the finest South African artists. Exclusive pieces from Esther Mahlangu to Mungo; local consumers will be afforded an opportunity to peruse and purchase these rare works of art.

Inspired by the street cafès of Portugal, infused with the lively energy of the people of Africa, and blended together in a place that inspires the soul, VIDA E CAFFÈ is the embodiment of the vida way of life. This year, they celebrate twenty years of life and coffee, and will be opening their doors in Sandton City in the next two months.

With a rich heritage and history with the Italian Air Force; Aeronautica Militare has since become a recognizable lifestyle apparel brand, and has recently opened its doors in Nelson Mandela Square. One of the most recent mono brand stores to be opened in South Africa, and satisfying those in search of distinctive Italian style and a strong, authentic identity; Aeronautica Militare is synonymous with quality and design in their comprehensive unisex seasonal wardrobe to suit every occasion.

Opening its first flagship store in Nelson Mandela Square in June 2021, Luxity boasts the largest source of pre-owned, authenticated luxury in the Southern hemisphere. An enchanting entrance will entice consumers into 500 sqm of luxurious mirrored retail space, featuring Carrara and Piatra marble, a VIP vault to showcase and shop luxury watches; as well as a Gentlemen’s Lounge, featuring a fireplace and fully-stocked signature bar.

Goldsmiths Wolfgang and Werner Schmidt, of ROMA Jewellers, are two of the few craftsmen who still create jewellery in their own workshop today; and have opened their doors in Nelson Mandela Square. Producing rare pieces rich in design and form, their collection is delicately crafted by hand, from the most precious materials. Transforming heirloom jewellery into modern masterpieces, and preserving jewellery passed down from generation to generation, they restore, repair and polish every piece to its former glory.

Celebrating 20 years of harvesting South African stories and traditions through fashion; The House of Sun Goddess is looking forward to an exciting new chapter, as they reopen in Nelson Mandela Square. Offering consumers an authentic and uniquely African retail experience, when it comes to fashion and lifestyle; their exclusive accessories, craftsmanship, textiles, fabrics and palettes define African luxury design at its finest. Awarded for their retail offering and outstanding customer service, The House of Sun Goddess celebrate their sweet 16th year of trading in the Sandton Precinct this year.

A tantalising new world-class offering to the Joburg foodie scene is set to open its doors in Nelson Mandela Square. TANG, a luxury Asian restaurant and bar, designed by award-winning Tristan Du Plessis, marks a return to the city’s restaurant scene by hospitality entrepreneur Nicky van Der Walt. TANG will take guests on an exotic culinary journey, led by seasoned chefs Lai Kuan Geo and Wesley Chen. Featuring sumptuous Pan Asian flavours, TANG’s menu will be complemented by a lavish Asian tropical setting; and a first for Johannesburg, a 60-seater Moët & Chandon bar will spill out onto the terrace.

Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square’s continued performance and success is credited to the retailers, creative and operational teams that work tirelessly to deliver unique and unparalleled experiences for their consumers in the renowned mixed-use retail precinct.

For more information or details about Sandton City’s new offerings, please contact Taryn Harding – Taryn.Harding@epsgroup.co.za and for Nelson Mandela’s Square’s new developments, please contact Mody Khabele – Mody.Khabele@epsgroup.co.za

Category: Press Releases