Leading etailing marketers share their insights on COVID-19’s silver linings

Some of the leading global and local pioneers in ecommerce and customer experience (CX) are set to share their insights, case studies and success stories at the upcoming CEM Africa from 10–11 November 2021. This follows the unprecedented, accelerated adoption of ecommerce and online shopping by billions during the last 18 months, and etailing proving to be one of the few silver linings in a pandemic-depressed economy worldwide.

*CEM = Customer Experience Management

CEM Africa speaker and session highlights include:

• Qaalfa Dibeehi is the Dean of the Customer Experience Leadership Institute (The School of Great Moments), at Majid Al Futtaim, a global conglomerate (retail, hotels, property, grocery, luxury, entertainment, cinemas, etc) based in Dubai.
  
  - “The technology we now refer to as CRM stems from the need to have real time customer dialogue” - Source
  
  On Day 1, on Wednesday, 10 November, Qaalfa Dibeehi is delivering the opening keynote presentation entitled: “DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AND LOFI CX - LOW FIDELITY CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE”.
  
  
• Robert Paddock is the founder and CEO of the Valenture Institute. He was the co-founder of GetSmarter, an online education company that has educated over 200,000 professionals from 154 countries, and was sold to Nasdaq-listed 2U in 2017.
  
  - Rob believes that the online experience has got to be designed from first-principles: “The closest analogy [for bricks and mortar schools operating remotely] would be if you’ve got a petrol or diesel engine car and you try to retrofit an electric engine into it, versus a purpose built electric car”. - Source
  
  Robert Paddack is presenting a case study on “ONLINE EDUCATION SECTOR - THE NEW STUDENT EXPERIENCE”.
  
  
• Steve Towers is a Process Management and Customer Experience enabler from the USA. The founder of the BP Group in 1992, Steve was named one of the 30 most influential Global Customer Service Experts in 2021.
  
  - “Without a clear, outside-in line of sight to what your customers true needs and successful outcomes are, you will never be truly customer centric. Change is a must. Every person in the organisation needs to make the customer their True North”.
  
  Steve Towers will deliver a keynote on “THE IMPORTANCE OF EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE AND GLOBAL LEADERSHIP IN THE ADOPTION OF CX APPROACHES”.
  
  
• Simon Hartley is the founder of Wumdrop in South Africa.
  
  - “As of 2021, “informal economy” is a phrase that absolves South African businesses of meaningfully serving the overwhelming majority of South Africans when things get hard, or complicated. And I do mean most of us. Our “formal” retail economy comprises a whole 5% of total outlets in South Africa. We’re not even into double digits”.
  
  At CEM Africa, Simon Hartley is part of a panel discussion on “REDEFINING CX FOR THE NEW ERA”. He will be joined by Kia Abbott, Rewards Programme Manager at the Shoprite Group of Companies, Lynne Blignaut, Group Loyalty and Customer Rewards, Dis-Chem and Clint Payne, Senior Manager – Customer Experience at Multichoice.
  
  
• Julia Ahlfeldt is a South African Customer Experience Professional (CCXP) and one of the marketing experts behind the 2021 South African Digital Customer Experience Report. At CEM Africa, Julia will lead the panel discussion to unpack the compelling, and sometimes, surprising results from the survey. According to the report, South Africa’s most recently reported online spend of R30bn1 suggests that if online stores were to fix key issues they’d potentially generate an additional R11.95bn in revenue.
  
  - “South African consumers have clearly embraced ecommerce,” says Julia. “With improved levels of connectivity and an abundance of online shopping options, there’s no good reason why South Africa should still lag behind. Customer experience is holding it back”. 
  
  
• Chantel Botha, MD of Brandlove Customer Experience, will share “THE SILVER BULLET TO IMPROVING YOUR CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE”, during which participants will create a practical playbook of rituals and cultural practices that will help their organisation thrive.
  
  - “Poor customer experience is only a symptom. Start a cultural evolution to move your organisation to remarkable employee and customer experiences”.

Valuable CX lessons
The CEM Africa Summit has been around for a decade and has played a leading role in South Africa’s customer experience journey and has connected thousands of CX professionals over the years. Confirmed event sponsors so far include Freshworks, Verint, Insider, Infobip, Rogerwilco, Simplify360 and Inquba.CX experts from some of the most recognised and successful brands on the continent, including Multichoice, Woolworths, Shoprite, Superbalist, African Bank, DHL and Rand Merchant Bank, will share their valuable lessons learnt (from success and failure) during the event.

How to join them?
CEM Africa returns via a world-class virtual event platform offering access to the live keynotes, panel discussions and the agenda. Attendees will be able to engage with the speakers and participate in Q&A sessions, polls and surveys. They can also contact exhibitors via chat or video call, exchange business cards with other participants and download brochures. To register and access the full programme, click here.

About CEM Africa 
CEM Africa is the largest online CX event on the continent and is organised by Kinetic Events, which is a partner of The Vuka Group (formerly Clarion Events Africa).

Dates and location: Dates: 10–11 November 2021
Venue: Online

Website: https://cemafricasummit.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cem-africa-summit/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/CEMAfrica/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CEMAfricaSummit

Media registration: Register to attend for free here

Media contacts:
Adam Fletcher, Chief Marketing Officer, CEM Africa
Mobile: 071 130 9160
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Annemarie Roodbol
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

South Africa’s retail organisations, particularly on-line stores, could expect a significant ramp-up in cybercrime ahead of the holiday season. This is the warning from Deon Smal, CEO of Cyber Insight, a Cape-based cyber security assessment firm.

“While data breaches increased alarmingly during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, organisations - particularly those in the ecommerce sector - can expect a ‘tsunami’ of new attacks as the festive season approaches,” he cautions. “This is as a result of intensified on-line shopping activity which creates more opportunities for cyberattacks.” Smal notes that many companies that supported work-from-home employees during the pandemic – and possibly continue to accommodate a hybrid workforce - have had to take short-cuts in terms of security to rapidly protect sensitive data which is accessed on-line.

“These ‘quick-fixes’ are now leaving these organisations vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. They should be addressed as a matter of urgency,” he says. According to Smal, the most common threat facing SA companies is a ransomware attack, in which criminals encrypt files and then demand a ransom to restore access.

He says that globally, ransomware is viewed as the most malicious of the numerous malware models that were experienced this year. “Smal encourages organisations, of all sizes, to accurately and comprehensively assess their cyber security positions. This will expose possible vulnerabilities which could result in breaches of security within the corporate infrastructure. This includes basic facilities, structures and services on which businesses rely.

“They should also consider penetration testing to prove the existence and determine the extent of their weaknesses before committing to a definitive security solution to ensure that it offers an appropriate level of protection against the most evolved threats and determined cyber-criminals,” he adds.

It’s great news for kids of all ages with experts in toys, Toys R Us revealing this year's top toy list featuring 25 must-have toys for the 2021 festive season inspired by the latest toy trends. 

“We’re so excited to kick off the most magical time of the year with the coolest and most sought-after toys of the season,” says Catherine Jacoby, Marketing Manager at Toys R Us. “The top toys, which include some exclusive releases have been hand-picked by our team of experts and inspired by the latest play patterns making it easier than ever to find something exciting for kids of all ages that every child will love this year, spreading joy and delight to kids of all ages.”

Jacoby explains: “A few of the big trends we are seeing in the world of toys which have inspired our top toy must-haves include toy unboxing, outdoor play and creative building, with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) skills toys, sensory play and educational toys that support remote learning dominating the shelves.”

Toy unboxing and interactive play sets continue to surprise and delight, with colour reveals, scent crazes and multi-box openings across all types of toys. Products like Rainbocorns Jelly Shake Surprise, Barbie and Hot Wheels Colour Reveal are predicted to feature quite prominently on children’s wish lists.

Jacoby says that Fidget toys are very popular right now and the range continues to grow with new colour designs, which come with the added benefits of helping reduce anxiety, stress, and increase motor skills.

The pandemic has brought families closer together and with this the trend of family outdoor play emerges. “The Quest Wooden Outdoor Games range offers different options for full family play including Tumble which is exclusive to Toys R Us added Jacoby.”

For Tweens who love nothing more than spending time with their friends while making and capturing memories, the INSTAX Mini 11 Camera brings a retro real-world element into their lifestyle and social media obsession.

Dinosaurs are still a firm favourite and are seen across categories and major brands such as Air Blasters, construction vehicles, robots, Power Rangers, Transformers, Nerf, Imaginext to name a few. Jurassic World remains the top brand for Dinosaurs with realistic detail and movement with our top toy being the Jurassic World Stomp and Escape T Rex.

Jacoby says that while radio control (RC) toys have always been a desired toy, Toys R Us identified the need for more robust and higher performance RC items, enabling kids of all ages to enjoy them for longer. “The Nexx range is next level now and offers older kids the joy of performance and quality whilst remaining easy to use and ready to run straight out of the box,” she adds.

Combined with the launch of the top toys list, Toys R Us has revealed that its ‘Geoffrey’s Big Book of Wonder’ is available in-store nationwide as well as online from today. It is a special 68-page festive season gift guide filled with wondrous toys including something for all ages and budgets with incredible deals.

In addition, fifty lucky customers stand a chance to win their share of R25 000 in vouchers and one lucky customer could stand a chance to win their ultimate wish list of the three items valued at R10,000. Simply collect a copy of the Big Book of Wonder, select your top 3 wishes, fill in the entry form at the back of the booklet and post your entry into the box in-store. Alternatively, you can log on to www.toysrus.co.za, and fill in your wish list online.

“This year our Christmas wish is that everyone gets to experience a little bit of Toys R Us magic and we hope that South Africans enjoy our festive offering this year,” Jacoby adds. “For those wanting to do their shopping in-store, Geoffrey’s Land of Wonder, where kids never grow up is ready to welcome the whole family.”

With the increased demand for online shopping convenience, Toys R Us SA encourages you to get your holiday shopping done early and conveniently online at www.toysrus.co.za.

For more information visit the website or follow Toys R Us on Instagram and Facebook #TopToys2021 #TRULandOfWonder #BigBookOfWonder

The complete top toy list expected to top children’s 2021 wish lists are:

1. MY GARDEN BABY™ GIGGLE & CRAWL
2. BABY BUTTERFLY™ DOLL ASSORTED 
3. BARBIE EXTRA DOLL & PLAYSETBARBIE®
4. COLOR REVEAL™ FOAM DOLL ASSORTMENT
5. ITTY BITTY PRETTYS ANGEL HIGH COLLECTABLES ANGEL DOLLS
6. BARBIE TIE DYE CREATION STATION INCL DOLL N DRESSES
7. LEGO Friends Doggy Day Care 41691
8. LEGO City Car Transporter 60305
9. Nexx Stunt Radio Control Superbike 1:6 Scale 
10. Transforming Stunt RC
11. Hotwheels Colour Reveal 2 pack assorted 
12. CAT Roarin Rex-cavator 
13. Reggies Military Plane 
14. Jurassic World Stomp and Escape T Rex
15. Nerf Elite 2.0 Flip 8 Foam Dart Blaster
16. Quest 60pc Giant Wooden Tumble Tower Natural
17. Zingo Move 3.0 6 Inch
18. BUBBLEGUM 7'' EDUCATIONAL TABLET BLUE/PINK
19. Instax Mini 11  Camera & Film Bundle Assorted 
20. Rainbocorns Jelly Shake Surprise
21. Batmobile Ride On 12V
22. Play-Doh Monster Truck Playset
23. Club Petz Blu Blu 2,0
24. Power Kid Educational Laptop English/French
25. Caylee Travels Jet & Doll

Johannesburg May 2 2019. RelatED Education and Gateway International Education, a subsidiary of Gateway Capital, have partnered to provide critical work readiness training for young South Africans. With unemployment among the youth at 52.4% on the rise the role of the private sector of the economy is becoming critically important.

The partnership between long-time operator RelatED Education and Gateway International Education, a subsidiary of Gateway Capital, is a key development in the area of training in the retail sector.

This partnership, between a company with a successful track-record of work readiness education in the wholesale and retail industries, with an organization boasting an enviable history of investment in private education, promises to create a combined entity that will greatly increase the opportunities for young people to enter the work environment.

Since its inception in 2011 RelatED Education has trained over 8 700 learners and nearly 4 000 managers, impacting over 35 retail groups across more than 250 communities throughout South Africa. Their courses range from NQF2 12-month learnerships to NQF 5 supervisory and management training programmes.

These are currently recognised by the Wholesale and Retail SETA, and RelatED aims to extends its training to other industry sectors as well. The organisation is currently one of only three retail training organisations to have received QTOC accreditation.

“We see a particular need to prepare our young people for the world of work. While full time jobs may be scarce, work of some description can be found generally for those equipped with a basic skill set,” said Leigh Blochlinger, CEO of RelatED Education.

Of more than 10 million South Africans between the ages of 15 and 24, nearly one third are currently not in employment, education or training. Young people in remote rural areas generally do not have access to networks that connect them to employment opportunities and have little knowledge of work.

“We intend to accelerate the number of training opportunities particularly for young people. Having trained over 8 700 young learners over the past six years, RelatED’s extensive experience combined with Gateway’s expertise in administration, contract management, and examination puts us in a winning position,” Blochlinger explains.

Gateway was established in 2007 with the objective of developing and expanding world-class international-standard education in Africa. The organisation has built an enviable track record of investment in private education, including a founding investment in the largest Cambridge curriculum distance learning institution in South Africa.

From Gateway’s perspective this investment in RelatED is the company’s first venture into vocational education.

“Our goal is to invest in and help grow premium-calibre institutions in the tertiary education sector. We firmly believe that an ever-expanding wave of truly educated young people will bring about real change in our country and on our continent,” states Marcus Oshry, CEO of Gateway.

Blochlinger is excited about the prospects of the combined group. “South Africa faces huge challenges in youth unemployment. But, by working together, RelatED and Gateway aim to make a meaningful impact by offering even more young people the real chance to work. It’s a model that could, and should, be rolled out across other sectors of the economy,” she concludes.

-- ENDS --

RelatED Education impacts the South African economy one life at a time through continuous work-ready education from internships to tertiary. Their desire is to provide dynamic skills development programmes and build capacity in our South African employee base. Established in 2010, RelatED began its journey servicing South Africa’s retail industry. In the past eight years, they have successfully graduated over 8700 learners, equipped 3742 senior managers, and impacted over 35 retail groups within 250 communities throughout South Africa.

When they started they had a dream to create the next generation of retail managers, and in turn the next generation of social and economic transformers capable of impacting their communities and the economy as a whole. This is why they passionately drive their training programmes, attracting a broad spectrum of learners from South Africa’s largest retail groups, and now the services sector.

Issued on behalf of RelatED Education.

DoshEx, the South African Digital Asset Exchange, and global blockchain-based payment pioneer Pundi X, today (4 April) announced a strategic partnership to bring cryptocurrency  to high street retailers and local consumers. In a first for South Africa’s retail market, XPOS, the Pundi X blockchain-based point-of-sale devices and XPASS cards for cryptocurrency transactions are to be deployed at selected sites across South Africa in a co-branded roll-out with DoshEx. Blockchain-driven point-of-sale technology enables merchants to digitize their payment infrastructure on the blockchain while consumers transact in cryptocurrency in a fast, efficient and convenient manner. Blockchain – a tamper-proof, cryptography-based technology – establishes trust of the transactions among various parties. Cryptocurrency transaction within the Pundi X payment ecosystem is a hassle-free method that promotes financial inclusion as XPASS-holders will have their own financial history of the transactions on XPASS card and the associated XWallet app without the necessity for having a bank account. Rapid acceptance is envisaged as the process resembles credit-card transacting with which consumers are familiar. To enable crypto transacting, the XPASS is simply tapped on an XPOS device.

Zac Cheah, CEO and Co-founder of Pundi X Labs, commented: “XPOS is the easy, affordable access point into crypto for mainstream retailers and consumers. “Many big businesses already access the crypto benefits of trusted record-keeping transactions. Now, an XPASS card loaded with crypto enables ordinary people to embrace the crypto-future, including millions of unbanked South Africans. “Our partnership with DoshEx enables us to tap into the early-adopter market at pace as this Bryanston-based innovator has a proven track-record as a digital exchange and developer of blockchain-based solutions for leading corporates, including the South African arm of Virgin Money.” DoshEX CEO Alex de Bruyn noted: “It was essential to roll out trusted and proven technology as our objective is to rapidly build South Africa’s first point-of-sale cryptocurrency network. This is why we partnered with Pundi X. “This global technology player has deployed payment ecosystems in numerous markets, including developing economies such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Nigeria.. Its international representation stretches from London to Jakarta to Tokyo. Pundi X therefore has the resources to support a rapidly growing network in line with our vision of demystifying crypto and turning it into a generally accepted payment option.

“We believe XPOS will rapidly become your crypto ATM and transaction-enabler at your local coffee shop or high street store.” Adoption is easy. Participating merchants install XPOS technology on the counter and provide the XPASS cards, activated for a once-off fee. Cryptocurrency is preloaded by the vendor. Users then transact on XPASS. Alternatively, users can buy XPASS online from DoshEX at www.doshex.comand load crypto online. The XPOS strategy calls for phased roll-out of XPASS cards and devices, with 5000 cards available for the first wave of early adopters.  The partners will announce details of the deployment footprint as the technology becomes available in different geographic areas. De Bruyn added: “The ability to readily transact in crypto is a vital step in digital currency development. Soon it will be the norm for the public to buy, hold and sell crypto. Borderless transactions and transfers will be easy, without the high costs traditionally associated with these activities. “In the crypto-future consumers will transact in their crypto currency of choice, perhaps linked to dollars or euro. Crypto’s future is bright and Pundi X has provided the first light switch.” 

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About DoshEx: DoshEx is a South African company pioneering the local development of crypto-tokens. Related DoshEx products and services include tokenised solutions for corporates and SOEs, safekeeping of funds and the design and deployment of blockchains. This digital exchange is the brainchild of a group of entrepreneurs with a background in payments and crypto-currencies. Among the innovators is Alex de Bruyn, who is young, articulate and passionate about the tokenised future. He is also DoshEx’s media spokesman. Website:  www.doshex.com Contact: Alex De BruynTel: +27 11 468-5236 

About Pundi X: Pundi X is a leading developer of blockchain-powered devices, including the world’s first point-of-sales (POS) solution enabling merchants and consumers to do transactions on the blockchain in physical stores.  Pundi X is also the developer of the first, fully-functional blockchain phone, the XPhone.  Its POS device, the XPOS, has been shipped to over 25 countries including Argentina, Australia, Colombia, Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan and the USA; 100,000 devices are being targeted for rollout to the global retail market by 2021.  The company is headquartered in Singapore. Its international presence includes offices in Jakarta, São Paulo, Seoul, Shenzhen, Taipei, and Tokyo.  Listed as one of the top 50 innovative fintech startups in 2018 by KPMG and H2 ventures, the company is also a member of Singapore Fintech Association, Fintech Association of Hong Kong, ACCESS, Swiss Finance and the Fintech Association.  It is also a founding member of Asosiasi Blockchain Indonesia. For more information, please visit https://www.pundix.com

Global commercial giants descend on Cape Town for the continent’s largest ecommerce gathering.  

Cape Town, South Africa: More than 300 companies within the African ecommerce ecosystem will gather in Cape Town on the 19th and 20th March to review the latest technology influencing online retail and fulfillment. Attendees will learn how to leverage the rapid growth of cross border payments; customer security and how African companies can compete with the likes of Amazon.  

The experts guiding the 2019 event are global leaders and game changers shaping the ecommerce landscape well beyond Africa. Google, Naspers, DHL and Jumia are among the giants who will be shaping the discussion. “The collection of thought leaders and the topics under discussion this year are aimed at creating an immediate impact for African ecommerce companies. From marketing to fulfilment, the world’s best will be on stage sharing best practice and innovative hacks to drive online growth”   

“It is quite remarkable to have all of these industry leaders on the same stage not only willing to share but actively working to grow the industry and ensure African customers receive a world class online shopping experience.” Terry Southam, Kinetic Managing Director. 

DHL partners with the conference for the second year running, extending their commitment to driving innovation within the fulfilment space as Lead Sponsor of the Show.  

Steve Burd, Vice President Sales for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, explains that the ongoing partnership between DHL and eCommerce Africa is a good fit. “As the market leaders in express logistics in Africa, we have extensive first-hand experience of the positive impact that ecommerce has on the continent. The massive growth in cross-border and international ecommerce in Africa sees DHL working with thousands more customers across the continent each year, helping them to expand their brand across borders.” 

He adds that the development of ecommerce in Africa continues to unlock major opportunities for growth. “E-commerce allows entrepreneurs and SMEs to connect with a large customer base and scale up rapidly which accelerates the need for support services. E-commerce growth therefore has a ripple-effect on many other industries on the continent.” 

“DHL’s partnership with eCommerce Africa provides us with an additional platform to connect with organisations and help them to understand key logistics considerations, and learn how to plan for and overcome any logistical challenges,” adds Burd. 

eCommerce Africa 2019 has taken additional care this year to ensure an event that is accessible to an extended audience, by offering an additional track agenda on the expo floor that educates business owners on how an effective ecommerce strategy can grow their business.  This agenda offers everything that startups and smaller businesses need to kick start and rapidly scale their business. These tickets are available at an inclusive price of only ZAR 350, to ensure every startup, small business owner and ecommerce dreamer has the opportunity to participate. 

Follow @eCommerceConfex on Twitter and join the conversation using the #ECO19 hashtag or register for the event here. 

For more information, please contact:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.+27 (0) 21 180 470014 Pickwick Road, Salt River, Cape Town. 

ABOUT KINETIC

Kinetic is a proudly South African conferencing company with an international footprint across East, West and Southern Africa. As the proud leader of the CX, ecommerce and IT conferencing industries, we strive to accelerate corporate and personal growth by connecting people, connecting companies and facilitating meaningful business connections.Established in 2008, we have produced over 100 conferences and exhibitions that have hosted over 100 000 delegates, 5000 speakers and 450 sponsors. Our mission is to inspire change in the industries we service, by leaving our delegates with fresh insights, new perspectives and real business opportunities. 

ENDS

Compucart Anything Office, leading provider of boutique services and support to the SME market, has launched a fresh brand and identity aligned with vibrant and dynamic vision.

With more than 17 years of experience, the company has been a trusted supplier of products and services that run from end to end office supplies and outsourced procurement through to superlative technology implementations and solutions. “The foundations of our business are made up of three core areas – Supply, Managed IT Services and Specialised solutions. As part of our rebrand, we have allocated colours to each of these pillars so they are easy to identify and engage with,” says Rowan Fine, Managing Director, Compucart Anything Office.

“This ensures that our customers can instantly recognise our areas of expertise. It also allows us to showcase the comprehensive ecosystem of solutions we offer to the small to medium enterprise market.” Compucart has been working with small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in the South African market for more than 17 years. The company specialises in providing niche and tailor-made solutions to help SMEs overcome the most common challenges they face on a daily basis. Its goal is to alleviate client pain points as not all SMEs have the budget for a dedicated office manager, IT manager and procurement office. “We offer software and hardware as a Service, manage office fit outs, and provide hands-on support to our clients,” says Fine.

“We work with customers to assess their specific needs and create solutions that match. This allows us to provide our clients with the help they actually want, where they want it, and at an excellent price point. Our relationships with strategic suppliers, vendors and manufacturers has meant that we can create packages that save our customers’ money.” The company has developed a procurement health check assessment tool to determine exactly where a company is spending more than it should and how systems or expenses can be refined. Using this insight, Compucart Anything Office then offers a three-month trial period where it uses these insights to solve the problems and prove the price point. “Our clients stay with us because they know we are providing them with the best quality and the best cost,” concludes Fine. “The new brand reflects this in its bright colouring, clearly defined pillars of expertise and in the fresh brand voice.

We are a company that SMEs have trusted for more than 17 years and our new brand identity, colouring and strategy reflect that.”

To find out more about Compucart Anything Office and the value it can deliver to your organisation visit www.compucart.co.za, call +27 (011) 025 4406, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The wait for uMhlanga’s latest business and lifestyle development is over as Park Square, an exceptional business and lifestyle destination for professionals and community members, finally opens its doors.

The R1billion Four Star Green Star-rated development, developed by Nedport Developments, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nedbank, features 36 000m² of commercial space, a 4 000m² retail area and a 3 500m² connected open square. The generous retail arcade with some of Durban’s finest stores, restaurants and coffee shops, connects the square with the lush Chris Saunders Park.

Indigenous trees, grass and planter boxes form part of the development’s design to create an attractive natural open space where a connected work culture and distinctive leisure and retail elements exist side by side. Designed with people in mind, Park Square connects the surrounding communities through considered stores, restaurants and services while simultaneously being a dynamic place for professionals to work and socialize.

Outlets to look out for include a brand new top tier Spar and Tops at Spar, Medstone Pharmacy, Armitage Men’s Outfitters, Pizza Hut, Postnet, Hello Hunny Beauty Studio, Seattle Coffee, Mike’s Kitchen, Sergeant Coffee, D’Lishious Shawarma, the Eye Gallery, Eazi Laundromat and International Bank Vaults. On the mix of retail outlets, Nedport Director, Ken Reynolds commented, “Selecting the right assortment of retailers for Park Square was a thorough process. We are confident that we have an excellent combination of fashion, food and coffee purveyors as well as great service providers that will attract people to the development to shop, relax and get things done.”

Located on the uMhlanga Ridge close to Gateway Theatre of Shopping, a GO!Durban Integrated Rapid Transport System stop and other attractions, and with ample parking, Park Square will benefit from excellent access in an upmarket, safe and convenient location. Office areas will enjoy a second, more exclusive breakout space which enhances the development’s people-centred approach. “We look forward to welcoming the community to see what our beautiful considered new space has to offer. We are sure they will be impressed!” concludes Reynolds.

Visit www.parksquare.co.za to find out more.