Crisis, What Economic Crisis?

What would the festive season be without splurging on gifts, and spoiling yourself? And it would appear that shoppers in the province are doing a lot of both this month.

The managers and spokesmen- and women for the big shopping malls in KwaZulu-Natal said they had seen a rise in their foot count this month despite the harsh economic challenges facing the country.

Tessa Apostolides, marketing manager for the Shelly Centre, near Shelly Beach on the South Coast, said there had been a noticeable increase in turnover since the beginning of December. She said shoppers were, however, “shopping differently”, and buying necessities rather than luxuries.

“While the recent trends and analyses show that South African retailers are feeling the pinch, our centre seems to be doing well. There have been no declines in sales and with our town being a tourist destination, there is an influx of tourists visiting the malls at Christmas.

“While it is hard to shed light on exact figures this season, the December season seems to be the best time for us. Our report for this season will be released mid January.”

Apostolides said groceries, clothing, restaurants and electronics were their top performing categories at present.

Marketing manager, Anusha Timal, said there was a 9 percent increase in foot traffic above that recorded last year. “People are definitely spending more and the mall is busier than ever. The challenge in the economy does not seem to affect consumers’ buying power.”

Michelle Shelley, marketing manager for the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, in uMhlanga, said in the run-up to Christmas people were focused on buying toys, and groceries.

One of the managers at the Ballito Bay Mall, who did not want her name mentioned, said the economic challenges had affected their customers, but business was brisk.

“There has been an increase in foot traffic this month. We have a lot of tourists who frequent the mall. Game and Checkers have been very busy,...