Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa March 2015 | Page 47

retail

Pop-up stores
A booming trend in retail
BY CHARMAINE DU PLESSIS

A

n area of significant growth in the South
African retail sector is the stand-alone store,
such as fast food chains, big brand convenience
stores and supermarkets, as well as international brands
like Burger King.
There are more opportunities for stand-alone
developments – where one store occupies the entire
building rather than being part of a larger centre. A
gain in momentum is expected in this area during the
coming year.
Pop-up stores, meanwhile, are a booming trend that
has broadened thinking in the traditional retail sector.
Temporarily opened to take advantage of a seasonal
product, or to test the potential of a product or concept
in the market, pop-up stores have gained an increasing
popularity in South Africa.
Mark Souris, Managing Director of Periscopic
Masingita, says, “With the dismal South African
economy, entrepreneurs and retail centres are forced to
find ways of making additional revenue. Pop-up stores
offer many benefits to both the entrepreneur and the
shopping centre.”
Pop-up shops are an ideal way for entre