A pioneering initiative, which has seen smaller tenants in a new shopping centre receive free consulting services on retailing, is to be replicated in other major complexes around South Africa. The extension of the service follows its successful introduction by Old Mutual Properties at Gateway Theatre of Shopping at Umhlanga. The service, introduced last November, has paid off in significant growth in turnover, say some smaller Gateway tenants. Old Mutual Properties MD Ian Watt says the service was introduced at Gateway as a landlord initiative to support small traders meriting assistance through difficult periods, particularly in the early stages of a shopping centre's life. "Small traders - often localised, one-shop operations - are a distinguishing feature at a growing number of complexes. "This trend has highlighted the need for a win-win relationship for landlord and retailer and for both parties to apply themselves to real issues causing difficulties in newer complexes," he said. Barry Nesbitt, MD of Re: Solutions, the specialist consultancy offering the service, said: "When Gateway opened, there were perceptional problems between tenants and centre management. "Tenants - some of whom had little business experience in the price-driven Durban market - were concerned that because some leading retailers were not represented, the centre would thus not be a one-stop destination and that the marketing effort was lacking. This led to misunderstandings and the formation of a tenants' forum," he said. "My thrust has been on helping retailers make their offerings better by refocusing on the basics of retailing and not on criticism of the landlord. "Our approach is that mastery of the basics and answers to poor performance are not found in corporate boardrooms, but on the shop floor," said Nesbitt.
Publisher: The Star
Source: The Star
which has seen smaller tenants in a new shopping centre receive free consulting services on retailing, is to be replicated in other major complexes around South Africa.
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