Retailers having to redefine the purpose of malls
In a period marked by economic restraint, cautious consumer sentiment and digital disruption, one might expect South Africa's physical retail spaces, particularly shopping centres, to contract or stagnate. Instead, a transformation is under way.
The traditional mall needs to be reimagined from a retail zone to an experience-led destination.
This evolution mirrors shifts seen in developed markets, where foot count alone is no longer the metric of success. Property managers are being measured on dwell time, emotional engagement and relevance to consumer lifestyles. And in a country grappling with high inflation, relevance is a critical currency.
Several global studies confirm what South African consumers are showing through their behaviour, that shopping is no longer the primary driver of mall visits. A 2023 report by PwC found that 59% of global consumers say they value experiences as much as products, and that number climbs in younger cohorts. The trend is echoed in how South Africans are choosing to spend their time in these places: they're showing up for culture, social interaction, curated events and community moments and not just convenience.
This behavioural shift is partly generational. Millennials and Gen Z are digital natives with easy access to online retail, yet they're also wanting physical connection and shared experiences.
It's also economic. In a tight market, consumers are being selective with how and where they spend their money and time. They are less likely to make incidental visits, and more likely to prioritise destinations that offer meaning and value beyond the sale.
The mall is no longer just a place to transact. Internationally, this shift has led to a rise in 'retailtainment', immersive exhibitions and experiential zones designed to draw footfall and create memory-making moments. In South Africa, leading property portfolios are adapting too.
Commercial property owners are recognising that retail is no longer about square meterage alone. The future belongs to those who can transform malls into destinations, places where customers don't just shop, but feel seen, inspired and connected.
Innovation in this context doesn't mean novelty for its own sake, it must be relevant and resonate with consumers.
What is interesting is the idea of intersecting fashion and emerging technology, using generative AI to reimagine iconic wardrobe pieces. Malls are creating family experiences, fusing live theatre into the mall environment, making entertaining children more affordable during the high-pressure holiday period.
Malls can also serve as community learning hubs. Liberty Promenade in Mitchells Plain is a good example of this. In a community that has significant problems because of socioeconomic hardships, substance abuse and inadequate support services, the mall's
Unmasking Strength
campaign earned a gold award in the CSI category at the recent Solal Awards in Warsaw, Poland for its innovative approach to supporting youth mental health, opening conversations and building resilience. This is a reminder that malls, especially in under-served areas, have a role to play as a form of civic centre, and not just as retail hubs.
A strategic shift from short-term sales-led activations to longer-term brand-building, storytelling and placemaking is required.
Malls are also becoming proof points in the debate about the future of brick-and-mortar retail. Far from being obsolete, physical spaces are finding new purpose, if managed with intent.
The data supports this. A study by CBRE showed that shoppers who take part in an experiential component spend up to 40% more per visit than those who don't. The implication is clear, experience is a revenue driver.
Importantly, many of the most successful initiatives are rooted in purpose rather than pure promotion. This is aligned with broader retail trends, where consumers increasingly reward brands that reflect their values. Deloitte's 2024 Global Consumer Pulse found that 57% of consumers are more loyal to brands that take a stand on social or environmental issues. Purpose-led initiatives such as
Unmasking Strength
show that retail spaces can host meaningful discourse, not just commerce.
For landlords, this means developing strategies that go beyond leasing and footfall metrics. But relevance will require intentional innovation.
Jonathan Sinden is the chief operations officer at Liberty Two Degrees.
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