WORDS: DEBBIE HATHWAY :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Property group scoops a remarkable 17 Footprint Awards
Acknowledged as a driving force in retail property, Old Mutual Property was recently lauded with a remarkable 17 Footprint Awards for 2023. These accolades, presented by the Shopping Centre Council of South Africa, aim to commend outstanding achievements in retail marketing within the country. Among the notable triumphs, the Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, secured three gold, four silver, and one bronze award, solidifying its status in the industry.
The golden laurels garnered by Gateway celebrated the success of its visionary initiatives such as the “21 Big Favours”, the enchanting “Bloom Room”, and the delightful “Festive Photobooth”. Brimming with ingenuity and strategic finesse, these endeavours incorporated floral installations, postcards, a giant snow globe, a treasury of cherished memories, and more. Designed with the shopper’s experience at its core, these initiatives left an indelible mark on the landscape of retail experiences. Presently undergoing an aesthetic transformation, Gateway welcomes over 22 million visitors annually, cementing its position as a premier destination.
Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, won three Gold Footprint Awards.
With a history of accolades in the retail domain, Old Mutual Property continues to shine, having secured over 50 Footprint Awards to date. At the heart of its mission lies a dedication to crafting immersive, sensory-rich retail encounters. Its portfolio encompasses well-loved shopping hubs like Bedford Centre, Cavendish Square, Kagiso, Phumulani, Riverside Mall, Vincent Park, and The Zone @ Rosebank. Each of these centres is meticulously tailored to optimise the retail precinct’s offerings and elevate the community’s overall quality of life.
“Gateway is a haven for unparalleled shopping, housing over 380 stores, restaurants and entertainment experiences, representing the world’s leading brands, with a revamp underway to ensure that we continue to serve visitors to the centre with an exquisite experience,” said Ahmed Kazi, head of retail asset management at Old Mutual Property. “These awards affirm our strategic ambition to constantly strive for leadership in retail and leisure, and we are immeasurably proud of the entire team,” he concluded.
“The retail landscape is ever evolving, which necessitates nimble thinking, fresh perspectives, and creative marketing solutions across the entire field,” said Sakina Nosarka, CEO of Old Mutual Property. “I am delighted that the marketing team’s expertise, dexterity, and outstanding execution in marketing have received recognition through these awards,” she added.
The intricate orchestration of Old Mutual Property’s retail marketing initiatives is collaborative alongside Excellerate Brand Management. Within this specialised agency resides a team of visionary thinkers, creative minds, astute marketers, skilled sales professionals, innovative designers, and ideators, all propelled by an unwavering commitment to catalyse transformative change within the retail property domain.
