LOOK: New Pick n Pay Clothing store pays tribute to Raymond Ackerman and KZN heritage
South African retailer Pick n Pay Clothing has unveiled its flagship store at the Gateway Theatre Of Shopping in Durban which has a number of features including a tribute to the founder of Pick n Pay Raymond Ackerman.
According to Pick n Pay, the design of the new store has been inspired by the essence of KwaZulu-Natal, plus it has a green star rating to minimise its environmental impact.
Following a six-week renovation, the store reopened on August 7, 2024. This is the third revamps of the Gateway store.
Speaking at the pre-look for the store, Hazel Pillay, Managing Executive of Pick n Pay Clothing, said that new revamped space is one-of-a-kind because it draws design from the landscape and culture of KZN.
This includes innovative design elements like sugar cane panels on the ceiling and light fixtures shaped like the Tugela River. Customers will also see local tribal prints on fixtures, celebrating local culture.
“We engaged local artisans from Durban to create baskets installed above our tills and as decorative art, adding a unique, handmade touch and fostering a sense of community,” Pillay said.
The fitting rooms, which are styled like a shipping container, pay homage to the Port of Durban and features historical information celebrating iconic attractions like the Comrades Marathon the Red Desert, and Pick n Pay’s founder Raymond Ackerman.
Pillay said that the revamps of the flagship store are personalised to the region so that customers can resonate with and identify with the unique design features.
“Our investment in the Gateway store honours and celebrates the strength of Durban residents and their rich history. This revamp is our way of giving back to a community loyal to Pick n Pay. We hope the revamped store brings joy and pride to KwaZulu-Natal,” Pillay said.
The store was also designed to achieve an interior building Level 6-star rating from the Green Building Council as Pick n Pay Clothing continues to prioritise its environmental responsibility.
According to the clothing retailer, 50% of the in-store materials are recycled and repurposed including white hangers which are made from recycled materials like milk and yoghurt cartons.
Other sustainable features that the store has includes energy-efficient appliances and systems, dimmable LED lighting to conserve energy, as well as energy meters to monitor and reduce total energy usage.
Pillay said: “Additionally, we have planted 500 trees to mark this opening at Platbos Nature Reserve, something we do with every new store opening.”
The new flagship store is one of the 50 new Pick n Pay Clothing stores that will be revamped stores and opened this year, adding to the 58 new stores opened last year.
In the coming months, the La Lucia Pick n Pay Clothing store will also be revamped, and two new stores will be opened in Durban.
Pick n Pay Clothing has 385 standalone stores with plans to further accelerate growth by increasing the space set aside for clothing in 170 supermarkets and hypermarkets.
KZN, a new destination for luxury
While Cape Town and Gauteng are ahead in terms of luxury retail due to their affluent markets and tourism, KZN is not trailing behind.
This is according to a report by Everything Property.
Oceans Mall which is located in the heart of affluent suburb Umhlanga in KZN is home to a number luxury brand stores while the Gateway is also known to offer several luxury brands.
In May 2024, iconic luxury brand Roberto Cavalli opened its flagship store at the Oceans Mall, the store is the only one on the African continent.
Other luxury brands that are the Oceans Mall include Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana and Michael Kors.
Zara, also reopened its newly revamped flagship store at the Gateway. The store is equipped with a number of technological features including a service that is integrated with the brand’s app that allows people to reserve fitting rooms online.
South African retailer Checkers is offering customers a whole new experience with their full experience store at the Oceans Malls.
According to Shoprite, a full experience store is a store that offers customers an artisanal market experience within a supermarket environment.
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