Sandton City the Queen Bee for Fashionistas

Like it or not Christmas is around the corner.

In anticipation of Christmas 2011 Sandton city is flirting, no, building, long term relationships with some of the world’s most glittering names in world fashion. So someone’s had to make some room.

SandtonCity’s much anticipated R1.77 billion first phase redevelopment is being undertaken by Liberty Properties on behalf of owners Liberty Group (75%) and Pareto Ltd (25%). There has been a shortage of retail space in the centre; despite being one ofSouth Africa’s largest. They’re hoping the 30 000sqm extension will be sufficient retail space in expectation of the flurry of high fashion tenants wanting visibility at the centre.

The development will see an additional 69 stores toSandtonCity, the resultant total will come to 360.SandtonCity’s total retail space, with the extension, will now be an extraordinary 143,700sqm upon completion of phase one. The whole complex, including offices space and the hotel, will now come to 220,000sqm!

So who’s coming to the party!

Where to begin? Let’s name drop with: Zui, Okaidi, Nespresso, Lecoqsportif, Steve Madden, Tag Heuer, Bellagio, Pandora, Democratic Republic, Ben Sherman, Hackett, Jack Friedman. That’s just a start.

Lacoste and Lacoste Live

The Surtee Group, being a cutting edge luxury clothing retailer, will be opening a breathtaking Lacoste flagship store. This concept store has only been seen on the Champs de Elysees in Paris andNew York’sFifth Avenue, as well as inHamburg. The store is expected to be a 300sqm store presenting the complete Lacoste world of products including footwear, fashion, handbags and sunglasses as well as fragrances and an entire children’s range. The store will introduce to South African Youth the dynamic Lacoste Live products and ranges.

Paul & Shark

The Surtee Group will also be showcasing Italian luxury fashion brand Paul & Shark in its own 120sqm store. Previously the brand was available at Surtee Group’s Levinson’s. The shop itself has been created inNaples,Italyand will be shipped intoSouth Africain time for the November opening. This is a replica of the Paul & Shark’s store inMilan, arguably the fashion centre ofItaly.

Guess Accessory Store

The Busby Group, which currently has 13 shops in the centre, will be adding to its repertoire a whole new exciting Guess accessory store. The Guess Accessory store will tantalisingly display an assortment of high-fashion Guess jewellery, handbags, eyewear, fragrances, watches and footwear. There is much anticipation of the designer-chic interior.

Lacroix and Nina Ricci 

The Levison’s retail group will be introducing new lines to their already chic store.  These include the highly sort after Nina Ricci and Lacroix labels.

Hugo

Said to be the avant-garde face of Hugo Boss – Hugo will open its first South African store with product lines particularly focused on men although there is a range of women’s products.

…and there’s more

Throw in Lulu Belle, Thomas Sabo, Lorna Jane, Drifters, Ordning and Reda, G-Star, Crossover, Shesha, Kitchen Passion , Kingsley Heath, Superdri, Sack’s, Maska, Fossil, Aeronautica, Addidas, Superga, Canterbury, Simply Manas, le Creuset as well as Tiger of Sweden and one is left gasping.

SandtonCity seems to have become the queen bee and all the worlds’ brands want a spot in the hive.  “The expansion ofSandtonCity adds an increased breadth of range for shoppers. The new variety and sheer size of the shopping centre will serve to draw more feet to the centre and grow overall revenue,” said one retailer.

With the introduction of the Gautrain and the proximity of the new Sandton Gautrain stationSandtonCity’s scope has broadened even further than before. Also the work done by the centre’s management, listening carefully to shoppers, on creating a customer friendly environment, adds charm to the bling of a glittering new crown of world-class status brands.

Christmas atSandtonCityis going to quite the glittering affair.