Leading retailers Cape Union Mart, Old Khaki, Mr Price Sport and Havaianas will all open stores at the mall before the end of the year. The shopping centre's popular Dis-Chem is also expanding and it recently introduced a Sorbet salon.
Cape Union Mart marketing manager, Evan Torrance, says, "The group is enjoying a period of positive and sustained growth and sees the KwaZulu-Natal region as an area of great opportunity. That's why it's investing in two stores in La Lucia Mall."
Cape Union Mart will offer the latest gadgets, footwear, leisure clothing, technical apparel and adventure gear from some of the world's most credible outdoor brands, when it opens in September.
Then, in November, Old Khaki will bring its top-quality men's and ladies' leisurewear, footwear and accessories. "The shop is designed with the customer in mind, allowing for easy browsing in a relaxed and friendly environment," says Old Khaki marketing manager, Candy Swart. The store's interior will combine natural textures such as wood, brick and metal, reflecting the urban lifestyle brand's 'Unrestricted' image."
Mr Price Sport will open in April 2014, bringing its sport and outdoor equipment, functional, fashionable, sport and outdoor apparel and footwear to shoppers.
Marketing executive, Nikki Viljoen reports that the group's other brands at the mall - Mr Price Apparel and Mr Price Home - are trading well. "The mall offers a shopping experience that has continued and loyal support of the La Lucia and Umhlanga community that we are very happy to be associated with," says Viljoen.
Havaianas, reputed to be the best rubber sandal in the world, will open a concept store in October. Over the past six years, this popular Brazilian brand has grown into three prime stores in South Africa: V&A Waterfront, Sandton City and Gateway Theatre of Shopping. La Lucia Mall will be its fourth.
"The Durban consumer is diverse and each region and mall within KwaZulu-Natal itself comes with its own attractions, following and loyalty," says Paul Lazarus, MD of Havaianas in South Africa. "We quickly realised there is an opportunity to further entrench ourselves within the Durban market and specifically to be available to the focused consumer base that frequents and supports this mall, a consumer that is different from that seen in other malls."
Lazarus notes that the company considers the mall as a leading 'community' mall in the South African retail environment. "We strongly believe the range will be a great extension to its existing formidable retail mix. "o when the opportunity arose for us to take up this key retail space, we grabbed it with both hands."
Besides these new retailers, several of the mall's stores also recently invested in refurbishments, furthering its reputation for quality shopping. These include Pick n Pay, Food Lover's Market, Edgars, Boardmans, The Body Shop, Perfect 10 Nail & Body Studio, Dream Nails Beauty, Nedbank and others.
"The mall achieved double-digit turnover growth year-on-year to July 2013, yet again," says La Lucia Mall manager, Vanessa Blevins. "It enjoys support from its upscale, loyal shoppers.
"We constantly evaluate the retail mix to ensure it is appealing and relevant to our customers. Besides quality brands and products, we know that our shoppers enjoy a fresh and engaging experience and we are always seeking new ways to integrate this at the mall," she concludes.
