Global consumption and lifestyle trends will be spotlighted at this year’s annual shopping centre congress in Sandton next week, with a view to arming SA retailers with market intelligence to take their businesses forward.
Lush SA partner and director Jon Roberts
Themed Connect: Un-Cover, this year’s 17th annual Congress of the SA Council of Shopping Centres (SACSC), supported by the International Council of Shopping Centres and sponsored by Nedbank Corporate Property Finance, will bring together retail strategists from across SA and the globe to delve into the latest sector trends and research.
Authenticity is just one of the trends being highlighted, and signals a shift to products that are real, handmade and natural in settings that showcase smaller stores and a nod to local character.
Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics is one retailer that prioritizes authenticity, as Lush SA partner and director Jon Roberts points out.
Based in the UK, Lush opened its first SA store in Cape Town in late 2012 as part of expanding network of stores throughout the world.
“Consumers want the real thing, and they want it from companies that live by authentic values,” he explains.
Lush’s corporate values include: ethical campaigning; support of charity; creative purchasing; and environmental consciousness. They are one of the few cosmetics brands that are not only cruelty free, but vegan too.
“Shopping centres need to tap into this trend and we believe that smaller retailers – rather than large global chains – will play a key role in meeting that need.”
Roberts is one of many retail specialists who will be sharing best practice and real-life retail experience at the conference this year.
Sponsored by Nedbank Corporate, the 17th annual Congress of the SA Shopping Council is taking place from 11-13 September 2013 at the Sandton Convention Centre.
For more information about SACSC’s 17th Annual Congress email confer@iafrica.com or visit www.sacsc.co.za
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