African Design Magazine ADM #35 November 2017 | Page 12

DOBSONVILLE
MALL
Owned by Vukile Property Fund, the leading JSE-listed retail REIT,
the $8 million upgrade and expansion of Dobsonville Mall builds
on the foundation of the legendary centre's strong trading, retailer
demand and its longstanding popularity with its shopper market.
obsonville is a township in greater Soweto, fondly known as “Dobsie” to the
locals. It became the first township in Soweto to have its own formal shopping
centre when Dobsonville Shopping Centre opened in 1994, welcoming
shoppers from its neighbourhood and surrounding townships.
20 years later, this retail landmark has been increased from 23,000m² to 27,000m², it has
also been modernised in line with the latest shopper and retailer expectations, and it
has changed its name from Dobsonville Shopping Centre to Dobsonville Mall. Before
its upgrade, Dobsonville Shopping Centre was home to more than 50 stores including
its anchor store, Shoprite. Thus, the centre is known as “Shoprite” to locals.
Dobsonville Mall a racts over 1 million shoppers each month. Value for its shoppers
has been increased as the mall now boasts more than 80 stores. Its new extension
features Pick n Pay and Pick n Pay Liquor, PQ Clothing, Foschini, Clicks, Pep Home
and Legit.
“The centre originally opened in 1994 and our strategic upgrade and extension
will ensure it is optimised for the next generation of shoppers” - Executive Asset
Manager at Vukile, Itumeleng Mothibedi
The existing centre has increased its exposure to fashion and sportswear retailers,
which have shown strong trading density growth over the past two years.  
A key element of Vukile's up-
leasing strategy for the mall
included aggressively
decreasing its exposure to
the underperforming
furniture retail category, thus
improving its overall shopper
appeal and rental growth
potential.
12 africandesignmagazine.com