Nearly 50 submissions showcasing exceptional shopping centre marketing initiatives have received Footprint Marketing Awards from the South African Council of Shopping Centres (SACSC) for excellence and innovation.

"The strong pack of enthusiastic entries in 2012 reflects the esteem in which the awards are held by the industry. It is an excellent mark of retail marketing innovation and talent in South Africa," says Amanda Stops, CEO of the SACSC.

This year, 10 gold Footprints Awards were shared among the industry's top achievers.

Menlyn Park Shopping Centre and Gateway Theatre of Shopping, both marketed by Primedia Lifestyle, each gained two gold awards. Menlyn Park shone for its 'The Beach is Back 2011' and 'Gautrain Exposure Activation' campaigns. Gateway Theatre of Shopping excited judges with its 10th birthday celebration and 'Right Royal Affair'.

The glittering line-up of gold winners also includes cool candidate Canal Walk's 'Giant Ice Slide' by Marketing Concepts, Musgrave Centre's 'Accentuate an Icon' by Primedia Lifestyle, Nelson Mandela Square's 'Find and Save the Rhino Treasure Hunt' by Duotone Marketing, Riverside Mall's 'Feast' by Primedia Lifestyle, Sandton City's 'Brand Launch' by Creative on Demand and Mustard Seed's 'Super Smile – At Your Service' campaign at Westwood Mall.

Besides a power line-up of local judges, the panel for the SACSC Footprint Marketing Awards included knowledgeable representatives from around the world. Each came from a country or region that has its own shopping centre awards, including the UK, US, UAE, Europe, Asia and Australia, and South America.

"This year's winners were certainly judged to a global standard and compare favourably with top shopping campaigns worldwide," says Stops. "Strategy and objectives, creativity, implementation, cost-effectiveness and impact were all considered in the results."