International and local high-end retailers have been flocking to Cape Town’s central business district to set up shop as the appetite for luxury goods continues to grow.

Three years ago only a handful of formal shopping centres were scattered across Africa, now developers are starting to flow into new retail-focused projects.

Some interesting trends have emerged in South Africa’s retail sector, reports Johan Engelbrecht, director, retail properties for JHI Properties, which currently manages approximately 2.7 million square metres of retail space in Southern Africa, comprising some 240 shopping centres. 

While speakers from around the world will share insight into global retail innovation at the 17^th annual Congress of the South African Council of Shopping Centres (SACSC) this week, some of the most inspiring retail success stories will come from right here in South Africa.

Amid stagnant economic growth, UK-focused Intu Properties has been repositioning itself and will be substantially better placed in the market 'as and when the economy picks up', according to management.

Eris Property Group is developing 15 000m² Tsumeb Mall in Namibia scheduled to open in May 2014.

There's still money to be made in the highly competitive rural and township retail market if you own established, dominant malls. 

Resilient Property Income Fund on Thursday said it had increased its stake from 10% to 75% in two major, adjacent shopping centres in southern Durban through a net purchase price of R1.39bn.

Listed retailer Spar Group has joined the foray into the forecourt stores business with the opening of its first Spar Express store in Germiston on Wednesday.

In keeping with its business philosophy of providing funding and support solutions that realise opportunities for its clients, Nedbank Corporate Property Finance has concluded a R144 million loan agreement with Atterbury for the development of the Waterfall Corner Retail Centre.