Retailers flock to Beacon

A new “value centre” under construction in Beacon Bay has secured big name retailers never before seen in East London.

This comes as the city's retail revolution picks up steam with new malls in Mdantsane and Gonubie opening their doors to mixed success.

But project managers for the Beacon Bay Crossing development, Slip-Knot Investments, said they would mix a mall with warehousing and wholesale-type brands which would be a “first of its kind in the world”.

Denis Peens, a director at Slip-Knot, said the development would service the whole of East London and its neighbouring towns and cater for a mixed target market.

Construction on the centre started in February last year and the first phase of 12,500m² will be home to Hi-Fi Corporation and fashion outlet Meltz. The construction site is visible from the N2 opposite Beacon Bay Retail Park.

The construction on this phase will cost R130- million and is expected to be completed at the end of the year.

Meltz spokesperson Toni Jabour said their 600m² outlet would open in March 2009 and is expected to create at least 10 permanent jobs.

“Customers can expect a variety of authentic international brands as well as in-house brands at exceptional value for money,” said Jabour.

Hi-Fi Corporation, the first in East London, will open for trading on December 1. The only branch currently in the province is in Port Elizabeth.

Peens said Beacon Bay Crossing's second phase would include a 30,000m² retail mall with a high emphasis on participative entertainment offerings, like bowling alleys. The mall is expected to cost R500m and construction is expected to start later in the year.

Source: Daily Dispatch

Published courtesy of