Adventure mega store opens in Canal Walk

“The Cape Union Mart mega store measures up with the very best of its type anywhere in the world,” says Philip Krawitz, Cape Union Mart Group CEO. He adds: “South Africans are great lovers of the outdoors and are passionate about enjoying the numerous scenic splendours that our favourable climate has to offer. The new store aims to capitalise on the concept of experiential shopping, and as such incorporates unique features such as an ice chamber with thermal imaging, a torrential rain chamber to test waterproof gear, a climbing wall for adults and a bouldering wall for children, a spider farm, jelly fish tank and numerous other attractions.”

Economic opportunities

Considered one of Africa's largest outdoor adventure centres, the new store represents a huge capital investment for the group. The store will be staffed with around 50 people - thereby creating a number of new jobs in the South African economy. Additionally the store will increase demand for the group's K-Way products manufactured in Cape Union Mart's high tech factory based in Ottery in the Western Cape.

Says Krawitz: “Cyclical downturns are opportunities for long term investments and South Africans who believe in the country's potential should stop bemoaning the present and rather embrace the future.”

The concept store will also stock many outdoor technical brands like Mountain Hardware with favourites like K-Way, First Ascent, Merrell, Hi-tec, Salomon, Petzl, Leatherman, Garmin, Tom Tom and others, offering visitors a truly unique and world-class shopping experience.

Launch events

During the opening month of July, customers at the Adventure Centre can expect a special line-up of events and promotions such as climbing competitions, informative presentations by guest speakers such as adventure sports athlete Martin Dreyer, Everest climber John Black, and Braam Malherbe who ran the length of the Great Wall of China. In addition, there will be expert talks on Mount Kilimanjaro and other adventure activities.

The existing Cape Union Mart store inside Canal Walk shopping centre will also not be closing down, but merely refined.

“The Cape Union Mart Adventure Centre has the potential to be the best outdoor store in the country, if not the whole of Africa, and it's as good as any of the leading outdoor retailers that we've seen in the USA or Europe. Exciting new brands and special features will ensure that the store becomes and remains top of mind when it comes to any outdoor related gear,” concludes Krawitz.

Past and present

The history of Cape Union Mart dates back to 1933 when the late Philip Krawitz, grandfather of the current CEO, founded the business on the corner of Corporation and Mostert Streets in Cape Town. Cape Union Mart originated as an "Army and Navy Store" and became famous for its "everything from an anchor to a toothpick" product range. Presently, there are 64 Cape Union Mart stores nationally including two Adventure Centres. A third Adventure Centre concept store is due to open in Eastgate later this year.

The Cape Union Mart Adventure Centre at Canal Walk is open from 9am - 9pm, seven days a week, from Friday 26 June and offers easy access from either the open deck parking or from undercover parking on Mezzanine 3. Mobility in the store will be enhanced with an escalator and lift, as well as wheelchair access.