Upcoming SACSC Congress highlights global lifestyle trends

Jon Roberts

Themed Connect: Un-Cover, this year's congress, supported by the International Council of Shopping Centres and sponsored by Nedbank Corporate Property Finance, will bring together retail strategists from across South Africa and the globe to delve into the latest sector trends and research.

Authenticity is just one of the trends being highlighted, and signals a shift to products that are real, handmade and natural in settings that display smaller stores and a nod to local character.

Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics is one retailer that prioritizes authenticity, as Lush SA partner and director Jon Roberts points out. Based in the UK, it opened its first South African store in Cape Town in late 2012, as part of expanding network of stores throughout the world.

"Consumers want the real thing, and they want it from companies that live by authentic values," he explains.

Its corporate values include ethical campaigning; support of charity; creative purchasing and environmental consciousness. It is one of the few cosmetics brands that are not only cruelty free, but vegan too. "Shopping centres need to tap into this trend and we believe that smaller retailers - rather than large global chains - will play a key role in meeting that need."

Roberts is one of many retail specialists who will be sharing best practice and retail experience at the conference this year.

The congress is taking place from 11-13 September 2013 at the Sandton Convention Centre. For more information, go to www.sacsc.co.za.