Durban - The Oceans Mall in uMhlanga officially opened to the public on Tuesday.
Crowds of eager shoppers arrived early to queue outside some of the leading retailers to be among the first customers.
The Checkers and Woolworths stores were among the first to open. At least 60 stores opened yesterday with more stores expected to be opened in the second phase in 2023.
Vivian Reddy, co-developer of the Oceans Mall, recently told The Mercury’s sister newspaper Sunday Tribune that the Oceans Mall was “distinctive and geared for all tastes, including the sophisticated and affluent shopper”.
The first to open yesterday was the Checkers store, which opened at 7am. Some customers had arrived as early as 6am.
One of the first customers to shop at Checkers was Mandla Shezi, 59, who said that he drove from Newlands.
“I really enjoyed my experience shopping at Oceans Mall. There is a large parking area, the staff were very friendly and very helpful.”
Shezi added that with all the specials on offer, he planned to return.
Siphumelele Khuzwayo, the general manager of the Oceans Mall, said the team was delighted that the mall had finally been opened to the public.
“We have been working so hard with various stakeholders, including tenants, the eThekwini Municipality and the larger community of uMhlanga, who have been so patient with us. To see everything come together is absolutely exceptional.”
Khuzwayo added that there were a variety of stores at the mall.
“There are a lot of restaurants, retail stores, clothing stores, cellphone stores and pharmacies, and much more. It is what we believed the area needed. We will also have premium brands opening in March next year when our platinum walk is opened in the second phase.
“There are also some stores that didn’t open today, but will open by the end of the month in time for the festive season.”
Khuzwayo added that they were pleased to be able to help tackle the high unemployment rate in South Africa as the development had created jobs.