The COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown measures that were put in place to help curb its spread, resulted in a significant decline of revenue for SMMEs in South Africa. The Pareto shopping centres recognized the impact of the pandemic on small businesses, and they utilized the lifestyle markets to support small businesses in their communities.
The lifestyle markets implemented by the Pareto shopping centres supported small businesses by affording them the opportunity to showcase their products and to grow, gain exposure and generate income. The Pavilion Shopping Centre implemented the Social Gallery, an art and fashion gallery. The Gallery allowed for designers and artists to sell from the space and the PR campaign shone a light on each of the entrepreneurs. Between October and December in 2021, the entrepreneurs featured at the Gallery generated R918 465,16 in revenue.
In 2021, the lifestyle markets supported over 1392 entrepreneurs. Menlyn Park Shopping Centre supported 62 vendors at its Summer Festival. Mimosa Mall provided exhibition space to 50 entrepreneurs at its Entrepreneurs Market. Tyger Valley Shopping Centre, through its various markets held throughout the year, supported 1280 entrepreneurs.
The lifestyle markets also provided support to existing tenants in our shopping centres. At Cresta Shopping Centre, several tenants were given complimentary stalls at the Rooftop Market in order to increase their awareness and for them to generate additional revenue.
The markets drew additional customers to the shopping centres with Westgate and Southgate Shopping Centre recording an increase in footfall during the period when the markets were held. These markets exposed the entrepreneurs to over 60 000 customers, resulting in the entrepreneurs generating additional revenue.