From Mona-Lisa Supermarket to My-China Variety Store
From a beloved local bakery in 1962 to a 50,000-product community hub today, the Shokkos-Head family has been serving Benoni for over six decades.
The Same Local Family Serving Benoni for Over 60 Years
Every Benonian remembers the Mona Lisa supermarket, a cornerstone of the community, owned and operated by the Shokkos family for nearly 50 years. Opened in 1962, the Mona Lisa was known for its delicious bakery treats, stocked shelves and fair prices. When the shop closed its doors in 2008, the shopping centre was renovated and named The Mona Lisa Centre. That same family brought Benoni a new shopping experience in 2011 called My-China Variety Store, driven by Margi and Justin Head, daughter and grandson of the late Paris and Doris Shokkos. This week, My China celebrates 15 years of business. More than that, it’s a milestone for a family that’s been part of Benoni’s fabric for over six decades. A story of success, a family’s legacy built on a simple idea: serve the community well.
THE BACKBONE OF MY CHINA
None of this happens without the team. My China employs just under 100 team members who show up every day and do the work: stocking shelves, helping customers and solving problems. They are the backbone of My China’s Success. Justin Head, owner of My China, wanted to take this moment to personally say thank you to the team that’s helped build My China.
What started as a discount store has evolved into something far bigger. It has become a community destination where Benoni comes to find everything under 1 roof. Today, My China stocks over 50,000 products sourced from over 300 local suppliers and has exciting plans on the horizon as the store continues to evolve.
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
My China is growing. Soon, the Custom Corner will give customers the chance to personalise their purchases and create something uniquely theirs. The Crafty Corner workshop space is a place where Benoni can create and learn together. Finally, My-China will be launching their online shopping, bringing the store’s 50,000-product catalogue to customers all over SA. The core stays the same: good prices, good products and good service.
BIRTHDAY WEEK AND BEYOND
This week, from September 1 to 6, My China is celebrating with serious discounts: 10% off sweets, cold drinks and baking consumables, and 25% off everything else. Yes, 25% off everything else.
But the real celebration is Saturday, September 5. Head over to the Mona Lisa Centre at the corner of 6th Avenue and 2nd Street in Northmead for My China’s 15th birthday fun day. The event, held outside Flyerz and Pablos, kicks off from noon and the entertainment line-up is seriously stacked.
Local band Frontline Reloaded kicks things off at noon, setting the vibe for an afternoon of music and excitement. As the sun starts to dip at 15:00, Jaryd Smith takes the stage to keep the energy alive. There are jumping castles and face painting for the kids, along with food and drink specials. And for the rugby fans, catch the Springboks vs All Blacks game on the big screens at Flyerz at 17:00. Once the final whistle blows, the live DJ will take over and spin tunes till late.
So grab the family and head down to My China this week. Hit the shops for those jaw-dropping deals. Then plant yourself at the Fun Day on Saturday and soak up some live music, good vibes and the kind of community spirit that makes Benoni special.
My China Variety Store. 15 years strong. Still serving the community.
6th Avenue and 1st Street Northmead, Benoni, South Africa, 1501
