DURBAN’S Spice Emporium, which has been faithfully serving the people of Durban for four generations spanning more than 100 years, is remodelling its business for the modern customer.

Following the global trend of “shopping local” Spice Emporium is adapting some of its operations and partnering with supermarkets, streamlining its online shopping options and developing its wholesale operation.

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Spice Emporium is widely known for its authentic personal service; for its family values, for its huge selection and its affordability.

“For more than 100 glorious years we have been running our precious family business,” said  Spice Emporium owner, Chandrika Harie.

“We have built up an amazing client base of exceptionally loyal customers who have shopped with us for literally generations. We want to continue to serve them in the most efficient and customer-friendly way possible, so are re-thinking the way we do some things.”     

Covid-19 lockdown has taught us many lessons – especially in regards to how we shop. Petrol is expensive and time is precious so destination shopping to large stores is on the decline. Customers shop online or pop into neighbourhood convenience shops near to home.

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“We need to be mindful of these trends for us to best support our customers now that lockdown is easing. So, after much soul searching and broad consultation, we have decided to operate differently going forward,” said Chandrika’s daughter, Mira Harie.

“We are partnering with supermarkets who will sell our best selling lines in-store, and we are initiating kiosks and pop-up options in community retail centres. We are partnering with selected Pick n Pay, Save Cash & Carry and independent retailers. That way customers don’t need to travel to us, but can shop closer to home.  For customers who appreciate our expansive range, they can shop online, and their purchases will be couriered to them,” continued Mira.

To this end, in KZN their Spice Emporium La Lucia Ridge branch in Saxony Ilala Shopping Centre remains open, but the Pine Street and Gateway branches will close at the end of April. The Pine Street shop is their original premises and one of the city’s oldest retail establishments.

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