Lockdown business casualties begin to emerge in Ballito

Dreams continue to be shattered for many business owners who have been hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Not one business has been left unscathed with art galleries moving online and restaurants closing shop.

After many years at the Ballito Lifestyle Centre owner and curator of Imbizo Art Gallery, Isabel Roos, said she was devastated at having to close but remained positive about the future.

By the age of 40, Isabel had not only fulfilled her dream of opening a high-end art gallery on the North Coast, but added two additional galleries during the same year.

Her art galleries have hosted world-class exhibitions and played a pivotal role in supporting the growth of local emerging artists.

But no more, as the gallery will move to displaying art online following the devastating knock to the tourism industry, Isabel’s lifeblood.

“Since Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement on 15 March, the Imbizo gallery has had no walk-in business at all. This has been dealt a double blow with many cancellations of pending sales from international and national clients being made. This of course, is all understandable, we realise the entire world faces the same challenges.”

Changes shoppers and diners can expect to find at the Ballito Lifestyle Centre include the closing of Mexican restaurant Salsa, Ackermans and the Kids Emporium.

While Lifestyle owner Bruce Rencken said they had done everything in their power to ensure a return to business for tenants, there had been casualties.

“It is the harsh reality that many businesses will not survive Covid-19 and tough decisions have had to be made by many,” he said.

But it is not all doom and gloom with the announcement of some new stores opening at the Lifestyle Centre.

Shoppers can look forward to Mr Price Home, Wonki Ware (ceramics), Muze (fashion) and The Studios (a mix of stores) coming to the centre.

A change in ownership at Toast has also realised with the store returning on July 14.

Meanwhile Tops liquor outlet is set to triple in size.

“Our aim is to transform Ballito’s liquor shopping into a world class experience”.

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