Mall of the North stars sparkle in 80s fashion

Neon lights, disco balls, outrageous outfits and the best music of the 1980s personified what is known as The Golden Decade at Mall of the North’s Star Awards ceremony last Wednesday at Bolivia Lodge.
Mall of the North Marketing Manager, Mari Delport, welcomed guests and explained that the aim of the awards was to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that tenants put in to make Mall of the North Limpopo’s favourite shopping destination.
“Every person here tonight played a role in making Mall of the North the place to shop, play and dine. Your skill, attention to detail and service excellence puts you a step ahead and we want to thank you,” she said.
Well-known comedian and actor, Schalk Bezuidenhout, took to the microphone as Master of Ceremonies and also delivered a stand-up routine that had the audience in stitches. His tale of singing in a school choir was a firm favourite and his dance moves spot on.
Bezuidenhout introduced Sumari de Ridder, Mall of the North’s General Manager, who called for a toast to all the tenants who went the extra mile to achieve greatness.
De Ridder said the mall had to make big changes to ensure customer satisfaction some which included a brand new wind lobby at the restaurant entrance, shops being moved around to accommodate newcomers like H&M, which was a major success, and funky new colour schemes for the bulkheads of the restaurant area. She also encouraged store managers and franchise owners to send their staff for Mall of the North’s specified customer service training, which includes a state-of-the-art interactive video presentation.
“We have more changes in store. Ackermans has moved to a larger shop on the lower level and the reason for this is that we will be introducing The Fun Company to Mall of the North in April 2018,” she announced to enthusiastic applause. “Mall of the North continues to undergo exciting new changes as it further cements its place as Limpopo’s foremost shopping destination and extends to make room for The Fun Company together with two delicious new food tenants. The Fun Company will include an arcade, bumper cars, an eight-lane bowling alley as well as a trampoline park.”
De Ridder played a reel of funny moments caught on Mall of the North’s security cameras and set the mood for the rest of the night’s festivities.

Story and photos: MARKI FRANKEN
>>marki.observer@gmail.com

Winners of Mall of the North Star Awards 2017

Best independent trader:
1. Biltong Pret
2. Tux Tailor
3. Icon
Best national trader:
1. Scoin
2. Lovisa
3. American Swiss Jewellers
Best growth % from September 2016 to September 2017:
1. Sport Scene
2. NWJ
3. The Body Shop
Best performing tenant per size – Anchor:
1. Woolworths
2. Checkers
3. Pick n Pay
Best performing tenant per size – larger than 1 000 m²:
1. Dis-Chem
2. Woolworths
3. Truworths
Best performing tenant per size – 999 m² to 250 m²:
1. Trappers
2. Incredible Connection
3. Clicks
Best performing tenant per size – 249 m² to 100 m²:
1. Timberland
2. Icon
3. Spitz
Best performing tenant per size – 99 m² to 50 m²:
1. American Swiss Jewellers
2. Sterns
3. NWJ
Best performing tenant per size – 49 m² to 16 m²:
1. Scoin
2. Lovisa
3. Pandora’s Tobacco
Best performing tenant per size – smaller than 16 m²
1. Biltong Pret
2. Tux Tailor
3. Sweets from Heaven
Best shop front:
1. Old Khaki
2. Truworths
3. Spitz and Queens Park
Public choice for best service:
• Banks and financial services – FNB
• Fast food and take-aways – Debonairs Pizza and Wakaberry
• Retaurants – Ocean Basket
• Best service overall – Woolworths
Valuable contributions to Mall of the North activities:
• Panarottis
• Game
• Trappers
• Debbie Mouton Jewellers
• Amarillo Spur
• PNA