IT may have something to do with the high number of rainy days over the past weeks forcing people indoors, but Richards Bay shoppers appear to have started their festive season buying earlier than usual.
‘We are definitely seeing more people in the stores than at the same time last year,’ said Angelique Wright, Marketing and Public Relations officer for the Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre.
‘Since the schools closed we have seen the centre become really busy and the tenants are obviously very happy about this.
‘The numbers are also up at the movie theatres and we are expecting them to become even greater when the movie ‘Frozen’ is screened soon.
‘And of course we have numerous activities lined up that will keep the customers streaming in.’
The festive season has struck Empangeni residents who have been making their way to Sanlam Centre since the first week of December, ensuring all their shopping gets done timeously.
‘There has been an increase in traffic movement since the beginning of the month and the Centre has extended its shopping hours,’ said Marketing Manager Precious Ntuli.
‘We have had an equal balance in grocery and gift buying; and have seen many stokvel groups doing their shopping,’ added Ntuli.
‘December is also wedding season so we have had rings being paid up, outfits chosen and typical wedding folly,’ she said.
‘The early bird gift buyers have kept our gift wrapping members very busy lately, surprisingly because many people have not received their bonuses as yet,’ she added.
‘Families have been coming in regularly on the weekends to browse and ensure they make the best buy, leaving their children at the entertainment areas which have been very convenient for parents,’ said Ntuli.
