Big boost for Fountains Mall

Cindy Liebenberg
THE Woolworths store in the Fountains Mall opens its much anticipated extended food court this Friday.
Occupying twice the current floor space, it will incorporate a full deli and a product selection for which Woolworths is renowned, says general manager of the mall, David Ford.
After an all-night vigil at the almost-completed Woolworths Food Court last Friday, Ford spoke animatedly about the opening despite the lack of sleep.
"The new store is twice the size of the current one,” he said.
"It is huge and will exceed all expectations of the discerning Woolworths shopper.
"The extensions to the shop cost about R8-million but it will be worth it,” he said, adding that an additional 10 full-time staff members have already been trained.
Ford took over the reins of the Fountains Mall in June last year and has already brought about significant changes.
Elaborating on the mall's unprecedented growth the past year when the world economy was in a slump, Ford said: "Our turnover is up by 8% and the spending per head is up by 20%.”
In the past year, DisChem opened its doors at the south entrance to the mall drawing an additional 23% customers to that side of the massive mall.
Commenting on the tenant mix, Ford said he believed the mix was representative of the demographics of the area.
"You have more traditional stores frequented by older people flanked by a surf shop and a skateboard rink.
"Our eateries are also top-notch, and hopefully more will be opened in the near future,” said Ford.
He also confirmed that Izinto Trading, Video Tavern, Hip Shop and Urban Cherry will be opening soon.
Clicks, situated at the north entrance, is also to be enlarged.
"Clicks is looking at extending its floor space by 150m². This includes the enlarging of the dispensary, and should be in place by September.”
A Capitec Bank ATM is also on the cards, and by November they hope to have all the shops fully let.
Since it first opened its doors in October 2009 the mall has become an integral part of the Kouga society.
It is a regular contributor to various social upliftment projects in the community. During the Billabong Pro this year they teamed up with the SuperTubes Foundation and developer Arthur Joubert, to sponsor five people who cleaned up during and after the event. Schools, clubs and pensioners are also supported on an ongoing basis.
Ford said together with the Fountains Estate, they are geared towards the growth and development of the area, and their plans for the coming Christmas season are already well under way.
Ford and his wife, Talia, live in Port Elizabeth with their two children, Georgia, 5, and Declan, 3, but hope to relocate to Jeffreys Bay in February next year.