If a tenant has vacated their store and you want to fill that space quickly, 
here are a few things you can do:

<ol>
	<li>Create a white box space

	Every entrepreneur or brand wants a blank canvas. It gives them the freedom to bring their idea to life just the way that they want it. 
	White walls and a clean empty space with ceilings, flooring and lighting allow a retailer to move in and get started quickly with minimal cost.
	</li>
	<li>Focus on the exterior
	The exterior and shop window are just as important as the interior. 
	Large windows allow retailers to express their ideas and concept to passing customers.
	</li>
	<li>Offer some extras
	Complimentary WiFi, parking and a few fixtures and fittings can be the difference that get a retailer to enter into a lease agreement. Put yourself in the retailer&#39;s shoes and see what you can add on to make your space more attractive,
	</li>
	<li>Consider short term and flexible rental periods
	The PopUp trend is here to stay. A lot of brands and entrepreneurs want to launch a product or concept or to test their idea for a short period before they commit to a long lease. Rather have the space occupied and the possibility that the space user will sign up for a longer term lease than leaving the space vacant.
	</li>
	<li>Pay attention to detail
	The finishing touches are important. Fix up all areas that need work. Add a new coat of paint and make sure the space is clean and tidy and get professional cleaners in if necessary.
	</li>
	<li>Prepare your listing
	When preparing your listing, highlight what makes your space unique and attractive. Use descriptive language. It appeals to our senses and will help to entice space users. 
	Use an online thesaurus or dictionary to find suitable adjectives and synonyms. 
	Photography is critical. Please read our photography blog for advice on capturing and submitting good images.
	</li>
</ol>

<div class="text-center single-blog-image"><img src="https://admin.spacematch.co.za/photos/1/blog10.jpeg" class="img-fluid w-100 d-block" alt="6 simple ways to start earning income from your vacant retail space"></div>

SpaceMatch allows you to list your vacant retail spaces free of charge and connect with hundreds of brands and entrepreneurs who are looking for space. If you need any help or advice in preparing your space or listing, please contact us at <a class="text-primary" href="mailto:info@spacematch.co.za">info@spacematch.co.za</a>

6  simple ways to start earning income from your vacant retail space

Generally speaking, listings with beautiful photos receive more clicks and more bookings. Its worth putting in the effort to highlight what&rsquo;s amazing about your space, and to attract space users.

We offer professional photography in most locations (email <a class="text-primary" href="mailto:info@spacematch.co.za">info@spacematch.co.za</a> for more info). Professional photography costs a little but is worth the investment.

If you do decide to shoot your own photos, here are five important tips for making your space and your listing as attractive as possible:

<div class="text-center single-blog-image"><img src="https://admin.spacematch.co.za/photos/1/blog06.jpeg" class="img-fluid w-100" alt="6 simple ways to start earning income from your vacant retail space"></div>

<ol>
	<li>Brighten up your space

	Light and airy spaces are much more appealing than dark and dingy ones. 
	Shoot during the day, turn on all the lights, open the curtains and let in all of the natural light. Most modern cameras will adjust for bright spots by darkening the rest, so focus the camera away from the windows if possible. Edit your images after you have taken them to make them a little brighter if necessary. This can be done on your smartphone or using image editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom.
	</li>
	<li>Keep it clean and tidy
	Remove the clutter from the space and make sure its clean before you take photographics. Dirt and clutter are distracting and will not help you to rent your space.
	</li>
	<li>Shoot from the corners
	Composition in a photo is very important. By shooting into the corners, you provide a sense of perspective and make the space seem bigger. Don&rsquo;t photograph flat walls &ndash; that will lead to boring one dimensional images.
	</li>
	<li>Take photos outside too
	Shooting from outside gives space users a much better impression of what the space and are are actually like. Include features from the Mall or building that will stand out and attract space users.
	</li>
	<li>Take at least 6 photos 
	Please provide a minimum of 4 interior and 2 exterior images for every space that you list. We accept up to 20 images per space. The more the better.
	</li>
</ol>

<div class="text-center single-blog-image"><img src="https://admin.spacematch.co.za/photos/1/blog07.jpeg" class="img-fluid w-100" alt="6 simple ways to start earning income from your vacant retail space"></div>

What to avoid: 
Messy spaces, Closed blinds, Dark spaces, People in photos, Blurry images, Close ups and images that are not straight must all be avoided.

A few guidelines for uploading your images on SpaceMatch:

<ul class="list-style pl-4">
	<li>We can only accept jpg, jpeg, gif or png images.</li>
	<li>Images cannot be bigger than 1mb each.</li>
	<li>Images must be in horizontal format only. We cannot accept verical images.</li>
	<li>While its preferrable to shoot with a camera, a good smartphone will also be fine.</li>
</ul>

<div class="text-center single-blog-image"><img src="https://admin.spacematch.co.za/photos/1/blog8.jpeg" class="img-fluid w-100" alt="6 simple ways to start earning income from your vacant retail space"></div>

Photography: 5 tips to help Space Owner’s rent their space quicker

They will also want to ensure that they have a good tenant mix in their shopping centre. Tenant mix is the selection and location of tenants in a shopping centre to maximize the income of the space owner and to provide shoppers with a good experience. It is critical to the success of a shopping centre.

When setting out to rent your first retail space, there are a few things that you will need to consider.

The basics: 
These are the basics that every Space Owner will want to know:

<ul class="list-style pl-4">
	<li>When do you want to rent the space ?</li>
	<li>How long do you want to rent it for ?</li>
	<li>Do you have a monthly budget for rental ?</li>
	<li>How many square metres will you need ?</li>
	<li>What areas would be ideal for your concept ?</li>
</ul>

The more specific you can be in providing this information, the more chance you will have of finding the right space.

<div class="text-center single-blog-image"><img alt="Tips for securing your first retail space:" src="https://admin.spacematch.co.za/photos/1/blog12.jpeg" class="img-fluid w-100 d-block"></div>

Information that will be needed:

<ul class="list-style pl-4">
	<li>Your name and your company name</li>
	<li>What the name of your store will be</li>
	<li>When your business was established</li>
	<li>Details on any other stores that you have</li>
	<li>Your website address</li>
	<li>Your social media accounts</li>
	<li>Details on the products that you will be selling</li>
	<li>Images of your products</li>
	<li>Images showing what the store will look like</li>
</ul>

Take some time and put a lot of effort into getting this information together. There may be vacant space in a lot of Malls but space owners are still very fussy about who they rent it to. If you need assistance with preparing you pitch, please contact us at <a class="text-primary" href="mailto:info@spacematch.co.za">info@spacematch.co.za</a>

Tips for securing your first retail space:

Most retail experts seem to agree that, while the future of retail is evolving and likely to undergo some major changes, it&rsquo;s likely that retailers are going to have to offer a range of channels to stay relevant and attractive to South African shoppers.

&ldquo;The physical store still offers consumers a tangible experience, which cannot be replaced,&rdquo; says John Wilkinson, Retail &amp; Consumer Industry Leader at PwC.

If you just want to dip your toe into concrete retail, consider opening a pop-up. It allows you to test the market at a fraction of the cost of a long-term lease and you can test what your customers really want.

The most important factor to consider when deciding to open a pop-up is location. Do your research and work out where your customers are likely to want to be, what shops complement your offering and what areas are home to your clients.

It could be a traditional shop in a mall, but it also doesn&rsquo;t have to be, because there are so many options available. Think about an area within a larger shop, event space, market stalls, street space or even a kiosk within a mall. Think about your brand, what it stands for, and what sort of space will show it off best.

South African customers are getting more and more discerning about where they spend their money and their expectations are rising. Retailers are going to need to transform and offer them cutting edge experiences if they want to stay relevant.

According to a survey of more than 15000 shoppers 15 countries, including SA, customers expect the following:

<ul class="list-style pl-4">
	<li>A brand story and a brand promise that they can relate to and that creates trust</li>
	<li>Customised, personalised offers</li>
	<li>Consistent experience across devices (website, app, mobile etc.)</li>
	<li>Real time access to available stock &ndash; instore or online</li>
	<li>Improved website and app experiences</li>
	<li>Engaging social media content</li>
</ul>

Retailers would do well to consider these factors and make sure that they&rsquo;re developing in the right direction and offering shoppers what they want. There&rsquo;s so much competition to secure a slice of the pie that retailers will need to think out of the box if they want an advantage at the till.

Why Open a Pop-Up?

One only has to take a walk through any local mall to see prominent brands closing down, small merchants struggling to survive and many empty shopfronts. As South Africa&rsquo;s retail industry gradually starts to open up again, customers are returning slowly and cautiously.

Demand has become erratic as consumers flock to buy essential goods and largely stay away from other retail. As paying the bills becomes more of a challenge for many retailers, they have had to consider whether they could benefit from payment holidays or renegotiating rental agreements.

<h4>In trying to stabilise, retailers have to shift their focus:</h4>

<ol>
	<li>Crisis plan 
	Retailers must protect their employees as much as possible and ensure that they have plans in place for when infection hits. This could include hiring temporary staff or rotating the current workforce. Being compliant with all social distancing and hygiene requirements is essential.</li>
	<li>Cater to online demand 
	Retail focus has naturally shifted online during lockdown times and retailers need to ensure they have a robust online presence. This has to be supported by reliable delivery and logistics so that they can meet demand and drive revenue.</li>
	<li>Customer communication 
	Retailers need to constantly communicate with customers to build loyalty and show they understand the social and economic impact of the pandemic. Depending on their offering, this could include at-home consultations or value-adds, anything targeted at raising awareness and building support.</li>
</ol>

<h4>The future will look different:</h4>

The effects of the pandemic and the subsequent economic fallout has triggered changes in consumer behaviour, some of which will be long-term, and retailers need to recognise and react to these.

<ol>
	<li>Online presence 
	Consumers may never shop again like they did pre-COVID-19 and many who previously resisted it have now become comfortable with online shopping. Retailers will have to increase (or initiate) their online presence and prioritise this channel.</li>
	<li>Rethink shops 
	It&rsquo;s already started happening in the UK, where shops are becoming more experiential and contact is less, making them more of a shop window while the point of sale happens online. SA retailers will have to follow this trend and will also have to be flexible and tech-savvy in terms of payment and delivery options.</li>
	<li>Personal touch 
	Communication will become more personal &ndash; to employees, customers and stakeholders &ndash; to increase loyalty and show empathy for the challenges we&rsquo;re all experiencing. Customers will gravitate to brands that appear to support their values.</li>
</ol>

<div class="text-center single-blog-image"><img src="https://admin.spacematch.co.za/photos/1/banner03.jpg" class="img-fluid w-100" alt="Retail’s changing landscape"></div>

<h4>Final Takeout:</h4>

The ultimate challenge will be to get the mix right between online and bricks-and-mortar. Shoppers seem to be saying they like a little bit of both and retailers need to heed that request. Click-and-collect is one way of mixing it up &ndash; it gets customers online and then into stores, which has to be the best of both worlds.

Retail is a resilient industry and, with the right adaptations, is able to overcome the challenges of this pandemic. The focus needs to be on stabilising as soon as possible and then adapting to this new normal that is set to change the landscape forever.

Retail’s changing landscape

<ol>
	<li>Do your prep
	<ul class="list-style pl-lg-5 pl-4">
		<li>Set up a time to meet with the Space Owner so you can make sure you&rsquo;re in sync with all details of your Space.</li>
		<li>Confirm all the utilities that are available and make sure you know how to use them. These are things like WIFI, kitchen facilities etc.</li>
		<li>Decide on your payment system and ensure you have everything you need to process payments. It&rsquo;s good to have mobile systems and cash facilities available but, whatever you decide, make sure you&rsquo;ve tested it and it works.</li>
		<li>Design the layout of your shop to best display your products. Rent or buy any fixtures you may need to make the most of your product.</li>
		<li>Promote your pop-up on social media &ndash; this could include general awareness, a launch event, partnerships with any other brands or influencers. Think about ways to spread the word and create a buzz around your product.</li>
		<li>Create branded materials that you can use for price tags, posters, displays etc. &ndash; anything that will promote your brand on your product and in your Space.</li>
		<li>Think of ways you can develop a customer database so that you can keep in touch with potential customers who visit your shop or your social media pages.</li>
		<li>Hire any staff you may need to help with the pop-up.</li>
		<li>Decide how you&rsquo;ll measure your pop-up success and what you&rsquo;re aiming to achieve. Is it awareness you&rsquo;re aiming for or is it sales?</li>
		<li>Decide on the detail &ndash; opening hours, sound, who&rsquo;s going to do what. Make sure everyone on your team is in the loop.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>Set Up Shop
	<ul class="list-style pl-lg-5 pl-4">
		<li>Arrange your Space according to your plan and display your products to attract customers. Make sure you have a toolkit handy for any last-minute bits that need to be sorted.</li>
		<li>Make sure you know how to get in touch with the Space Owner in case you need to.</li>
		<li>Test everything &ndash; your tech, your music, your point of sales &ndash; before the doors open.</li>
		<li>Attract the crowds by making your Space grab their attention.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>Tidy Up
	<ul class="list-style pl-lg-5 pl-4">
		<li>Clean up the Space &ndash; and return it in the same condition you found it. Make sure you&rsquo;ve discussed the logistics of cleaning up with the Space Owner ahead of time.</li>
		<li>Take apart any furniture you&rsquo;ve brought in and return any rented items.</li>
		<li>Return any equipment and keys to the Space Owner.</li>
		<li>Keep in touch with SpaceMatch for your next pop-up opportunity!</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ol>

Everything You Need to Know to Open a Pop-Up

Do you want to inject some excitement and colour into your mall? Do you want to create a bit of buzz and interest? 
 
Then consider making space available for pop-up stores. Pop-ups are the way of the future and they&rsquo;re being used by everyone &ndash; from big brands to new brands &ndash; to showcase new products and cool ideas. 
 
Malls provide a platform for these products to get some exposure, and at the same time they offer increased foot traffic as more shoppers are attracted to the mall. Start-up brands and ecommerce businesses need the opportunity of pop-ups to showcase their products and to test the market for physical sales and pop-ups are the ideal opportunity for that. 
 
And a mall that allocates space for them to do that has absolutely nothing to lose. 
 
Malls are currently experiencing challenges as traditional retail slows down across the globe. Besides the fact that lockdown rules keep shoppers away from malls, there&rsquo;s less money to be spent and the growth of online retail to contend with. Long-term leases are no longer a sure thing, with many anchor tenants being forced to close down. 
 
On top of all that, millennial shoppers are also wanting a new, fresh experience when they visit a mall. They want something exciting and different, and pop ups are able to fill this gap and at the same time help to keep malls afloat. 
There is demand for new retail experiences, where shoppers can be immersed in the excitement of a new brand or idea. Dedicating mall space to this kind of concept will bring new traffic and create excitement around the mall. 
 
Change is never easy but the current retail landscape and the demands of a new generation of shopper need to be considered. Pop-ups could be what saves old-style malls from shutting down and they could help create a whole new sense of community in these spaces. 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

The Pop Up Trend and why Shopping Malls should encourage Pop Up stores

Reasons why You Need Pop-Up Space in Your Mall

Reasons why you need Pop-Up Space in Your Mall

Ghost kitchens, dark kitchens or virtual kitchens are the hottest trend in the restaurant industry. With the explosive growth in food deliveries driven by Covid-19, it was only a matter of time before a new kind of restaurant emerged. &nbsp;Ghost kitchens are optimised for the delivery economy that is driven by UberEats, Mr Delivery and Orderin. 
Ghost kitchens have the advantage of Minimal startup costs, incredible margins and &nbsp;unlimited growth potential.&nbsp;This new opportunity is captivating entrepreneurs around the world. 
Now is the perfect time to explore if the ghost kitchen opportunity is a good one for you. 
What Is A Ghost Kitchen? 
A ghost kitchen, simply put, is a delivery-only restaurant.&nbsp;There&rsquo;s no physical space for customers. Orders are made in one location, picked up by a delivery partner, and enjoyed off-site.&nbsp;This means that ghost kitchens are heavily reliant on 3rd-party delivery apps, to get customers and deliver orders. It also means they don&rsquo;t have to pay rent on the physical space that would normally be taken up by diners. 
There are two main forms that ghost kitchens take. 
1) The shared rented Ghost Kitchen 
In this model, restaurants rent space from a shared kitchen space&mdash;often alongside 10-20 other delivery-only restaurants. Think Spaces, but instead of offices there are mini-kitchens, each hosting their own separate food brand.&zwj; 
These new ghost kitchen spaces are popping up in suburbs and cities around South Africa. 
2) The secret back of restaurant Ghost Kitchen 
Some established restaurants, however, aren&rsquo;t looking to outsource their ghost kitchen experience. Instead, they run delivery concepts directly inside their existing locations. 
Who Should Start A Ghost Kitchen? 
The sheer flexibility of the ghost kitchen business model makes it applicable to a variety of food business types. If you work in one of these, you&rsquo;ll want to take the ghost kitchen opportunity seriously.
<ul>
	<li>New chefs and entrepreneurs.&nbsp;It&rsquo;s hard to imagine a lower cost way to test your concept and skills in a commercial setting. As an entrepreneur, you won&rsquo;t be able to compete with larger brands on price or outspend them on ads, but there&rsquo;s no better way to learn than by doing&mdash;and with such low risk, it&rsquo;s no wonder why so many newcomers are choosing to open ghost kitchens instead of full restaurants.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Small restaurants eager to expand.&nbsp;If you&rsquo;ve been around for a while, you&rsquo;ve probably toyed with the idea of additional locations. Now you might not have to. Using a ghost kitchen, you can still expand your area of service, but you don&rsquo;t have to risk an expensive new restaurant. This enables you to serve more customers via delivery,&nbsp;and&nbsp;focus on creating an exceptional dine-in experience at your restaurant.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Established chains.&nbsp;Multi-unit chains, from regional players to global ones, are exploring ghost kitchens as a way to evolve with changing consumer demands. They&rsquo;re the perfect way of getting food into expensive-to-serve locations since you&rsquo;re only paying for a fraction of the rent you normally would.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Food truck owners.&nbsp; By using a ghost kitchen, food truck owners can still enjoy the delivery opportunity without sacrificing quality of service for in-person guests, losing order time while in transit, or having to shut off delivery during events.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Content creators and influencers. High profile content creators, influencers and celebrity chefs, can turn their fame into a profitable business through ghost kitchens. </li>
</ul>
There are so many ways ghost kitchens can be used, but they all rely on the same thing to become sustainable, profitable businesses. 
&zwj;If you&rsquo;re looking at setting up a ghost kitchen let us know and we will help you to find suitable space. 
If you have vacant space and are looking to convert it into a ghost kitchen, we have tenants for you. 
See our available spaces at: <a href="https://www.spacematch.co.za/find-space" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">https://www.spacematch.co.za/find-space</a> 
 
 
&nbsp;

Tips for starting a ghost kitchen. 
Ghost kitchens, dark kitchens or virtual kitchens are the hottest trend in the restaurant industry. With the explosive growth in food deliveries driven by Covid-19, it was only a matter of time before a new kind of restaurant emerged.  Ghost kitchens are optimised for the delivery economy that is driven by UberEats, Mr Delivery and Orderin.
SpaceMatch has space to rent for ghost kitchens.

Tips for starting a ghost kitchen 

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive impact on retail in 2020. The obvious outcome has been the growth in e-commerce. Major online retailers like Takealot and Superbalist were well 
to benefit from this change in consumer behaviour. Offline retailers were forced to respond with the speedy rollout of new technologies, apps and ways of meeting shoppers&rsquo; needs 
such as Click and Collect. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will be felt for months to come and most likely permanently. &nbsp;It&rsquo;s impossible to know what lies ahead but here are some trends 
that are already in place and likely to become more prominent in 2021. 
 
1. The evolution of shopping Malls 
&nbsp; 
Shoppers are returning despite the pandemic but malls will need to be reimagined. Relying on department stores like Edgars as anchors will no longer be viable. 
There will be more demand for smaller independent stores that are in sync with consumers&rsquo; needs. The recently opened &ldquo;We are EGG&rdquo; <a href="https://www.weareegg.co.za/">https://www.weareegg.co.za/</a> 
at Cavendish Square is a revolutionary concept that showcases smaller creative retailers while at the same time meeting the Landlord&rsquo;s need to fill a big space. 
 
Local neighbourhood centres will benefit at the expense of super regional shopping centres as &nbsp;shoppers try to avoid the crowds and focus on convenience. 
Brands will need to adapt to this and focus on local communities. 
 
2.&nbsp;Local and independent are again flavour of the month 
 
For many years big Malls &nbsp;pushed small local entrepreneurs out of the way in favour of international&nbsp; brands. With several of these large international brands 
having closed shop, we are seeing the&nbsp;emergence of successful local brands like Drip Footwear&nbsp;https://www.dripsa.co.za/ and Bathu https://www.bathu.co.za/. 
 
3.&nbsp;Direct-to-consumer brands D2C 
 
Over the past few years, D2C brands have exploded &ndash; giving brands direct access to customers and profits, and giving customers direct access to brands at lower prices. 
This trend is shifting though. If you associate D2C with tupperware, affordable mattresses and budget makeup, then prepare to have your mind changed. Premium designer 
brand sales are increasing, creating a new vertical in the D2C sector. Customers are turning to luxury private label brands for superior products and better shopping experiences. 
With stores at the V&amp;A and Mall of Africa, MAXHOSA is an example of a local designer brand that has followed this path. 
 
4.&nbsp;Ghost Kitchens and Dark Shops 
 
Expect a proliferation of ghost kitchens, dark stores, micro-fulfillment centers and malls transforming into distribution centres. &#39;Dark&#39;, &#39;virtual&#39; or &#39;cloud&#39; kitchens are shared cooking 
spaces that serve as hubs for online deliveries. Dark stores are traditional retail stores that have been converted to local fulfillment centers. OISHI <a href="https://oishi.co.za/">https://oishi.co.za/</a> is a local 
delivery only restaurant business that has followed this international trend with great success. 
 
5.&nbsp;Livestreaming will take centre stage in 2021 
 
Nothing beats the experience of shopping in person yet livestreaming is the closest many retailers and brands have been able to come to physically connecting with their 
customers during the pandemic. Livestream-generated sales are expected to double to $ 120 bn worldwide in 2021. Shoppers want to feel a connection to a brand. Clinique 
used this very effectively in 2020 using Game of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke to present their products to customers during lockdown. 
 
6.&nbsp;Touch-free technology will become mainstream 
 
Burberry&rsquo;s first social retail store, which recently opened in Shenzhen, southern China. This will give you a flavour of the store of the future. With a specific programme 
on WeChat, the country&rsquo;s most popular messaging app, customers can click on exclusive content and personalised experiences in-store, then share details with friends. 
No touching is&nbsp;needed. Every item in-store has a tag with a QR code, scan them for more storytelling. Each customer is also given a playful animal character via Snapchat 
that evolves as they walk around the store. The gamified experience takes retail to another level. The more that customers engage with this form of augmented retail, the 
more rewards they get through Burberry&rsquo;s social&nbsp;currency. 
 
7.&nbsp;Social commerce 
 
Social commerce is the use of networking websites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter as vehicles to promote and sell products and services We&rsquo;re influenced 
by people we trust and connect with. Ambassadors are a critical touchpoint for customers, they&rsquo;re the face of the retailer and on the frontline of our questions, queries 
and often influence our decision to purchase.Social commerce has the potential to grow faster than overall ecommerce &mdash; proving once again that, while consumers 
may not be meeting up in person, socially driven commerce is uniquely embedded in their DNA. Around 70% of shoppers turn to Instagram for product discovery. 
When compared to the average consumer, Generation Z spends 2 to 3 times more on social channels with Instagram and Snapchat taking the lead, while 
Generation X prefers shopping on Facebook. 
 
8.&nbsp;Offline ecommerce 
 
One thing that physical stores do better than any other channel is to engage all five senses. This means they&rsquo;re a great way to forge emotional connections with 
customers through personalized, engaging&nbsp;&nbsp;experiences. Online retailers are increasingly coming to the conclusion that they are missing out&nbsp;&nbsp;by not having a 
bricks and mortar presence. Pop-ups shops, interactive ecommerce kiosks, and bricks and mortar stores are all bringing our favourite online retailers onto the high street. 
Locally we have seen Yuppiechef <a href="https://www.yuppiechef.com/">https://www.yuppiechef.com/</a> make this transformation successfully. Internationally, even Amazon are opening a chain of physical 
convenience stores. In 2021, we will see an increase in ecommerce brands in shopping malls, occupying pop-up and multi-channel shops that bring the internet to real life.

9. Re-Commerce 
 
Also known as second-hand commerce will see a renewed revival next year. The second- hand market is to double within the next five years. With consumers becoming 
increasingly motivated by sustainability, rather than price, second-hand sales of luxury items will shake up the reCommerce industry. This presents an interesting opportunity 
for brands to open up their own reCommerce marketplace and turn second-hand shopping into an exciting shopping experience. Some of the front runners in the South African 
market include Luxity https://luxity.co.za/ and Huntress Jozi https://www.instagram.com/huntressjozi/?hl=en.&nbsp; 
 
10.&nbsp;AI &nbsp;Enhancing In-Store Experience 
 
&nbsp;Artificial intelligence can automate in-store operations and reduce operational expenses in retail stores. It can replace sales personnel to assist customers in the store, 
&nbsp;reduce queues through cashier-less payment, replenish stock by real-time stock monitoring, and digitize store display and trial rooms. Amazon has launched 
&nbsp; Amazon Go, a new kind of store featuring the world&#39;s most advanced shopping technology. No lines, no checkout &ndash; just grab and go!&nbsp; 
 
Whatever happens, we are in for an interesting ride in 2021. Hang onto your seats!

Top 10 retail trends to expect in South Africa for 2021

South African retail in 2021: Top 10 trends

Top 10 retail trends for 2021

South Africa is richer because entrepreneurs and creatives do things that have never been done before. 
If you have a great idea,Sarah Blakely the founder of the billion dollar business Spanx 
<a href="http://www.spanx.com">www.spanx.com</a> has some great advice for you: 
 
&ldquo;For all the people who have a great idea but no clue how to start, it&rsquo;s ok to start small. It&rsquo;s ok to take teeny tiny steps in the right direction. You don&rsquo;t have to raise millions in capital overnight (or ever). You don&rsquo;t have to become a unicorn in a year. You don&rsquo;t have to scale for the sake of scaling. Give yourself permission to start with one really great product or service. I started Spanx &nbsp;with 1 single product. No business plan, no marketing plan and no other ideas. The product was $20. That was it. Then... here&rsquo;s what happened. I stayed super connected to the consumer and I listened. I stayed focused on serving and delivering what she needed and wanted. I trusted the process. I didn&rsquo;t feel the need to produce or create for the sake of growth (ever). I just grew as the ideas came.. and if you really listen with a service heart, they will keep coming. Focus on your purpose and your why. Keep your product and story at the center of your business... Fast growth can be fleeting. Creating a solid foundation of trust with your customers takes time. I&rsquo;ve spent 20 years earning the customers trust. Take your time... just take the first step and remember to DREAM BIG&rdquo; 
 
If you have a great idea, it&rsquo;s a good time to make your move. At SpaceMatch, we take the hassle out of finding and renting your first retail space. 
 
Access a huge selection of brick-and-mortar spaces, thanks to the hundreds of listings on SpaceMatch&rsquo;s website. Retail spaces &nbsp;can be rented in just a few clicks. 
 
Browse spaces and send as many requests as you like,&nbsp;or&nbsp;let us &nbsp;help you to find your ideal space. 
&nbsp;

Great advice for taking your idea and turning it into reality by opening your first retail store

From an idea to opening your first shop

You&rsquo;ve got a great idea and you want to see it come to life in the form of a pop-up shop. But how do you package that enthusiasm and get the landlord to appreciate and understand your great idea? 
 
Your biggest advantage is that all landlords want to see their property occupied rather than vacant. Most are concerned about short term profit and are starting to realise that long-term stability in retail is not quite as dependable as it once was. That&rsquo;s why they&rsquo;re starting to consider pop-ups, which are still a very new entrant to the South African market. 
 
Landlords want to see their spaces filled with positive, busy shops that bring customers and keep them coming back. And they want to work with retailers who know their product, understand their industry and are easy to get along with. They also want tenants who will treat their customers with respect because that reflects on the property you occupy and the other retailers that you share it with. 
 
As a prospective tenant, you need to demonstrate your product to the landlord. You need to show what you are selling, how you will package it and what the customer experience will look like. If the landlord can relate to your idea, then it&rsquo;s much more likely that you will secure a pop-up rental. 
 
When presenting your idea to the landlord, consider the following priorities:
<ul>
	<li>Tell the story of how your idea was conceived as well as what value it adds to the customer and how it will benefit the landlord and the community.</li>
	<li>Share your business model and a simple business plan so that you exhibit your ability to research and plan for a successful pop-up</li>
	<li>Make sure your understanding of your financing for your pop-up is clear before you negotiate so that you can discuss expected costs, cost structures and projected profits. This will build your credibility and will help your negotiations on rental rates.</li>
	<li>Present a one-page report that highlights benefits to the landlord. This could include an attractive retail space, increased foot traffic, potential long-term tenants etc.</li>
	<li>Use case studies to demonstrate the value of pop-up shops and how they increase exposure with younger customers, generate goodwill etc.</li>
	<li>Give the landlord time to review your business plan and follow up after a few days.</li>
</ul>
Pop-ups are new to everybody so it&rsquo;s understandable that there may be lots of questions. Make sure you&rsquo;re able and prepared to answer them! 
 
SpaceMatch allows you to find vacant retail spaces, connecting you with countless potential landlords and holding your hand along the way. If you need any help or advice in finding your perfect space, please contact us at <a href="mailto:info@spacematch.co.za" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">info@spacematch.co.za</a>. 
 
&nbsp;

How to take your pop-up retail idea and present it to mall owners

Approaching mall owners with a pop-up idea

How to Approach Mall Owners with Your Pop-Up Idea

If your business is gathering steam and you&rsquo;re looking for a place to set up shop, then read on for some tips on how to find the ideal space to make that happen. 
 
Be Realistic About Your Position 
Are you sure you&rsquo;re ready to move into a physical space? Assess your position and be clear about your timing, especially what still needs to be done before you can sign a lease. 
 
Make sure you have a business plan and you&rsquo;ve done all the homework so you can present your ideas clearly. 
 
Detail Your Needs 
Having a clear idea of what you need is the best way to ensure you get what you want. 
 
How much space do you need? 
What location best suits your brand? 
What is your budget? 
 
Having clear answers to all these questions means that you&rsquo;ll only consider spaces that actually work for your business and that you can afford. 
 
Check Out Options 
Explore available spaces as much as possible - it&rsquo;s an important part of your due diligence. 
This will give you the best idea of value for money, what amenities are important and a feel for various locations. 
 
Team up with SpaceMatch 
Let SpaceMatch help you to find available options to narrow down your search for your business&rsquo;s new home. 
 
Understand the Small Print 
Once your decision is made, be sure to understand what the contract says and what you&rsquo;re agreeing to. Don&rsquo;t hesitate to ask questions until you have complete clarity on the terms of your agreement. 
 
SpaceMatch allows you to find vacant retail spaces, connecting you with countless potential landlords. If you need any help or advice in finding your perfect space, please contact us at <a href="mailto:info@spacematch.co.za" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">info@spacematch.co.za</a> 
 
&nbsp;

Some pointers to help in finding your perfect retail space.

5 Tips for Finding Your Ideal Space

Retail space sharing isn&#39;t new. Big-box stores began subletting a few years ago to reduce costs, and benefit from store-within-a-store branding. Space sharing can offer benefits to smaller retailers too. Here are a few things you need to know before subletting your retail space: 
 
Ensure that your lease permits subletting. 
If your lease doesn&rsquo;t already permit subletting, ask your landlord to amend the lease to sublet space to another tenant. If you&rsquo;re looking at a newlease, request a sublet option, just in case the need arises. 
 
Post the space that you would like to share on SpaceMatch 
SpaceMatch is a matchmaking site for space and space sharing. Listing space is free and you only pay a commission on the rental once a lease is signed. 
 
Make sure your tenant runs a complimentary business 
You will be working very closely with your new tenant and need to be sure that you will have mutual customers who will have an enhanced experience from visiting your store. 
Also make sure that you get along and agree on the basics like daily responsibilities and store opening and closing hours, 
 
Integrate your space -- and your businesses. 
Some retailers selling complementary products end up sharing more than space. A good example is where complementary products help maximize store hours. One tenant could serve breakfast, lunch and snacks until 5 p.m., while the other could serve coffee all day and move into the kitchen for small plates and bar service later in the evening. Large expenses like point-of-sale software programs can also be shared for the benefit of both retailers. 
 
The good news is that if you get it right, both businesses will save on costs and benefit from gaining new customers. 
&nbsp;

In a tough economy, many retailers could benefit from sharing their space to generate additional income.
Find out how to sublet your shop space to generate additional income.

How shop sharing can save you money

<div>27 BOXES is a&nbsp;cutting-edge lifestyle centre&nbsp;based in the heart of Melville, Johannesburg. Over 100 shipping containers contain a variety of retail stores - from fashion boutiques to a bakery. Retailers at 27 Boxes are more energetic and experimental than your average. It&rsquo;s extremely popular with Johannesburg&rsquo;s youth and, with plenty of events running each month, it&rsquo;s getting busier all the time.</div>
 
SpaceMatch is an online marketplace for short-term retail space. It functions much like Airbnb in the retail space. It&#39;s an online platform that allows landlords to list their empty space for free and for brands to book it as easily as booking a hotel room. 
 
The partnership provides local entrepreneurs and start-up businesses with the opportunity to trial new products and concepts in a trusted retail environment. Rentals start from under&nbsp;R 2,000 a week. 
 
Dion Pillay, Business Executive for 27 Boxes commented &ldquo;We look forward to working with SpaceMatch over the coming years, and we are excited about the potential to discover new and emerging brands that will have a good fit with 27 Boxes.&rdquo; 
 
Kevin Singer, CEO at SpaceMatch, commented: &ldquo;We are always looking for ways to help emerging brands access the best spaces to showcase their ideas. 27 Boxes gives young brands a chance to build brand awareness, test their concept and meet local customers face to face in a prime retail destination. It also gives shoppers the chance to discover new brands. 
&nbsp;

27 Boxes and SpaceMatch are pleased to announce their partnership, an initiative to introduce young and creative talent to 27 Boxes.
Rent space at 27 Boxes. Rent shop in Melveille. Rent Restaurant in Melville

SpaceMatch and 27 Boxes Press Release

It&rsquo;s certainly depressing to walk past deserted main street shopping areas with a smattering of struggling retailers and loads of &ldquo;for rent&rdquo; signs. 
 
A lot of work goes into trying to revitalise these areas because helping them flourish is good for everyone who visits them, from residents and retailers to shoppers and even extending to disadvantaged communities nearby.
The Cycle of Decline 

These areas usually follow a cycle that begins with a run-down area attracting only community-centric retailers that trade off cheap rentals. If these businesses are supported by locals, they develop character and become more successful, helping the area become a cherished one. 
 
This leads to local investment which boosts the area but keeps the rentals low and helps retailers to thrive. But, as the area gains popularity and a higher profile, so larger investors are attracted, and this causes rentals to rise. The increased value of the area tends to attract national chains, and this can often suffocate community businesses and reduce community support. 
 
Once this happens then vacancies appear again, and the area tends to decline fairly quickly as it loses its character and local flavour. Other factors that impact local shopping precincts include global and local economic conditions, as well as changes in the profile of surrounding suburbs. 
 
In order to combat this kind of decline, there are various steps that can be taken.

<h4>Flexibility from Local Authorities </h4>

Shopping strips have multiple landlords, which doesn&rsquo;t allow the oversight that a mall or shopping centre owner would have. The responsibility, therefore, lies with local authorities to ensure that premises can be adapted so that the mix remains appropriate and approvals for new retailers can happen quickly.

<h4>Local investment</h4>

Areas thrive for many reasons but one of the most important is the broader surrounding spaces. Local authorities should ensure that the space is appealing, that historical areas are maintained and attractive and that new construction is encouraged and facilitated.

<h4>Good Amenities</h4>

People are attracted to areas with good amenities. Local authorities should invest in seating, lighting, parking and other amenities to make the area more conducive to retail traffic. Well-maintained park spaces, toilets and free Wi-Fi are all amenities that make a difference to the appeal of a shopping area.

<h4>Broad Retail Appeal</h4>

Businesses that can offer something beyond the local market will have a better chance of survival. Retailers should therefore be encouraged to offer online services and delivery options to widen their appeal.

<h4>Proactive Planning</h4>

Local government benefits from thriving shopping precincts and it should therefore put in the work to ensure that these are protected. Thriving main streets result in rising house prices and therefore increased rates. They also lend character and appeal to an area. 
 
The cycle of demise can happen very fast if local authorities are not agile in reacting to changes in the environment. Reviving a shopping precinct is an expensive and slow process. It&rsquo;s therefore in everyone&rsquo;s best interest to invest in maintaining thriving shopping precincts and ensure that they are resilient and cherished spaces in the community.

Discussion on shopping precincts and what makes them fail or flourish

Helping Shopping Precincts Thrive

Eikestad Mall offers a broad variety of retailers ranging from large brands to small independent shops in a modern, growing environment. Situated in the heart of Stellenbosch, Eikestad Mall offers the discerning shopper a little bit of everything from everyday essentials to luxury items.&nbsp; 
 
Eikestad Mall offers spaces for rent, whether you&#39;re looking to open a pop-up shop or seeking longer-term retail opportunities.&nbsp;Search our Spaces now to find one that matches your idea and we&#39;ll&nbsp;help turn it into a reality in this popular neighbourhood mall.&nbsp;

Find shops, kiosks and exhibition space to rent at Eikestad Mall. A landmark mall in the heart of Stellenbosch

A landmark mall in the heart of Stellenbosch. Find shops, kiosks and exhibition space to rent at Eikestad Mall with SpaceMatch.

Eikestad Mall | Shopping mall space for rent

Eikestad Mall

27 BOXES is a&nbsp;cutting-edge lifestyle centre&nbsp;based in the heart of Melville, Johannesburg. This is a destination with a difference offering unique social spaces, interesting retail and contemporary eateries housed in over 100 shipping containers.

Find shops, restaurants, bars and offices to rent at 27 Boxes in Melville

Find shops, restaurants, bars, ghost kitchens and offices to rent at 27 Boxes in Melville

27 Boxes

With a dynamic tenant mix of local and international brands - coupled with passion for community involvement - Alberton City is a household name and popular family destination for over 520 000 loyal shoppers.&nbsp;From convenience to speciality, Alberton City Shopping Centre is the definitive destination for discerning shoppers seeking a relaxed shopping experience, filled with diversity. With over 1 700 parking bays for ease of access - and everything from food to fashion - it is Alberton&#39;s favourite one-stop centre.

Find shops to rent at Alberton City,  the friendly South East neighbourhood of Johannesburg.

A family destination for loyal shoppers. Find shops to rent at Alberton City, the friendly South East neighbourhood of Johannesburg.

Find shops to rent at Alberton City

Alberton City

Ballito Junction Regional Mall is located on Kwa-Zulu Natal&rsquo;s Dolphin Coast. It is off Ballito Drive, which can be accessed from the N2 Highway. Featuring a sensational line-up of 200 carefully selected stores together with six anchor tenants including Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Checkers, Edgars, Game and Dis-Chem, Ballito Junction Regional Mall combines convenience with a world-class shopping experience. It exemplifies modern elegance and style. It offers three magnificent shopping levels with a full range of retailers including fashion, footwear, wellness, health and beauty, home d&eacute;cor, cellular services, banking and more. Bringing top quality dining and state-of-the-art entertainment to the region is Ballito Junction&rsquo;s Urban Eatery, Nu Metro cinemas and 22 Jump Street, to name but a few. We have a range of shops, kiosks and medical rooms available for rent.

Find shops, kiosks and medical rooms to rent at Ballito Junction, the home of fabulous shopping in the vibrant heart of Kwa-Zulu Natal’s Dolphin Coast

SpaceMatch has a range of shops, kiosks and medical rooms available for rent at Ballito Junction Regional Mall, located on Kwa-Zulu Natal’s Dolphin Coast. Ballito Junction combines convenience with a world-class shopping experience.

Find shops, kiosks and medical rooms  to rent at Ballito Junction.

Ballito Junction

Conveniently nestled in Johannesburg&rsquo;s world-class shopping and dining hub, Sandton, Benmore Centre caters for day-to-day delights and life&rsquo;s special indulgences. Let the modern design invite you in, and cosmopolitan ambience win you over while you shop and dine to your heart&rsquo;s delight. 
From quick and convenient to chic and quirky &ndash; Benmore Centre has it all. For a limied period, SpaceMatch has a number of Pop Up shops to rent at Bemore Centre at less than half the normal price.

Looking for shops to rent in Sandton ? Benmore Centre offers a convenient alternative to the conventional shopping mall experience.

Benmore Centre, in Sandton, offers a convenient alternative to the conventional shopping mall experience. Rent a  Pop Up shop at Benmore Centre with SpaceMatch.

Benmore Centre - SpaceMatch has shops and Pop Up shops for rent

Benmore Centre

Situated in the heart of Pretoria&#39;s cosmopolitan Embassy suburbs, Brooklyn Mall combines all the components necessary to create a vibrant hub of activity in the capital&#39;s most prestigious neighbourhood.&nbsp;This mall offers local residents and international visitors to Pretoria plenty of choices in a beautiful environment. 
 
Brooklyn Mall offers customers the convenience of one-stop-shopping catering to the requirements of the most discerning shopper. A full complement of national retailers along with approximately 220 specialist retail stores provides the very best luxuries and shopping of choice. There is also an assortment of restaurants and coffee bars satisfying an astute palette. 
 
Parking is available at very reasonable hourly rates and the mall is accessible to those with physical disabilities, thanks to ramps and lifts that are strategically located throughout. There are also dedicated toilet facilities for those that are physically disabled. 
 
For a limited time period, we have a number of prime retail spaces at Brooklyn Mall available for short term rentals. Search our Spaces now to find the ideal opportunity for your pop-up shop.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Looking for shops, pop-up shops or retail spaces to rent? Brooklyn Mall is located in one of Pretoria's most prestigious suburbs.

Brooklyn Mall is located in one of Pretoria's most prestigious suburbs. Find shops, pop-up shops and retail spaces available for rent at Brooklyn Mall with SpaceMatch.

Brooklyn Mall

One of the outstanding features architects incorporated into the design is the fashion spine that forms part of the main thoroughfare through the mall. It allows shoppers&nbsp;to stroll along a broad fashion walk dotted with huge green planters, climate cooling water features and a kids&rsquo; play area, stopping by your favourite fashion retailers, restaurants, book shops and cinemas.&nbsp;The mall has&nbsp;over 200 tenants anchored by Woolworths, Pick n Pay, Game, Dis-Chem, Clicks and Checkers, with the upper floor offering some great home and d&eacute;cor retailers, restaurants and more.

Centurion Mall offers its community a unique space, not only to shop but also to socialise and enjoy some of the finer things in life.

Eikestad Mall

Find shops, kiosks and exhibition space to rent at Eikestad Mall. A landmark mall in the heart of Stellenbosch

Available spaces in Eikestad Mall

Shopping Centre Showcase

Ballito Junction

Benmore Centre

Brooklyn Mall

Centurion Mall

27 Boxes

Alberton City

Ballito Junction

Benmore Centre

Brooklyn Mall

Centurion Mall

27 Boxes

Alberton City

Ballito Junction

Benmore Centre

Brooklyn Mall

Centurion Mall

Find a rental space.

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