HomeRetailSuburban African Retail Safari at "Menlyn Park Shopping Centre"

Suburban African Retail Safari at “Menlyn Park Shopping Centre”

Published on

In collaboration with Retail Insider Canada, we travelled to South Africa. One of our retail stops in Johannesburg was the luxury retail at Sandton City shopping centre which had a “Diamond Walk” dripping with Chanel, Gucci and many other international retail brands. While beautiful, we wanted a realistic alternative to the traveller looking for supplies before going on a non-luxury visit to Africa, or before hitting that African safari that South Africa is known for. Menlyn Park Shopping Centre was the best retail centre that has all the key retail needs for travellers (and locals) under a beautifully architected roof.

Close to O.R. Tambo International Airport, the primary airport for international travel for South Africa. The mall is located in Pretoria and is directly adjacent to Johannesburg.

JACARANDAS TREES IN PRETORIA

Mall Amenities

Menlyn Park Shopping Centre prides itself on offering a range of amenities to enhance the shopping experience and provide a pleasant environment for visitors. Some of the key amenities at Menlyn Mall include:

  • Food Court: A diverse selection of dining options catering to various tastes and preferences.
  • Central Park: An internal garden square surrounded by restaurants, offering a green space for relaxation and special events.
  • Iconic Tensile Fabric Roof: The grand hall’s roof, a unique architectural feature, adds to the mall’s character and ambiance.
  • Parking Facilities: Ample parking spaces to accommodate the high number of visitors.
  • Entertainment Options: In addition to shopping and dining, the mall provides entertainment venues and activities for visitors of all ages.
Menlyn Park
GRAND HALL UNDER THE TENSILE FABRIC ROOF. PHOTO: LEE RIVETT

Major South African Retailers

Menlyn Park Shopping Centre hosts a wide array of domestic and international retailers, making it a hub for shoppers seeking diverse and trendy options. Here are some of the major South African retailers present at Menlyn Mall:

Food (Domestic South African Retailers)

  • Shoprite Holdings: Operating 2,370 stores in South Africa.
  • Pick n Pay: Offering 1,685 stores, with 1,541 in South Africa.
  • Spar: Present in 2,138 stores across South Africa.
  • Woolworths Food Stores: 334 Woolworths Food stores and 74 Woolworths Food stores in Engen.
DOMESTIC FOOD RETAILERS IN SOUTH AFRICA
DOMESTIC NON-FOOD RETAILERS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Food (International Retailers in South Africa)

  • Walmart: Holds the majority share of Massmart and has expanded the food offering in Game Stores throughout South Africa.
  • Cambridge: Operating in more than 30 locations in South Africa.
  • Krispy Kreme, Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks, Jamie’s Italian, and PAUL.

Non-Food (Domestic South African Retailers)

  • Woolworths: 218 stores, including Woolworths Fashion, Beauty, and Home, and 82 Country Road Group stores.
  • Foschini Group: A prominent presence with 2,458 TFG stores in South Africa.
  • Edcon: Operating 203 Edgars Division, 686 Jet Division, and 177 CNA stores in Southern Africa.
  • JD Group: Operating 857 stores in South Africa.
  • Pepkor: Present in 5,100 stores across Africa.
  • Truworths Group: Owning 813 corporate stores in South Africa.
  • Mr Price Group: Operating 1,157 stores in South Africa.
  • Massmart: A presence in 381 stores in South Africa.

Non-Food (International Retailers in South Africa)

  • Le Coq Sportif, Campo Marzio, Inglot, Premier by Dead Sea, Forever New, Gucci, Gant, Louis Vuitton, Guess, Timberland, Lacoste, Zara, Zara Home, Lush, Cotton On, Nespresso, Carvela Shoes, Tiger of Sweden, The Kooples, Aldo, Factorie, Fabiani, Hamleys, Forever 21, Burberry, Bvlgari, Prada, H&M, Michael Kors, Under Armour, Urban Decay, TED Baker, Christian Dior, Cartier, Bang & Olufsen.

Menlyn Mall History

Menlyn Park Shopping Centre holds a rich history dating back to its original construction in 1979. Over the years, it has evolved into a prominent shopping destination in Pretoria, South Africa. The mall has witnessed significant growth and development, undergoing two major renovations and expansions to meet the increasing demand and changing needs of its visitors.

The latest renovation, completed in 2016, marked a milestone for Menlyn Park as it became the largest shopping mall in Africa, covering a staggering 1,867,538 square feet of retail space. Pareto Limited, the mall’s owner, has invested in transforming Menlyn Park into an iconic super regional shopping centre, offering an extensive selection of stores and amenities to cater to a diverse range of shoppers.

Menlyn Park
PHOTO: BILD ARCHITECTS

Menlyn Mall Quick Facts and Figures

  • Location: Pretoria, South Africa, approximately 55 km north of Johannesburg.
  • Total Retail Space: 1,867,538 square feet (173,500 m²).
  • Number of Stores: Over 500 stores.
  • Restaurants: At least 37 restaurants within the mall.
  • Ownership: Menlyn Park Shopping Centre is owned by Pareto Limited.
  • Renovations: The mall has undergone two major renovations and expansions since its original construction in 1979.
  • Iconic Feature: The grand hall with its impressive tensile fabric roof covering.

Conclusion

Menlyn Park Shopping Centre is perfect for the international traveller looking to resupply. The mall stands as a testament to South Africa’s dynamic retail landscape, offering a vast selection of stores and amenities to cater to both local and international visitors. With its iconic design, Menlyn Mall continues to be a premier shopping destination, contributing to the country’s thriving retail sector.

Menlyn Park
AERIAL VIEW OF MENLYN CENTRE. PHOTO: BILD ARCHITECTS

Latest articles

Exploring the Fairmont Hotel Empress

Discover the Fairmont Hotel Empress in Victoria - a luxury haven with elegant rooms, stunning harbor views, and modern amenities. Your perfect retreat awaits in this historic gem.

Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour’s Exquisite Rooms and Unparalleled Amenities

Discover unparalleled luxury and comfort at Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour. From scenic harbor-view rooms to garden-view suites, loyalty members can maximize their experience with exclusive benefits.

The Ultimate Travel Companion: MacBook Pro with M3 Chips

Explore the versatile MacBook Pro with M3 chips, ideal for travelers. From content creation to demanding tasks, it delivers exceptional performance on the go.

Explore The Westin Edmonton

Discover The Westin Edmonton, downtown hotel with diverse room options, pet-friendly policy, and easy access to city attractions.

More like this

Johannesburg Luxury Retail Safari to “Sandton City”

Explore Johannesburg's vibrant luxury shopping scene centered around Sandton City, a premier upscale shopping center in the affluent neighborhood.