Take Luxury Home
Umhlanga has taken a dive into luxury.
The Platinum Walk in Oceans Mall has been the talk of Umhlanga since its launch in March. For the first time in KwaZulu-Natal, a mall has been able to attract many international fashion brands and the attention of the world.
Part of the mixed Oceans development, from the conception of the project, an important factor was how to distinguish Oceans Mall from the other malls and shopping centres around it. Thus, the idea of having a high-end selection of stores in the mall to fill in the gap in the market was conceived and included in the design of the development. The team realised that the area needed these brands and took up the challenge to bring them here.
We have a bustling and diverse market in Umhlanga, with so much to offer locals and visitors alike. From the gorgeous homes to the promenade and beaches, there is no shortage of attractions and activities. International investors saw the potential in the area and took notice of what the Oceans development team was trying to achieve. As a first for KwaZulu-Natal, there was a gap in the market for a range of high-end products and services, as people from the province would often travel to other parts of the country for a luxury shopping experience.
A lot of planning and research was put into this project before anything could begin. Aside from the research the Oceans development team conducted, investors also extensively looked into the area and the potential advantage and disadvantages of investing here. They checked the disposable income statistics at casinos and other malls, the style of the homes, and any other developments happening in the area to gauge the spending habits of the people who live here. What they found was a thriving community and an optimal market for them to invest in.
Having these internationally acclaimed brands invest in our economy shows the confidence they have in our country and province. By welcoming these brands to Umhlanga, we have effectively put ourselves on the world map. The Oceans Mall has become an official branch on these stores’ locations. It is mind-blowing to realise that we have brought the world to Umhlanga!
There has been a perception of Durban as not being as high-end or up-to-date as the other provinces, such as Gauteng and Western Cape. The Platinum Walk sets Umhlanga apart. It is an attraction to add to all of the iconic landmarks which are so beloved, giving people all the more reason to visit Durban.
This boost in visitors has also been great for the tourism industry and the economy. People from all over the country are coming here and spending money, making the Platinum Walk the success everyone had hoped it would be.
The relationship between Oceans Mall and Radisson Blu Hotel has also proved to be fortuitous. The lifestyle created by the luxury offerings of Radisson Blu and Oceans Mall, like the supercar parking and Platinum Walk, has elevated the status of Umhlanga as a high-end destination on a global scale.
Already boasting brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Jimmy Choo, Aeronautica, Versace and Gucci among others, we are looking forward to welcoming more brands in the near future. It’s wonderful to see people coming to our beautiful town and seeing how the new mall and businesses are thriving, and it’s exciting to see how everything is growing.
http://www.oceansmallumhlanga.co.za
Words: Cristina Govender