Local Retailer Surge in Johannesburg

More than 100 local fashion and lifestyle retailers are preparing to open brick-and-mortar locations in Johannesburg, South Africa, in early 2016 in the city’s growing Work Shop New Town area. The new mixed open- and enclosed-space marketplace in the Newtown neighborhood of Johannesburg is one of many retail developments growing in the city that feature brands local to South Africa.

Women’s Wear Daily reports that South Africa’s struggling economy is hurting the country’s imports market. The economic turmoil, however, has been good for local designers who are able to see sales grow in the country.

The growth in the local market has lead to better prices for South African consumers, who have increased spending as a result. The local reception of the South African retail market has also led to increased interest in the designers internationally.