Insight into retail sector at 15th Annual African Congress of Shopping Centres

The retail sector's annual flagship event, The African Congress of Shopping Centres is set to take place at the Sandton Convention Centre from 14-16 September 2011 with Nedbank Corporate Property Finance the key sponsor for this high profile event for the first time.

Now in its 15th year, the conference has grown significantly over the years, attracting a wide range of industry stakeholders, from retailers, investors and leasing agents, to marketers and developers from Southern Africa as well as further afield.

The 15th Annual African Congress of Shopping Centres is hosted by The SA Council of Shopping Centres (SACSC) and endorsed by the International Council of Shopping Centres (ICSC).

Long-time supporter of various retail industry initiatives, including last year's SACSC RDDA (Retail Design and Developments Awards), Nedbank Corporate is now demonstrating its support by sponsoring the congress.

“We're delighted to be associated with this annual industry highlight which provides excellent value and benefits for those operating in retail. The theme of this year’s congress is especially relevant as the retail property sector remains under pressure.  While CBD, township and rural retail remains strong, there has been an increase in vacancies among the smaller stores and formal retail remains fragile.  However, our research reveals that retailers are preparing for an upswing in the economic cycle, which we anticipate to start early next year,” says Frank Berkeley, managing executive of Nedbank Corporate Property Finance.

“Congress delegates can look forward to a programme that is responsive to the challenges, highlights and successes that have defined the industry in the last twelve months,” says SACSC congress chairman, Hildegarde Riphagen.

“We aim to empower delegates with an insightful view of the industry, with a superb collection of top speakers who are all experts in their field. This ultimately facilitates better decision making and planning.”

This year's theme; 'Shift - Adapt, Adjust, Advance' was chosen to highlight the momentum and innovation that the industry needs to take its rightful place in the recovery of the global and local economies.