Busin ess es in Grahamstown have been in a state of flux of late, as some move into new premises and others swop places.
Busin ess es in Grahamstown have been in a state of flux of late, as some move into new premises and others swop places.
First up is High Street, where Bata shoe store has been replaced by Street Fever. The manager, Ellias Mbatha says they opened the store on Monday 7 June, with lots of stock selling out within the first few hours. It has remained popular ever since.
Shopper Etresia Malan said, “I love the change. This store is much better.” Xtreme Embroidery swopped places with 9andthreequarters in Allen Street early in June.
Xtreme Embroidery initially had their offices in the Fort England area so Joos Vos, the owner says, “We are holding thumbs – we hope that it’s a good move.”
Both these shops have similar businesses, focusing on embroidery and active wear. However, 9andthreequarters remain the main retailer of Rhodes memorabilia.
Shop owners Hilmar Eichhoff and Wendy Ling think that their move to a R1.5-million property in New Street next to Redditts Books and Coffee will benefit them in the long run.
KFC in Bathurst Street was replaced by Big Chicken when KFC moved to Pepper Grove Mall recently. While Big Chicken now appears to be closed permanently, KFC manager Gary Scholtz says moving closer to Rhodes and Pick n Pay has resulted in a wider range of customers.
However, one resident, Nokuzola Mahabeni, said, “I am very worried about this change as there are no taxis in Pick n Pay for us.” And Vuyokazi Thambo said, “I like to wait for the bus at night time and I used to depend on KFC to eat in the bus.”
Meanwhile, Mr Price Home is set to move to Pepper Grove Mall, next to Scooter’s Pizza, on 1 July. Store manager Linda Roberts thinks the vibe at the mall won’t be the same as in High Street.
Eugene Repinz, owner of Redwood Spur, said they are planning to move to Mr Price Home’s old premises from 1 October. They plan to join one half of the Mr Price Home property with Calabash.
The other half, on the left, will be used for various businesses such as a car hire company, a tour bus company, a beauty salon and a few others to be announced later. Repinz says: “The current Spur premises are up for rental.
I hope that a restaurant or a pub takes this place, since it already has the necessary equipment in place.”
