Page 12 - Designing Ways 281

TRADE WINDS

This recommerce trend also ties instability leaving consumers cautious Waterfront precinct, honouring retailers
into general sustainability trends that and selective, consumers are considering that provide an unparalleled shopping
continue to be a mainstream concern the price tag of products more than ever. experience reflecting the evolving needs
for consumers. By promoting circular Tight budgets are a hard-hitting reality, and desires of modern consumers.
economy principles, recommerce not only shifting the retail landscape accordingly: Award categories include the Digital
reduces waste, but also offers consumers cost is king.’ Price consciousness may Innovation Award (which celebrates the
access to high-quality products at lower force some consumers to opt for less tenant who has demonstrated exceptional
prices, fostering a more sustainable and expensive products regardless of whether creativity, engagement, and effectiveness
economically inclusive retail ecosystem. they are sustainably produced. in the use of digital and social media
This demand for more affordable retail Owing to his vast experience in platforms to connect with customers),
emerges as a direct result of worldwide trend forecasting and business strategy, the Inspired Visual Merchandising
cost-of-living crises, which Chang has Chang will form part of the judging Award (which honours the tenant with
seen affecting consumer behaviours both panel of the upcoming V&A Waterfront the most visually appealing and effective
locally and globally. ‘Pragmatism appears Neighbourhood Awards. With winners store displays), and the Retail Service
to be the overarching theme in retail at to be announced on 19 September 2024, Excellence Award (awarded to the retailer
present,’ he says. ‘With the global economy the newly launched awards celebrate the who demonstrated exceptional customer
taking major hits and geopolitical embodiment of retail excellence within the service within their store). These
accolades not only reward the key tenets
of retail, but also highlight brands that are
effectively navigating the trends Chang
has outlined.
Tenants at the V&A Waterfront have
continued to demonstrate a successful
navigation of the local and international
retail trends landscape, earning the V&A
Waterfront the status as the best mall in
South Africa (based on the average rating
and the number of reviews received)
according to the latest Urban Studies
Shopper Index (USSI). dw

www.fluxtrends.com
www.waterfront.co.za/tenant-awards

12 Issue 281 • dw