WeeklySA_AdminTHERAPEUTIC: Brands selected on the basis of how they resonate with the core values of getting back to basics…
By Mpumi Brown
Rosebank’s new retail experience, SOKO District, is opening a fresh chapter in keeping with the changing times ushered by the global economic resetting.
To create a thematic shopping precinct, SOKO is searching for like-minded brands resonating with the core values of getting back to the basics. Already a coterie of brands are partnering with the district in the re-telling of retail experience. The first chapter of this new journey opened at the Rosebank Mall on June 30 2021.
The very first SOKO District in Rosebank Mall boasts an eclectic of creative brands including, Ledikana, the African gem, founded by Mapholo Ratau, and aspecialising in the manufacturing of contemporary African garments, hats, and other fashion accessories. All their products are locally made and culturally inspired by empowering and developing the skills of women across South Africa.
Ledikana released their niche in 2011, started with hats. This was as a result of the love of hats, which grew from hats, clothing and accessories when seeing a gap in the market. Looking for an African outfit designed for all functions including ready-to-wear African clothing for ready-to-wear for office, everyday activities.
Ledikana was spotted by a director of SOKO District, who saw the store in Melrose Arch. Ledikana is locally made in South Africa, culturally inspired by South Africa. When Mapholo was “approached by SOKO, but I did not believe in the concept and thought they were joking; as a small business you meet the people who promise and do not deliver. This organisation, at first, felt ‘too good to be true’, however after meeting, we believed in the concept and the team.”
“With a store in OR TAMBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Melrose Arch, the challenge of selecting the right operation location has been a large factor to cater for their market and the success of Ledikana,” Mapholo said.
Once Ledikana went ahead to agreeing to a modern retail experience, they truly felt a part of “a
community that offers retail therapy according consumers’ needs.
• The word ‘soko’ is Swahili for ‘market’, and a market is traditionally driven by the collective art of buying and selling goods in an open space. SOKO District has created a platform that enables purpose-driven brands to create meaningful connections with their customers through a flexible digital leasing platform, without the significant financial commitments in the traditional retail environment. There is an alchemy to this new approach to retail which comes from partnering with like-minded entrepreneurs. This new approach is what lies at the heart of the brand storytelling SOKO District has at its core. It’s a deep-rooted desire to encourage customers to experience products first-hand rather than online in a relatable space fostering a sense of community and support for brands. – Angelfish Public Relations
