RESILIENCE AND GROWTH: THE TRAJECTORY OF RETAIL IS ALWAYS UP

South Africa’s retail landscape continues to grow, driven by population increases, urbanisation, and evolving consumer needs. According to the 2025 Shopping Centre Directory, the country now has more than 1 400 shopping centres larger than 5 000m², representing over 24 million m² of retail space. Despite challenges such as economic pressures, centre closures, and the rise of online shopping, the trajectory of retail remains upward. Gauteng dominates with the largest share of floorspace and income levels, while provinces like Limpopo and Mpumalanga show strong growth outside metropolitan hubs. With more than 500 000m² currently under construction and 1.7 million m² in planning, shopping centres remain at the heart of South Africa’s consumer economy.