URBAN STUDIES_HIERARCHY OF SHOPPING CENTRES SUMMARY TABLE

The 2025 Hierarchy and Classification of Shopping Centres in South Africa provides a structured overview of how shopping centres are segmented by size, function, and trade area. From small free-standing convenience centres of ±1 000–5 000m² serving nearby neighbourhoods, to super-regional centres exceeding 100 000m² with strong comparative and destination roles, the classification highlights the diversity and role of retail spaces across the country. Each level of the hierarchy—convenience, neighbourhood, community, regional, and super-regional—caters to different consumer needs, travel patterns, and household incomes. Beyond the core hierarchy, specialised formats such as value centres, big box retailers, hyper centres, filling stations, casinos, and airport retail also play important roles in South Africa’s evolving retail landscape