TILLS jingled merrily this festive season with shopping centres recording an increase in the foot count as it is traditionally a time of year when many people are on holiday with their children and have time to shop, socialise, prepare for Christmas and enjoy their bonuses.
The Watercrest Mall in Waterfall recorded a foot count of 701 995 during the month of December, an increase from 2015.
“In December last year, 694 365 people visited the mall,” said Minnie Khumalo, receptionist at the centre. She said the busiest entrance was the SPAR one followed by the Checkers entrance and the food court.
At St Johns Checkers, 144 916 shoppers were recorded during December which also increased from 2015.
Cooldrinks, groceries such as rice, meat and biscuits were the products that sold most in the store.
But on 31 December, charcoal, meat and cooldrinks were the most popular items sold.
Pavilion Shopping centre general manager, Nisha Kemraj said they had higher volumes of customers over the holidays versus the normal trading months.
“Although we received higher volumes of customers, we did not record increases in foot count growth. “Customer count numbers were flat against last year whilst vehicle count reflected increases in volumes.
“The Pavilion showed an increase in spend in grocery, restaurants, stationary, children’s clothing, toys and cellular over the festive season,” she said.
