Rugby World Cup brings economic boost to Ballito
Increased business generated throughout Springbok campaign came as a welcome relief to business owners.
Rugby fever has significantly boosted not only the nation’s spirits but also the local economy.
While South Africans bask in the euphoria of the Springbok victory in the Rugby World Cup final on Saturday night, retailers and restaurants are left smiling from a good weekend at the tills, especially in the spirits and braaivleis department.
Despite Ballito Junction undergoing a revamp, Pick n Pay owner Michael Lafferty said business was much better than anticipated.
The butchery dominated with increased sales, notably lamb and steak, with sales up by 25% and 30% respectively.
Pick ‘n Pay’s liquor store sold about 200 cases of beer on Saturday alone, with 10-15 cases of champagne and 10 cases of various shooters sold.
Ballito Lifestyle Centre marketing manager, Tessa Woodley said sales were up at TOPS, with biltong, briquettes and braai meat also flying off the shelves at SPAR.
Saturday’s stormy weather however reduced the turnout at venues with outdoor seating.
One restaurant owner reported more than 100 cancellations for this reason.
But indoor restaurants and pubs were run off their feet at The Market and Eat Street at Ballito Lifestyle Centre.
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“It was an absolute madhouse,” said Robsons Real Beer manager, Rourke Spence.
“We could barely move at one stage. About 500 people turned up to watch the game,” he said.
Robsons had run through 10 kegs (300 litres) before closing, as opposed to their regular three or four.
Alchemy’s assistant manager, Londi Khoza, said they exceeded capacity by 30 people with everyone huddling around the television to watch the final.
“Shots were doing most of the rounds with people wanting to warm up. The Springboks’ victory was definitely brilliant for business,” she said.
“When the game was won, people were dancing along Eat Street in the rain, blowing their vuvuzelas,” she said.
They only closed at 2am on Sunday.
The increased business generated throughout the Rugby World Cup came as a welcome relief to many business owners, said Two On Main restaurant owner, Lee Campbell.
“This month has exceeded last October’s income by 30%,” he said.
Simbithi Country Club general manager Craig Nell said counting sales from all the matches played since September 8, 4 000 beers and soft drinks were sold respectively.
“The total attendance during that time was 2 600,” he said, adding that they hired between six and eight additional staff per match televised at the club.
Holiday letting agencies also reported increased visitors to the area.
Utopia Memorable Luxury Holidays’ Elsbeth Terblanche said they were at 100% capacity.
“We exceeded not only January figures, but March and April too, which are our peak periods,” she said.
Enterprise iLembe CEO Linda Mncube said he was glad the North Coast remains the preferred choice for visitors, even for short weekend getaways.
“Many chose to watch the finals of the Rugby World Cup right here with our locals, and we believe this can be credited to the quality of facilities and excellent service standards provided by businesses in our area,” he said.
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