The Simply Manas Gift Emporium opened in Sandton City's new extension, Protea Court, earlier this month. It's a collaboration between Manas and her sister-in-law, Mandy Manas, who owns a kiddies boutique, Koko Bino.  

Says Manas: "The store is the fulfilment of a life-long dream. Gifting is one of the most personal aspects of retail, and in the current economic climate, affordability plays a significant role too."

The store caters for all pocket sizes, with pricing between R100 to R3000.  Different tastes are catered for as well.

"We have products that would appeal to almost everyone," says Manas. She says the store's catch phrase is 'If it's worth giving it's Simply Manas!'

With Christmas a few weeks away, gift shopping is reaching fever pitch. So after purchasing the perfect gift, customers can go to the gift-wrapping portion of the store instead of making a stop elsewhere to complete their gift packaging.

"There is nothing more appealing than receiving a beautifully wrapped gift," says Manas. "We have created a candy store-like counter where our customers can choose from a range of wraps, beads, ribbons and other adornments at no additional cost; just to make everything extra special."

Some local and international brands stocked at Simply Manas include Cara Mia, Ritzenhoff, Dunbar-Sloane of London,Cath Kidston, Jamie Oliver and Lou Harvey. Simply Manas is also the first local stockist of Pip Studio, a Dutch brand consisting of home accessories, stationery and bags.

The store also has its own brand that includes pestle and mortars, coffee mugs and cheese boards.

For more information, visit the Simply Manas website.