27Boxes: Melville's launch pad for up-and-coming creatives

We chat to some tenants of 27Boxes after its launch in early July 2015

27Boxes in Melville is a shopping centre with a difference: built entirely from shipping containers, the aim of this quirky retail development is to empower small business owners by providing affordable and temporary retail space where they can test out their business ideas.

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Mandy Shave: Group Marketing Manager for property developers Citiq, says that the feedback from the launch of 27Boxes has been overwhelming. “The response from the public and the media has far exceeded our expectations,” she says.

Claire Du Preez, a current 27Boxes tenant, says that Impressed, their juicing business, was originally based on a pop-up model where they operated on weekends only from various markets and events. “27Boxes was our first step towards a permanent retail spot as start-up entrepreneurs,” she says.

Impressed sells vibrantly coloured raw fruit and vegetable cold pressed juices, and their aim is to make juicing a part of everyday life. She says her experience so far at 27Boxes has been inspiring. “The diverse imagination of the neighbouring tenants and their unique offerings adds to our everyday experience as a vendor.”

Jacques Laubscher from The Kraal Design Gallery says his involvement in the initiative is an extension of his great love for Melville. “When we saw 27Boxes being built, we knew that this would be our opportunity to get actively involved in this environment that we liked so much,” he says. “We feel 27Boxes has the potential to completely change, and open Melville up to new avenues, different perceptions and undiscovered opportunities”. The Kraal has a new exhibition every four months, featuring hand picked designers that have produced unique and beautiful pieces.

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Angela Goliath from Woodiz, a wooden fashion accessory brand, sells specialist wooden items such as eyewear, bow ties, caps, cuff links and watches. She says that 27Boxes has provided them with an amazing platform to showcase their brand. “We have brilliant inspiring entrepreneurs around us, all hustling and working together to showcase local talent that would have otherwise not have been seen”.

Half containers can be rented from as little as R3,000 a month (excl. VAT), though there is currently a six-month waiting list. Call 0860-109-237.

This article was originally published in Sunday Times Neighbourhood: Joburg. Visit yourneighbourhood.co.za, like YourNeighbourhoodZA on Facebook and follow YourHoodZA on Twitter