Oil barons and sheikhs splash out in Sandton

SAUDI sheikhs and Texas oil barons spent more than R70000 each for five nights at some of Johannesburg's top hotels.

But these bills were mere pocket change compared to what the oil millionaires spent at top restaurants and boutiques in the city.

About 4000 wealthy visitors landed in Johannesburg on Sunday last week to attend the 18th World Petroleum Congress.

Businesses throughout the city's northern suburbs rolled out the red carpets to welcome the ultra-wealthy guests.

After the congress ended on Friday, dozens of businesses in Sandton anticipated a final shopping rush before delegates flew their private jets home.

Several businesses reported increased sales during the five-day event. Browns, a jewellery store, sold items ranging from R10000 to R400000.

Vigano, an exclusive men's fashion store, was flooded with foreigners who snapped up suits worth about R7500 each.

Another boutique, Bon Ami, reported a 40% increase on normal trade. Salesman Grant Williams said yesterday: "The volume of trade was unbelievable ... the delegates bought everything from suits to footwear."

Club Macanudo, a cigar store, reported that boxes containing 25 Cuban cigars - worth R2800 - were flying off their shelves. "We've also sold a large number of single cigars at R115 each," said sales assistant Dineo Jafta.

Jacana, a curio store, reported a 60% increase in sales. "They bought a bit of everything," said salesman Anthea van Rooyen, adding that beadwork had been quite popular.

Although the congress organisers provided snacks for the delegates at Sandton Convention Centre, most of the millionaires, corporate executives and government officials opted to spend money at restaurants.

Montego Bay, a seafood restaurant overlooking Sandton Square, recorded a 15% increase in trade. "We had a table of delegates who spent a huge amount on dinner," said manager Quinton Stemmer. One delegate paid R1400 for a 2kg lobster.

McGinty's Traditional Irish Pub, next to Sandton Convention Centre, had packed tables every day. Manager Michael Makwela said bills averaged R1000 a table.

About 30 hotels in Sandton, Sandhurst, Rosebank and Westcliff spared no expense to ensure the oil millionaires felt at home in their suites and penthouses, which cost up to R10000 and even R20000 a night.

A delegate from Qatar paid R12300 a night for a luxurious suite at the InterContinental Sandton Sun and Towers.

The Saxon, an upmarket hotel in Sandhurst, hosted a delegate who shipped in a team of bodyguards. Suites range from R4000 to R15900 a night.

But some businesses felt the oil barons had been tight-fisted.

Beryl Saunderson, a sales consultant at Art Etc in Sandton, said she had expected the delegates to spend much more money. "It looks like they didn't have money to spend," she said.

Magda Szulser, manager of Louis Vuitton in Sandton, said although they managed to sell a R12000 handbag, business had been rather slow.

Rui Santos, a manager at Wolman's, a luggage and leather goods shop, said he expected the delegates to start spending today and tomorrow before leaving Johannesburg.

"But the restaurants have definitely done well," he said.