Ballito Junction reports strong trading and 2026 Country Road debut Footfalls and turnover increase amid new brands and upgraded stores as mall ramps up for the festive season

Ballito Junction Regional Mall in KwaZulu-Natal enters the final quarter of 2025 with real momentum, excellent trading figures that speak for themselves and an impressive lineup of new tenants opening.

Building on superb trading performance for the March-April holiday season, Ballito Junction recorded strong, sustained growth during the June and July holiday season, with turnover up 8.3% year on year and footfall rising by 5.3%. For the year to July, the mall turnover is tracking 10.5% higher, with footfall up 4.2%. These gains reflect seasonal peaks underpinned by steady year-round performance.

This momentum is no coincidence. It is built on strong tenant partnerships and consistent operational execution that stems from a clear strategy to offer desirable brands, provide superb offerings and deliver brilliant experiences for shoppers.

The latest new addition to Ballito Junction exemplifies its approach to retail excellence: in a major fashion moment, the much-anticipated stand-alone Country Road store is set to open in April 2026.

This announcement follows a surge of new energy flowing from a wave of recent store openings. So far this month, The Magic Company and Outflow Beauty Bar have opened their doors, bringing fun and hair flair to the mix. Fashion-forward GalXBoy opened at Ballito Junction in August, following in the steps of Boa Beauty Bar in July, KEB Beverages in June and Bluff Meat Supply in May.

There is more to come. October will see the arrival of the Faro Pop-Up Store, KwaZulu-Natal’s first, offering top-tier brands for less, and the opening of Huawei. In November, Rolf Offermann Hairdressing will open its second Ballito Junction salon, and international brand Harli + Harpa jewellery will launch their third KZN location.

Retailers are not just opening at the mall, they are evolving. Recent strategic relocations by Side Step, Queenspark and Cellini, and modern revamps by Pep, Arthur Ford, Vodacom, Lovisa and Mugg & Bean, reflect a shared commitment to staying current. Clicks’ revamp will introduce the new Clicks Baby range as well as a full beauty range, the newly upgraded Sterns reflects the brand’s latest concept and Refinery’s expansion includes the launch of Refinery Kids in the centre. The upcoming revamp of Dis-Chem will boast an enhanced look and feel and deliver an elevated shopping experience.         

Ballito Junction’s evolution is strategic. The fresh, carefully curated tenant mix is a win for customers, which attracts a broad shopper base, increases their dwell time and deepens engagement.

“Our proactive leasing strategy responds to market gaps through real-time research and shopper feedback. Understanding our customers strengthens the clear connection we’ve built with those we serve and the positive experience we strive to create every day,” says Geraldine Jorgensen, CEO of Ballito Junction.

She adds, “Our tenants invest in Ballito Junction because they believe in it. Every upgrade is a thank you to our shoppers and a promise to keep improving.”

With nearly 100% occupancy level, this is a clear vote of confidence from national and international brands and a sign of more to come.

Technology continues to enhance convenience at Ballito Junction, with the new Admyt ticketless parking system already proving popular with locals and holidaymakers alike. Digital platforms such as Checkers Sixty60, Woolies Dash, Pick n Pay ASAP, Uber Eats, Mr D, OneCart and others, are extending the mall’s reach. Attracting another customer segment to the mall is Workshop17, Ballito Junction’s flexible workspace.

All of this has strengthened the centre’s role as more than a retail destination. “Ballito Junction is moving forward with purpose,” says Jorgensen.

With the festive season around the corner (certainly from the perspective of savvy retail players) Ballito Junction’s plans are well underway, and the mall is once again raising the bar. Extended trading hours leading up to Christmas, well-trained seasonal staff and the return of family entertainment are central to this year’s offering. On top of that, with the demand for pop-up activations, short-term exhibitions and entertainment platforms, these experiences will also feature prominently.

“Festive activities at Ballito Junction have long been a holiday highlight and remain free for all our shoppers this year,” says Jorgensen. “We’re excited. Our retailers are ready. And our community is at the heart of everything we do. This festive season, we’re preparing for a celebration.”

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