Premier entertainment complext Boardwalk located in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape has opened a special festive spot that is helping many local traders make money during the holiday season.
The premier entertainment complex, a vibrant entertainment and leisure destination featuring a casino, shopping mall, restaurants, and a beautiful beachfront, created space for small traders and service providers to work and earn an income while families are on vacation and spending time at home for the holidays.
This initiative has brought colour, joy, and new business opportunities to the mall. At the centre of this festive area are people selling bright balloons in different shapes and colours. Children are drawn to the balloons as soon as they enter the mall. Some balloons are shaped like animals, flowers, or popular cartoon characters that kids love.
”Business has been good because many families are visiting the complex more often together during the holidays. Parents are happy to buy small treats for their children as part of the festive mood, and it benefits our business as we make a profit out of it,” says Amanda Smith, who works for Supply Balloons.
Nearby, face painters are busy colouring children’s faces with pictures of superheroes, princesses, and cartoon characters. Children patiently wait in line, excited to see themselves transformed into their favourite characters.
A face painter, Luvolwethu Nxala, says the holidays are the busiest time of the year. With schools closed and families relaxing, more children are visiting the mall, which means more customers for their business.
“During the year, we only paint children’s faces on their birthdays, special occasions, or events, but during this time of the year, we have more customers as parents take their children to have fun here in Summerstrand,” says Nxala.
One of the biggest attractions at the festive spot is Father Christmas. Dressed in a red suit with a white beard, Father Christmas sits and welcomes children and parents who want to take pictures. Families pose for photos, creating special memories to keep and share. This has also created work for photographers. Camera men and women who own small photography businesses say they are getting more customers than usual.
Many families want high-quality pictures to remember the holiday season, which has helped photographers earn extra money.
“It is tough for independent photographers like me, but during the festive season I know that I make money as families want to capture their special holiday moments on camera, it is an elevation for our pockets,” says Jean Gouza, a photographer.
In addition to entertainment, there are also stalls selling Christmas items. These include decorations, Santa hats, lights, gift bags, and small presents. Shoppers say it is convenient to find Christmas items while doing their normal shopping at the mall.
For the sellers, this is a great chance to reach many customers in one place. The festive spot has also changed the atmosphere at Boardwalk in Summerstrand, Gqeberha. There is music playing, children laughing, and families spending more time together. The mall has become more than just a place to shop; it has become a place to celebrate.
siphosethu@vutivibusiness.co.za
