As an anchor tenant of the new Mall of Africa in Midrand, Woolworths aims to do its part to ensure that the new development, which cost R5 billion, treads lightly on the Earth.

The retailer’s newest eco-chic outlet opened this week to unbridled excitement from WRewards cardholders who each received a R1 000 shopping spree for being among the first 100 customers in line. Attended by a mix of celebrities and media, the launch offered a glimpse into Woolies’s approach to sustainability and innovative redefinition of the store experience.

Food that cares
In addition to a new-look store complete with a chocolate hub, fish market and butchery, coffee connoisseurs can visit the in-house roastery in WCafe – the retailer’s deliberate move to create a more deli-type shopping environment.

The 130 000 m² store has been designed to mitigate the environmental impact of the mall through sustainability measures that include an array of energy-efficient lighting equipment and water-saving measures.

“Our Good Business Journey is at the heart of everything we do and it’s great to see our sustainability philosophy brought to life in our beautiful new store,” says Charmaine Huet, group director of marketing at Woolworths.

Fashion that cares
The store has a dedicated footwear department and over 6 000m² of fashion from Studio.W, RE:, David Jones Collection and JT One, as well as Australian premium brands Country Road, Trenery, MIMCO and Witchery – all of which have standalone stores in-house. FoxBox express manicures and EyeCandy eyebrow threading offer a convenient stop within the new beauty department that overlooks a large, dramatic atrium.

Collaborating exclusively on a once-off initiative called “Totes For Good”, Woolies commissioned three young designers – Pichulik, AKJP and Rich Mnisi – to customise a plain tote in a style or design of their choice. Each bag was sold via a first-of-its-kind Twitter auction on opening night, the proceeds of which benefitted The Clothing Bank, a non-profit organisation that empowers unemployed mothers through enterprise development.