Fourways Mall’s Fresh Comeback: How SA’s Biggest Mall is Winning Shoppers Again

It’s not every day that a shopping mall stages a real comeback. But something different is happening in the heart of Johannesburg’s northern suburbs. Fourways Mall, South Africa’s largest shopping centre by floor space, is shedding its recent slump and reinventing itself into something bold, relevant and vibrant again.

From Empty Aisles to Energy and Excitement

Just a year ago, things weren’t looking great for Fourways Mall. Despite its size and recent R400 million revamp, vacancy signs were everywhere and shopper sentiment had cooled. Fast forward to now, and the difference is striking.

The mall has leased over 20,000 square metres of space in just 12 months and renewed contracts with more than 150 existing tenants. Its vacancy rate, once sitting uncomfortably at 24%, is now down to a much healthier 13%. That’s a huge shift, and it’s thanks to a focused, shopper-first strategy.

Curated Shops, Big Names and Familiar Favourites

From fashion to tech, food to pet supplies, the tenant mix has been refreshed with purpose. New arrivals include household names like Huawei, stylish picks like Levisons, and family favourites like Mochachos and Spur. Even Pet Shop Science and ZuluZenith have brought niche appeal to the mall’s offering.

And it’s not just about new names. Longstanding tenants have been given better visibility, with brands like African Bank and Travelex moved to more convenient and high-traffic spots.

As Centre Manager Juan Palm puts it, “We’ve reimagined the shopping experience to match what the modern Fourways customer wants—variety, convenience and experiences that actually matter.”

Leisure, Lifestyle and a Bit of Sport

Beyond shopping, the mall is fast becoming a lifestyle hub. A fleet of entertainment and fitness offerings is landing soon, including Total Ninja, Urban Playground, and Planet Fitness. For those wanting a new kind of social sport, the addition of eight rooftop padel courts with a café and panoramic West Rand views is already a hit.

The shift toward wellness and healthy living continues with new tenants like High Performance Training, Beauty on Tapp, and Wellness Warehouse, each catering to the growing demand for accessible fitness and beauty services.

And let’s not forget that iconic airplane that once wowed visitors—it’s getting a facelift too. Soon, the surrounding space will become a key feature and selfie hotspot once again.

Greener, Smarter and Easier to Visit

While the upgrades are exciting on the surface, Fourways Mall is also thinking long-term. Work is underway on a large solar energy installation that will help the mall shrink its carbon footprint while ensuring a more stable power supply.

Inside, navigation is a breeze thanks to better lighting, signage and a redesigned layout. The drop-and-go area has been reworked to be safer, brighter and more accessible for e-hailing customers. And a refreshed parking system and tighter security mean the overall experience is far smoother and more secure.

Money Moves Behind the Makeover

None of this transformation would be possible without serious financial backing. Accelerate, part-owner of the mall, has already committed R400 million to the revamp and is raising a further R100 million to continue the progress. Half of that is going straight into more improvements at Fourways Mall, while the rest supports working capital.

It’s a clear sign that the team is playing the long game. They’re not just filling shops—they’re reshaping what a mall can mean for locals who want more than just a place to shop.

A Mall Worth Visiting Again

Whether you’re a long-time Fourways local or a visitor from across town, this mall is showing signs of something rare: real renewal. It’s responding to what people want, investing in meaningful change, and creating spaces that bring joy back into the retail experience.

If it’s been a while since your last visit, maybe now’s the time to take another look. The shops are buzzing, the vibe is fresh, and Fourways Mall is reminding us why it was once the crown jewel of Johannesburg retail.

Ready to experience the new Fourways Mall?

Come explore the mix of fresh fashion, family fun, social sports, wellness hubs, and sunny rooftop vibes. Bring your friends, your family, or just yourself—there’s something new around every corner.

Let Fourways surprise you again.

{Source: BusinessTech}

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