Words: Kit Heathcock | Image: Supplied
Beetroot Inc is a fresh new, “Made in South Africa” lifestyle brand that’s brightening up the retail sector with a funky range of furniture and home decor. Founder and CEO Elize van der Berg tells us why she chose Table Bay Mall for the first Cape Town store.
How did your business start?
Beetroot Inc started as a job creation project. We started with two people and a sewing machine, initially supplying soft furnishings to corporates. Subsequently, we moved into retail, developing a diverse and authentic product range created by South Africans for South Africans. Our first retail stores were pop-ups in the Pretoria area.
The first permanent Beetroot Inc outlet opened at Menlyn Maine Central Square in April 2017. Our other outlets in Gauteng are in Waterkloof Corner (Pretoria), Springs and Fourways Mall. We operate one store in KwaZulu-Natal (at Ballito Junction) and two in the Western Cape (Tyger Valley and Table Bay Mall). Now we estimate that Beetroot Inc employs about 600 people.
Why did you choose this area for your store?
The scale of residential development in the area made it a natural choice, and established areas like Table View, Milnerton and Melkbos are in close proximity. Table Bay is not too far from our other store in Tyger Valley, which makes it easier to replenish both stores in one go from our Pretoria headquarters.
How did you find your premises?
The developers of Table Bay Mall approached us. We went to have a look and we were hooked. The premises were good, clean, fresh and new!
Why are the premises ideally suited to your business?
There’s a fine mix of stores in Table Bay Mall. The mall is consumer-friendly with spacious corridors and oodles of natural light. It’s frequented by the type of people who enjoy Beetroot Inc’s offering.
Who are your neighbours?
Sorbet and Decor South.
What are the rental/sales prices like in this area?
I would say fair, considering that the mall was new when we occupied the space.
How many people visit your business each day?
It’s a new mall, so the footprint is expanding but still fluctuating at this stage. On weekends and during holiday periods, there’s a marked increase in traffic. We expect the demand to stabilise as the mall evolves into the shopping destination of choice for people in and around the area.
Do you have any expansion plans?
Beetroot Inc now has seven retail outlets across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, and will probably expand to other areas over the next year.
Do you operate online as well?
We do. Online business is picking up steadily.
What’s your most popular item?
People love our furniture and the fact that we customise items. Beetroot’s reupholstery service is also growing in popularity. Our Eco-range, made from reclaimed wood, is also getting the thumbs-up because of the rustic look it brings to the party, as well as the fact that it’s environmentally friendly.
For more information on Beetroot Inc, phone them on 081 303 6564 or visit their website
