A look inside the R1 billion luxury shopping mall that just opened in South Africa

The new Oceans Mall in Umhlanga opened its doors for trading on Tuesday (15 November), bringing luxury retail and ‘a taste of Dubai’ to Durban.
The mall, valued at over R1 billion, forms part of the R4.3 billion mixed-use Oceans development in Umhlanga, which comprises three towers with luxury apartments, and a hotel.
The project was designed by Elphick Proome Architecture and is being co-developed by businessman and founder of the Edison Group, Vivian Reddy.
The massive 36,000 square metre mall launched its first phase on Tuesday, with several stores opening for business.
Several South African retailers will be anchored at the mall, including Woolworths, Pick n Pay Clothing, Checkers, Checkers Liquor, Checkers Little Me, Medirite Pharmacy, Clicks and the third Checkers Outdoor store in the country.
The first standalone Checkers Outdoor opened in Hermanus in April 2022, followed by a second one in Noordhoek in July 2022. An additional three Checkers Outdoor stores are scheduled to open before the end of the 2022 calendar year, with more to follow early in 2023.
Oceans Mall will also have a host of eateries, a Hard Rock Cafe, and restaurants like Umhlanga Feast, Olive & Oil, Tigers Milk, W Cafe, Seven Seas Sushi, The Hussar Grill, Nando’s, New York Deli and Romano Ice Cream.
Specialist stores for the mall include Soul (surf shop), Tip Top Tailor, Pet Science, Fresh Breeze Laundry, Frans Tailor, Oceans Tobacconist, Wordsworth Books, Foto Fame, Chocolate Haven and Occasions.
The second phase of luxury retail will include global brands, many of which are making their debut in Durban. This includes Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Jimmy Choo, Diesel, Burberry, Lacoste, Boss, and Emporio Armani. This phase is expected to be completed in March 2023.
Oceans is a major 217,600-square-metre development, and along with the mall, it also features a 200-plus-room Raddison Blu hotel, 40 deluxe long-stay apartments and two penthouses. It also boasts an 800-seater, state-of-the-art conferencing facility with six breakaway rooms for stylish meeting venues.
The development will also comprise two residence towers, consisting of over 450 apartments and penthouses. The towers are designed so that every apartment has a view, enhancing its appeal and long-term value.
The 5-star Raddison Blu Umhlanga opened its doors in June 2022 and has direct access to the mall.
Read: A look at the major new shopping mall that just opened in Tshwane