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Crossroads Shopping Mall :
The Official Sneak Preview
Crossroads - the latest new shopping mall to arrive in Lusaka opens
its doors in December. Just as you (like me) may have been dreading
starting the Christmas present lists – the ones that begin with the
recipient’s name and then there’s a huge gap where you are supposed
to note down ideas – Crossroads Mall hopefully is perfect timing for
filling in those gaps on the list. Not to mention the value added
if you manage to get down there quickly so you can be the first to
share your finds with friends at coffee shops. I’m going to take a
leaf out of the men’s book and call coffee shop sessions,
“networking” as they do so eloquently.
The Mall, although opening later than planned, from what I can
gather, seems worth the wait. I am pleased therefore, to present
the “official sneak preview”: (drumroll, and in no particular
order, other than shop number …)
This K30 billion project located in Kabulonga along Leopards Hill
Road at the corner with Lake Road, comprises 31 shops together with
the fifth Spar Supermarket in the country. A Zambian initiative,
the project is locally funded and will be managed by Knight Frank.
Secure parking space is available for 130 vehicles. (Oh joy).
The Mall will also accommodate key
service providers including Zesco, Zamtel, Celtel, Standard
Chartered Bank, two Stanbic Bank ATMs and the Lusaka Water and
Sewerage Company.
Gifts Dot Com trading as Archies Gallery stocks gifts and
cards for all occasions and ages at affordable prices, with friendly
service in a spacious environment. The Archies brand of cards and
gifts have been in the existence for over twenty five years. Archies
Gallery says no gift is complete without a card to carry that
special message ‘most special way to say you care’. (Shop No. 5)
Reflections Lifestyle Out & About
– is a new division of Reflections (Z) Ltd that already specialize
in greeting cards and gifts, and is now expanding into the outdoors,
with camping equipment and accessories.
They are the official distributors in Zambia for Cadac Braai, gas
and camping products and will also be stocking an extensive range of
canvas tents, knives, camping equipment, torches, storage equipment,
as well as clothing. Catering for the individual up to safari
lodges and operators.
In addition to this exciting news, there is also a section
specializing in all equestrian requirements from riding apparel,
leather equipments, leather care and hoof care.
Catalogues will also be in the shop to place personal orders with
quick delivery times. (Shop No. 6)
Safari Dot Zm
opens its second shop at Crossroads; an internet café and document
centre called Kopyco.
The shop will provide an eight station café with wireless and
broadband facilities, scanning to email, black and white and color
printing, copying, binding, lamination services and sales of
stationery and printer cartridges. There will also be a 3D CAD
studio facility which will operate out of the Longacres shop which
is currently undergoing a make over. (Shop No. 7)
Nature’s Thyme
– is the first of several health shops to be opened in Zambia. The
shop will provide an alternative lifestyle option based on a non
dairy diet, and a large variety of herbal alternatives,
nutraceutical supplements, homeopathic produce, apothecary, body and
home produce, health books, magazines and recipeswill also be
available in store. (Shop No. 10)
Sparkle Hair and Beauty Studio
– a unisex hair and beauty salon dedicated to providing high
customer satisfaction by rendering excellent service, utilising
quality products in an enjoyable atmosphere. Offering a full range
of hair services, (relaxing and perming, hair treatments, ladies,
gents and children's cuts, weaves and braids, colouring - highlights
and tints), nails (pedicures, manicures, acryllic nails, nail art
design),facials and body waxing services. They will also retail a
professional range of hair products (KeraCare). (Shop No. 19)
Fine Stiches is a haberdashery and sewing shop, stocking a
wide range of fashion books, patterns (McCalls and Simplicity) and
Burda pattern magazines, accessories, and sewing equipment. In
addition they will also stock craft items, needle work and crochet
items. (Shop No. 21)
Xotica is a specialist shop for jewelry and a range of
accessories, including watches, jewelry cases and pouches, handbags
with accessories, stoles and scarves and more. Their slogan is
“Something Special for Someone Special”. (Shop No. 22)
Full Bloom Florists
offer a full range of fresh flowers in all types of arrangements,
ready made or designed to individual requirements. They stock superb
flowers for all occasions and offer a comprehensive service for
functions. Many floral accessories are in stock as well as gift
items and cards. (Shop No. 24)
Luscold Butchery
– well known in Lusaka, will open another branch at Crossroads. In
addition to stocking the normal Luscold meats for which they have
been famous for over 50 years, and Crest poultry and Diamondale
dairy products found in their other retail outlets, they will also
be carrying some exciting new delicatessen lines.
There will be some specialities such as Mailender Salami,
Polnische Mini Salami, Nestphalian Salami and a Hungarian Paprika
Salami; as well as a range of meats such as duck and lamb, not
easily found in Lusaka. Chamba Valley coffee will be available to
taste and purchase.
Also at Crossroads Mall on the food and drinks front - Black Knight
coffee shop are there providing a range of coffees and snacks, with
Mr. B’s Fast Food, and The Mall Pub and The Buzz Café making up the
restaurants and pubs.
The Buzz Café
claims that their “allure lies in the vibe and striking décor”.
Their global menu includes stylish breakfasts, salads and light
meals. I especially love their marketing line that reads: “we
dispense caffeine in a wicked number of versions and shapes”.
Sounds truly intriguing and can’t wait to try them out! (Shop No.
29)
Other shops at the Mall include Classique Cleaners, Jeka Hardware,
Mpapa Zambia Ltd, Sounds, Ndanji Fashions and Phronesis Zambia
Internet Café. Safari Link, Struts Bureau, Bookworld, Mazana
Cosmetics, Jubilee Chemist, Kitchen Kraft, and Blossoms Florist.
Crossroads Mall sounds like a one-stop centre with some interesting
new shops offering us yet more choices for our retail therapy. And
of course, we will have to try out the new eating and drinking
places in between the shopping, for that vital networking, and
filling in the gaps on our lists. Maybe this year Christmas
shopping really will be easier than ever before! |
December
2006