F&G Podcast Lounge Session: The Evolution of Retail with Woolworths & Pepkor Leaders.

Описание: In this insightful episode of Flanagan & Gerard Lounge Sessions, we sit down with two of South Africa’s leading retail property experts - Maurice De Villiers, Head of Property at Woolworths and Leon Lambrechts, Head of Property at Pepkor - to explore the evolution of retail, changing consumer expectations and the future of physical stores in an increasingly digital world.

From emerging trends shaping 2025 to the growing importance of sustainability and community-focused developments, our guests offer valuable perspectives on how major retail brands are innovating and adapting to stay relevant. They also reflect on their personal leadership journeys, offering a human lens on the demands of modern retail.

Key themes include:

• How shopping habits have changed in the last five years
• The strategies Woolworths and Pepkor are using to maintain customer loyalty
• The evolving role of shopping malls in South Africa’s retail ecosystem
• The importance of sustainability and how it’s shaping retail operations
• The personal passions and career-defining moments of two influential property leaders

Whether you're in retail, property development, or just curious about the future of shopping in South Africa, this episode offers grounded insights, personal stories and a real-world look at retail transformation.

Timecodes
00:00 – Introduction
06:31 – What is your view on shopping trends?
09:36 – Where is the story of Refinery heading?
12:03 – Is that a conscious strategy and something you looking to grow?
13:50 – We have noticed the food performance really growing nicely across the board…
16:06 – To what extent do you see the value in physical stores vs online retail vs where your market is based?
20:06 – What is the concept behind the loyalty card?
21:12 – You spoke about the hiring of smart phones, is it something you can elaborate on?
22:54 – How do you get that knowledge or decision-making process?
25:58 – What kind of involvement have you had with AI in terms of real estate?
29:26 – Do you have any thoughts on how landlords could collaborate with retailers?
33:07 – You spoke in the beginning super regionals didn't seem to be the home for Pepkor brands. Do you still get push back?
35:34 – I wanted to ask about green sustainability?
44:38 – I would love to give us a quick intro to what Iyana is?
48:49 – Do you see space for new entrants outside of the traditional listed sector?
52:33 – What are the kind of things you get up to in your spare time?

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