At a time when the world is re-setting and actively searching for brands that resonate with the core values of getting back to basics, SOKO District seeks to make the like-minded brands they partner with the heroes in this new story… the re-telling of retail. The first chapter in the first of many SOKO District stories is set in Rosebank Mall.
Some of the brands which will come to life at the very first SOKO District in Rosebank Mall include:
Environmentally friendly Nu Nues’ classic baby and toddler wear is locally made and plastic-free, using fair trade, natural textiles.
Annapatat Kids truly lives their ethos: ‘In a world where you can shop anywhere, shop local’. This proudly South African baby and toddler clothing label is all about being intrigued by the whimsy of creating kids clothing, the quirkier the better.
The Oliver Vagary collection – founded and built on a mutual love for leather shared by husband and wife, Jean and Charné Abrie – comprises uniquely handcrafted leather products in a classic style with a touch of elegance and sophistication.
Founded in 2012 by Rial Visagie with a small group of ceramic artists, Rialheim ceramic studio specializes in shapes and glazing techniques that are inspired by Africa’s diverse cultures and beauty.
Flight stands for premium coffee made by champion baristas, pastries crafted by master bakers, chocolate by chocolatiers and those who follow their dreams! Collaboration is also the name of the game here. In a partnership with Rialheim, each cup of coffee prepared by their champion baristas will be enjoyed in Rialheim ceramics, who will also be showcasing some of their ceramics in Flight’s displays.
Luxury fashion brand Mahone The Quiet Junkie manufactures local clothing which aims to challenge African fashion aesthetics through a fusion of modern aesthetics and African-inspired elements.
Family business, Bummel Shoes has been making genuine leather shoes and leather goods since 1990, which means no synthetic materials touch your feet.
MOS Wear is more than just a clothing brand, it’s a concept, a coming together of creative minds seeking a different future. A movement towards a global culture, yet maintaining the foundation that is Native i.e. African from our perspective. With each purchase, a friendship is created and a continued effort to build and mold one another begins.
South African fashion designer, Kayla Stamboul is the founder of women’s fashion line’, Kayla Stam. She has taken high-end fashion and made it accessible to everyday modern women with a line of ready-to-wear, office, and occasion wear.
KoiKoi Clothing was founded by two brothers when they discovered the unique and vibrant African Kikoy fabric, which they have used to create a range of ‘anywhere leisure wear’, using fabric that is sustainably woven in the heart of Kenya and produced locally in Cape Town.
Danielle Frylinck and her team create pieces that make easy additions to any woman’s current wardrobe. These timeless, classic pieces are handmade in South Africa by a group of serial collaborators and creative entrepreneurs.
Era by DJ Zinhle is a timeless fashion-accessory brand founded in 2012 by South African House Music DJ, author, and super mom, DJ Zinhle. The brand started out as a timepiece specific brand that has now expanded into a wide range of accessories that embody sophistication and style.
Just Rrrraw Chocolate’s deliciously dark chocolate is made in Johannesburg with three basic ingredients: cacao butter, paste, and agave syrup. The resulting craft chocolate is organic and vegan.
In 2013, Frits van Ryneveld and Hentie van der Merwe met and decided to start a toffee factory in the small Western Cape town of Darling. Darling Sweet now produces the most delectable old-fashioned handcrafted toffees using the centuries-old art of toffee making.
Each lollipop from The Lollipop League is handmade by Brigette Barnett whose whimsical small batch range of lollipops and candies come in more than 30 flavours from quality ingredients sourced from all over the world, including her own garden.
Ledikana specialises in the manufacturing of contemporary African garments, hats, and other fashion accessories. All their products are locally made and culturally inspired by empowering and developing the skills of women across South Africa.
Think Cacao Grainola Butter for smothering flapjacks or sultry black tahini… Graze is where you will find no gluten and no refined sugar range of plant-based butters that will make you drool.
Ahmed is an architect by profession. His passion for travel, comfort food, and living surrounded by things he loves together with his obsession for great design led him to establish The Chairman Home furniture company.
Mpahla Sneaker & Apparel is a South African household story told through footwear and apparel. It is a proudly South African unisex, stylish sneaker and apparel brand founded in 2017.
Lebo was told that cooking is a duty. So, she went with the flow of the tasteless tradition. Then one day, she realised that… Food is a language of love, laughter and adventure. That’s how Lebo Got Eats was born.
Check out images of the space here
Inspiration
The word ‘soko’ is Swahili for ‘market’, and a market is traditionally driven by the collective art of buying and selling goods in an open space. SOKO District has created a platform that enables purpose-driven brands to create meaningful connections with their customers through a flexible digital leasing platform, without the significant financial commitments in the traditional retail environment.
There is an alchemy to this new approach to retail which comes from partnering with like-minded entrepreneurs. This new approach is what lies at the heart of the brand storytelling SOKO District has at its core. It’s a deep-rooted desire to encourage customers to experience products first-hand rather than online in a relatable space fostering a sense of community and support for brands. But it is also about offering new brands which have a lot of potential a space to grow and breathe which they would not be able to do in a traditional retail setup. So essentially, SOKO District wants to enable retailers because if they succeed in this space, then SOKO District does well too. SOKO District provides the blank canvas for other brands to shine on!
Sustainability
Each brand within the district has a completely customisable space which means customers can easily find and recognise their favourite store. From a shop-fitting perspective, nothing goes to waste. Even shop branding is carefully recycled into stylish shopping bags after use.
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NOTE: All Covid protocols will be in place.
You’ll find our first SOKO District in the bustling heart of Jozi at Rosebank Mall, 50 Bath Ave, Rosebank. For more information visit our website or
Watch our launch video here:
SOKO District at Rosebank Mall Operating Hours:
SOKO District is operational under the adjusted level 4 restrictions:
Mon – Thurs: 9am-6pm | Fri: 9am-7pm | Sat, Sun and Public holidays: 9am – 5pm
Our food providers will be open for take-away meals only.
Get Social:
Follow us on Instagram @sokodistrict or keep up to date with our news on Facebook @sokodistrict and don’t forget to use our hashtags #SOKODistrict #SOKORosebank #RetellTherapy when you are sharing your SOKO District experiences.
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About SOKO District
You’ll find our first SOKO District space at the centre of all the action in Rosebank Mall. It’s the first of many come and what a good place to start – in the bustling heart of the Jozi.
This location resonates with one of the SOKO District pillar principles of creating a regenerative space, a space that encourages constant movement towards fresh ideas.
We are 100% South African-owned, and we keep our carefully selected shop-fitting materials local as far as possible. Sustainable sourcing and recyclability also play pivotal roles in our processes – from our exclusive and patented mechanisms to our electronic and lighting systems.
Technology is a vehicle for improving the quality and sustainability of the community we live in. Our drive towards innovation – the continual hunt for solutions towards improvement – puts us in a unique position to supply SOKO District retailers with the best and latest technologies. Zero harm. Ecologically sound.