The 2025 programme attracts 276 entries, with 135 awards presented to campaigns that set new benchmarks for success. For Growthpoint, the results aim to underscore both the strength of its marketing talent and the consistency of its national retail strategy, says the company.

"While some of our centres regularly entered the awards in the past, this year we actively encouraged every retail marketing team in our portfolio, whether in-house or agency, to enter the Footprint Awards across a full range of our centres," says Gavin Jones, Head of Retail Asset Management at Growthpoint Properties.

"We wanted to showcase the innovation and impact that our amazing teams deliver every day at centre level. We chose the SACSC Footprint Marketing Awards as a respected forum that honours excellence and raises retail property marketing to new heights. Seeing so many of our centres and their teams recognised on a national stage reinforces that decision and highlights the strategy and creativity that runs across our portfolio," says Jones.

The judging process is both rigorous and industry-led, involving a panel of more than 30 experts from across the retail, marketing and property sectors in South Africa and abroad. Judges include marketing directors, asset managers, agency leaders and international retail specialists who evaluate each entry for its creativity, execution, strategic alignment and measurable results. This multi-disciplinary approach aims to ensure that the Footprint Awards recognise marketing excellence that genuinely advances retail performance and community engagement, says the company.

Diverse Campaigns, National Recognition

Growthpoint's awards span shopping centres in four South African provinces and multiple marketing disciplines, celebrating initiatives that go beyond traditional retail promotion to foster community engagement, local enterprise development and experiential retail, says the company.

Growthpoint says some of the highlights include:

  • Brooklyn Mall (Pretoria): achieves nine awards across multiple categories for its 'Ballet & Bubbles', Curated Collection — '67 Blankets' and 'Denim by Design Welcomes Levi's' campaigns. Brooklyn Mall leads the achievements with nine awards, making it one of the most decorated centres in this year's programme.
  • Festival Mall (Kempton Park): recognised for its 'Retail Academy' community initiative.
  • Waterfall Mall (Rustenburg): receives Silver and Bronze awards for 'Grow Your Small Business', promoting local entrepreneurship.
  • Northgate Shopping Centre (Johannesburg), Longbeach Mall (Cape Town) and Musgrave Centre (Durban): all honoured for campaigns that strengthened community ties and revitalised their retail environments.
  • Alberton City Shopping Centre: earned a Bronze award for 'A Queen Taking Her Throne', celebrating local talent and creativity.
  • Co-owned Vaal Mall (Vanderbijlpark): secure three Bronze awards for its 'All White' themed lifestyle event and campaign.

Together, these results aim to demonstrate the depth and diversity of Growthpoint's marketing across South Africa's retail landscape, says the company.

"These results reflect great marketing but also show how our centres create experiences that connect people, support retailers and contribute positively to local communities," concludes Jones. "We're proud to see our teams driving initiatives that combine commercial success with genuine social impact."

For more information, visit www.growthpoint.co.za. You can also follow Growthpoint on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor