There is no reason why out-of-town fashionistas should not enjoy global brands at a leading fashion chainstore â€" hence the opening of a Fashion Fusion store at Ondini Shopping Plaza in Ulundi has caused a buzz.

This is the latest addition of retail stores to Ithala Development Finance Corporation’s tenant mix at the northern KwaZulu-Natal shopping complex.

Ithala is a pioneer in establishing shopping centres and industrial estates in remote regions of KZN and seeks to bring development and retail facilities closer to communities, thereby accelerating regional spatial equity, economic growth and job creation.

“The opening of the first Fashion Fusion store at one of our retail centres reinforces our commitment to ensuring that our tenant mix meets the evolving needs of the communities we serve,” said Nkosinathi Nhlangulela, Ithala Properties Executive. “Ithala affirms its position as the second largest landlord in KZN with over one million square metres of industrial and commercial space and hence, we are ideally placed to service the various business sectors throughout the province.”

This asset base has enormous potential to support key provincial development initiatives in line with government’s Provincial Growth and Economic Development Strategy which places the development of SMMEs at the forefront of economic development.

Residents from in and around Ulundi flocked to the grand opening of the store where order had to be called as queues could no longer be identified.

An elated shopper Thamsanqa Ngcobo said she was extremely excited to have been at the opening of Fashion Fusion as the store caters for both male and female styles.

Thenjini Buthelezi said: “I eagerly waited for the doors to open at the first Fashion Fusion store in Ulundi and I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent shopping at the branch.”

Six contract employees, 12 temporary marketing employees and six youth were employed for the week of the grand opening.

Rashid Amir, Fashion Fusion Regional Manager, said: “The grand opening of our first store in Ulundi was a resounding success and we are grateful for the immense support from locals. Fashion Fusion is currently the fastest growing independent group which continues to thrive in four provinces â€" KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and Western Cape. After visiting Eshowe, Jozini and Empangeni we were convinced that Ulundi was the best suited location for the branch as there is huge demand for the clothing industry in the area.”

Amir said the branch’s eight permanent employees have access to an in-house Talent Management School based in Durban which offers training for employee development, coaching and personal growth to enable their progress.

Ithala Properties portfolio of industrial and commercial property assets provide essential infrastructure for manufacturing, retail and other business activities throughout KwaZulu-Natal.