Looking for the perfect present to delight friends and family this Christmas? Come into town and shop till you drop for gifts from these unique Cape Town CBD retailers.
Now is the time for consumers to buy local. That’s the message this festive season from Cape Town retailers in the Central City whose livelihoods are hanging in the balance thanks to the devastating economic consequences of harsh lockdown restrictions put in place to stem the coronavirus pandemic.
Buying local is important now – more than ever before, says Tasso Evangelinos, CEO of the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID): “It’s time to return to town and show support for resilient Central City businesses that have managed to survive the onslaught of Covid-19. By supporting our local businesses, we can create and retain jobs while getting the economy moving once again.”
The CCID sprang into action at the end of October to support over 1 000 retailers that operate in its geographical area in downtown Cape Town by launching a wide-reaching campaign – called Come Back To Town – to drive business back into the CBD.
Below is a selection of hand-picked inner-city retailers that are waiting for your support this festive season as you search for the perfect present. The CCID’s Great Gift Guide list venues, spanning gifts across fashion, jewellery, food and wine, décor, books, sport and art. Alternatively, there is also the option to give the gift of hope and donate towards the CCID’s Hope for the Homeless campaign.
General
The Heritage Shop
The whimsical Heritage Shop is a tiny gem offering a wide range of ethically sourced local gifts, from skincare products, hand-painted ceramic mugs to essential oils and beautifully packaged flavoured teas and soaps.
The Company’s Garden, 19 Queen Victoria St | www.heritage.org.za
Barnet Fair
This traditional barber shop with a modern twist offers a range of services from hot towel shaves, head shaves and beard maintenance to haircuts. Spoil your loved ones with an indulgent voucher.
98 Bree St | www.barnetfair.co.za
Frank & Myrrh
This innovative store resembles an old-style apothecary. Its origins lie in Northern Somalia where the current owner’s father once had a shop, and it is stocked with a wide array of traditional essential oils, tinctures, fragrances and herbal teas.
305 Long St | www.frankandmyrrh.co.za
Hope for the Homeless
The Cape Town CBD’s homeless community became far more vulnerable during the Covid-19 pandemic.
This festive season, why not give the gift of hope to the Cape Town Central City’s homeless community by donating to the CCID’s annual Hope for the Homeless campaign. Visit www.showyoucare.co.za to donate via SnapScan. The CCID also accepts donations of food and clothing.
Fashion
Missibaba
These must-have handmade leather handbags have been thrilling visitors to the CBD since artist Chloe Townsend introduced them in 2012. Colourful and desirable, they are made by a local artisan.
229 Bree St |
Merchants on Long
Stepping into this Aladdin’s cave is a calm respite from the hustle of Long Street. Shop to the sounds of African jazz for high-end products – from clothes and bags to jewellery – sourced from our continent
34 Long St |
Spaghetti Mafia
A menswear boutique, Spaghetti Mafia sells bespoke suits and clothes by Italian designers. It stocks dapper, sophisticated wear for the ultimate man-about-town.
199 Loop St | www.facebook/spaghettimafiacapetown/
Blackwood Brothers
This trendy store sells exclusive men’s wear brands, including Edwin Denim Co, Schott NYC, Deus, Church’s and Common Projects, as well as its own range. Look out for high quality T-shirts, caps and jackets galore.
63a Shortmarket St | www.facebook.com/blackwoodbrothersstore/
Jack Lemkus
A Cape Town institution (around since 1935), Jack Lemkus offers an impressive range of sneakers and leisurewear. Look out for the specials.
26A St Georges Mall | www.jacklemkus.com
Archive
All the top sneaker brands can be found here. There’s also a cool clothing range. Check out the new Vans X Moma collection, with sneakers featuring the works of Jackson Pollock, Lyubov Popova and Edvard Munch.
26A Shortmarket St | www.archivestore.co.za
Jewellery
Dear Rae Jewellery
Stylish and refined, this store carries a wide range of handcrafted jewellery by designer Karin Rae Matthee. Her treasures are desirable – and there are also items for children.
164 Bree St | www.dearrae.co.za
Kirsten Goss
Sharing a store with Missibaba are the statement jewellery pieces of Kirsten Goss, known for her angular and ethereal work. Did you know she even counts Sex and the City’s Sarah Jessica Parker as one of her clients?
229 Bree St | www.kirstengoss.com
Olive Green Cat
Three adventurous, distinctive jewellery brands share this retail space – Ida Elsje, Phlippa Green and Nunc, so you are spoilt for choice.
76 Church St | www.philippagreen.com
Prins & Prins Diamonds
The ultimate splash-out gift can be found at Prins & Prins, jewellers who specialise in diamonds. Bespoke rings, pendants and earrings can be purchased here: there’s a reason these gemstones are a girl’s best friend.
c/o 66 Loop and Hout streets | www.prinsandprins.com
Food and Wine
The Electric
It’s one of the coolest places in town for a laidback breakfast but you can also buy products that will make up a healthy gift hamper. We love the flavoured oils and unusual teas.
48 Canterbury St | www.the-electric.com
Nude Foods
Surprise the health freak in the family with locally sourced, organic products from Nude Foods where you can also buy natural soaps and skincare products that will spark joy in any vegan’s heart.
5 Constitution St | www.nudefoods.co
Caroline’s Fine Wines
Wine connoisseurs rejoice at the range of local and international wines at this fine store. After 40 years in the business, Caroline Rillema knows her subject, and there are over 1 500 wines to choose from.
62 Strand St | www.carolineswine.com
OpenWine
Leave your shopping at OpenWine until last, because in this comfortable environment you get to taste the wine before you buy it. What’s more, it’s served in the French and Italian way. Olive oil is also on sale.
72 Wale St | www.facebook.com/openwineza/
Decor
Mungo
The cottage vibe of this split-level store is enticing. Everything is made from quality, natural-fibre homeware textiles crafted at their mill in Plettenberg Bay. Choose from exquisite throws and blankets, table linen, towels and apparel.
78 Hout S | www.mungo.co.za
Skinny laMinx
At this iconic store you’ll find Heather Moore’s signature fabrics which have been used to create fun, bright bespoke items, from cushions and aprons to bags and pencil cases.
201 Bree St | www.skinnylaminx.com
Bordallo Pinheiro
If you’re looking for something quirky, this divine ceramic store is for you. A world leader in high-end Portuguese ceramic tableware, this brand has been around since 1884. With several ranges, from natural to humorous, there is something to suit everyone’s taste. Check out the watermelon fruit bowl or the famous ceramic fish.
7 Bree St | www.bordallopinheiro.co.za
Chandler House
In this charming shop-cum-gallery-cum-artist’s studio, every item has been carefully chosen by artist and owner Michael Chandler. On offer is a wide range of homeware and gifts, antiques, objets d’art, handwoven textiles and a selection of artworks.
53 Church St | www.chandlerhouse.co.za
Pezula Interiors
Lovers of décor will feel right at home in this upmarket store that stocks everything from furniture and lighting to scented candles, apparel, textiles, books and games.
A Walnut & Oak backgammon set could be just the thing for that impossible-to-buy-for person in your life.
17 Buiten St | www.pezulainteriors.co.za
Waza
Everything Japanese can be found at Waza – a combination of retail and Japanese-themed events and workshops. Great gift ideas include original Shichirin grills (hibachi), beautifully packaged Japanese ingredients and traditional cooking utensils.
Second Floor, 111 Loop St | www.wazashop.co.za
Books
The Book Lounge
What could be a better gift than a book? At The Book Lounge you’re spoilt for choice with two floors of best-sellers and lesser-known gems for the widest of literary tastes.
71 Roeland St | www.booklounge.co.za
Clarke’s Bookshop
This legendary bookstore (it’s been around for more than 60 years) will provide the ideal gift for the historian in the family. It houses some of the best Africana tomes in Cape Town.
199 Long St| www.clarkesbooks.co.za
Sport and Adventure
Just Like Papa
Visiting this store is more of an adventure than a shopping trip. It’s an eccentric, exciting outlet that specialises in outdoor gear but offers so much more. And it’s not just for the happy campers – the artsy water bottles will make beautiful gifts for anyone.
73 Harrington St | www.justlikepapa.com
Art
YoungBlood
The Youngblood Foundation helps to support up-and-coming young artists by providing a platform for them to showcase their creations. Different works are displayed throughout the three-storey venue.
70 – 74 Bree St | www.youngblood-africa.com
WHATIFTHEWORLD
A contemporary gallery with the focus on local, this is the place to spot new talent. On display until mid-January are the works by KwaZulu-Natal artist Sthenjwa Luthuli.
First floor, 16 Buiten St | www.whatiftheworld.com
StateoftheART
Here you’ll find the works of emerging and mid-career visual artists. Choose from a variety of mediums such as painting, printmaking, fine art photography and sculpture. The dedicated and knowledgeable team will even help you choose something ideal for you.
50 Buitenkant St | www.stateoftheart-gallery.com
Provided by CCID
