The SOOQ, a popular online marketplace for local small business products, is excited to announce the grand opening of its newest store in the vibrant district of Fourways, Sandton at the Free-range Lifestyle Centre on Witkoppen Road to be exact. This expansion represents The SOOQ’s commitment to supporting small businesses and local entrepreneurs.
This small but dynamic business believes that collaboration is the key to success. Their mission is to create a platform that not only showcases bespoke products but also fosters a sense of community and growth among local artisans and entrepreneurs. By providing a space where creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and craftsmanship can thrive, The SOOQ aims to boost small businesses and empower individuals to pursue their passions.
“The SOOQ was born from the belief that every small business deserves the opportunity to flourish. By creating a free online marketplace, we aimed to connect entrepreneurs with a wider audience and expand their reach. However, we recognised that a purely digital concept had its limitations.” says, Laverne De Jager, co-owner and founder. “That’s why we decided to embrace the power of a physical store, providing customers with a tangible window to experience and interact with the products. We understand that South Africans can be risk-averse when it comes to online shopping, and having a physical presence not only instils credibility, but it offers a physical experience for those who want to feel the fabric of the clothing before purchasing an item of clothing for example, while bridging the gap between the virtual and physical worlds.”
The new physical store will serve as a haven for those seeking locally made, quality items from entrepreneurs across South Africa. Nestled in a unique destination in the middle of one of JHB’s busiest streets (Witkoppen road) the Freerange Lifestyle centre is the perfect destination for families with activities galore including a cooking school for Kids and adults, a Play studio that has classes for sensory play and more, an indoor swimming school, Art school and a wonderful café with amazing food and free Wi-Fi! In The SOOQ store, the products selected are carefully curated to include a wide range varying from fashion and accessories to home decor and art, gifting and party goods like Balloons, all created or resold by small businesses in South Africa from Limpopo to Cape Town. Customers can expect to discover one-of-a-kind pieces, most fully customisable, that truly reflect their individuality while supporting local talent.
“As we open our physical doors, we are excited to connect with the vibrant local community and offer them a shopping experience like no other,” says co-owner Gareth De Jager, one of the original visionaries behind The SOOQ. “Our goal is to create a space where customers can not only find beautiful and distinctive products but also learn the stories behind each brand, this can change the way customers view their purchase, recognising that at the end of that transaction there is a human, doing their best to provide for their families. By supporting small businesses, we can make a positive impact on the local economy and celebrate the power of collaboration.”
One aspect that sets The SOOQ apart is their commitment to sustainability. They prioritise local-friendly practices and promote ethical production methods. With a focus on quality and craftsmanship, The SOOQ aims to provide a quality shopping experience, a range of local products and services you will love all packaged in great customer experience and service.
“At The SOOQ, we believe that sustainability is not just a trend, but a responsibility we owe to our community and the environment,” states Chereese King, co-owner of The SOOQ store. “What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to local-friendly practices. We prioritise working with small businesses that share our values, ensuring that we keep the end customer in mind at all times.”
To celebrate the grand opening, The SOOQ, will be hosting a series of special events and collaborations with local artists, designers and experts in various fields to upskill small business owners and provide resources for them. These events will give customers and community members the opportunity to meet the faces behind the brands and gain insight into their creative journeys.
For more information about The SOOQ and its new store in Fourways, Sandton, customers can visit their website at www.thesooq.co.za.
You can also follow The SOOQ on social media to stay updated on the latest news, events, and product releases.
About The SOOQ
The SOOQ are inspired by the “hustle” of small business owners and have a vision that together we can achieve so much more. They are also a proudly small SA business and have created a platform that allows businesses who create, source or resell to showcase their products and collectively lean on each other to boost their sales nationally and optimise their reach. The SOOQ market’s businesses who list with them and stock them in physical spaces which act as a small window into a bigger range of products found their website www.thesooq.co.za. These physical stores also offer customers an opportunity to see, touch and engage with the products listed on the website.
Not only do they provide this platform for individual sales but they also promote the various products and services as gifting options to corporates & businesses who are looking for something different for their gifting solutions for staff and customers, whilst supporting local.
To find out more about the SOOQ visit www.thesooq.co.za or contact Whatsapp: 063 621 2184 General Enquiries: [email protected] Operations: [email protected], or visit our Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn pages
