The V&A Waterfront is once again setting the benchmark for excellence in retail with the launch of the 2025 V&A Waterfront Neighbourhood Awards, celebrating the businesses and individuals who help power one of the continent’s most vibrant retail destinations.
Coming off a record-breaking 2024 — with over R10 billion in annual sales and a 24% year-on-year increase in international customer spending during December — the V&A Waterfront is maintaining strong momentum into mid-2025, with all indicators pointing toward another successful year.
Cape Town is currently outperforming in the context of the rest of the country,” says Alex Kabalin, Retail Executive at the V&A Waterfront. “And the Waterfront outperforms other retail destinations within Cape Town itself, thanks to strong local support and international visitors who travel year-round.
As one of Africa’s leading retail and lifestyle precincts, the V&A Waterfront continues to be a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and economic resilience. This is particularly notable in a retail climate where the Consumer Confidence Index reached its lowest point in years in Q1 of 2025, and industry players grapple with the rapid evolution driven by AI, omnichannel trends, and shifting consumer expectations.
In response to this dynamic environment, the V&A Waterfront Neighbourhood Awards — now in its second year — honours retail excellence across multiple dimensions. Replacing the former Customer Service Awards, the revamped programme acknowledges not only service but also creativity, sustainability, store experience, and economic impact.
“We’re shining a spotlight on remarkable individuals and businesses in our neighbourhood who embody resilience, innovation and an unwavering dedication to the extraordinary,” says Kabalin.
2025 Award Categories Include:
- Sustainability & Impact Award – For excellence in sustainability, social impact, and empowerment.
- Brand & Store Experience Award – For innovation in marketing, fit-outs, renovations, and merchandising.
- Service Excellence Award – For exceptional customer service in retail, small business and food service.
- Store Talent Award – For standout frontline team contributions.
- Neighbourhood Champion Award – For exemplary community spirit and ambassadorship.
- People’s Choice Award – Voted for by the public, recognising top retailers and eateries.
- Special Recognition Award – Honouring retail legends and long-standing tenants.
- Retail Excellence Award – Calculated using performance metrics to fairly assess all tenants, large or small.
The 2025 edition introduces an even more streamlined entry process, making it easier than ever for tenants to submit their nominations. Entries are open now and will close at midnight (SAST) on Sunday, 27 July 2025.
All entries will be judged anonymously, remotely and independently by a panel of up to five respected industry experts per category. Judging will take place between 7 August and 16 September 2025.
The awards ceremony will culminate in a glittering celebration on 1 October 2025, where the winners will be unveiled and honoured.
“Our new ambition is to expand on previous success and drive even more entries, with an increase in the quality of submissions across the various categories,” says Kabalin. “We invite all our tenants to step into the spotlight and showcase the excellence that makes the V&A Waterfront such a unique neighbourhood.”
Submit Entries Here:
🔗 https://awards.waterfront.co.za
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