La Lucia Mall steps into the future with the launch of a modern, 3,000 sqm Checkers FreshX. Picture credit: Google
By Aisha Zardad
La Lucia: South Africa’s premium grocery landscape is set for a major shake-up as Checkers prepares to open a brand-new 3,000 sqm FreshX store at the iconic La Lucia Mall in KwaZulu-Natal later this month.
The launch promises to deliver a world-class, upmarket shopping experience in one of Durban’s most established luxury retail destinations.
The new flagship store forms part of the Checkers’ growing FreshX portfolio — a concept designed to elevate supermarket shopping with gourmet experiences, artisanal foods, and premium services typically associated with high-end specialty retailers.
A Modern, High-End Shopping Experience
Developed by the Shoprite Group, the FreshX format has become a key part of Checkers’ strategy to compete directly with top-tier grocery brands. The La Lucia store will feature a sleek, modern design with spacious aisles, intuitive navigation, and an expanded product range that reflects the changing expectations of discerning customers in the area.
“We’re excited to bring Checkers’ premium offering to La Lucia Mall,” said Willem Hunlun, Chief Operating Officer at Checkers.
“From our fresh and innovative product range to everyday supermarket prices, our goal is to give customers the kind of experience that keeps them coming back.”
What Shoppers Can Expect Inside the New FreshX
The new store promises an elevated sensory experience, focusing on freshness, quality, and convenience. Key offerings include:
- A full-service Meat Market featuring free-range chicken and restaurant-quality cuts of steak
- A gourmet bakery producing artisan breads, cakes, and pastries
- A Health & Wellness department dedicated to vitamins, supplements, and lifestyle nutrition
- A curated wine cellar offering local and international favourites
- A sushi bar with freshly prepared options daily
- A fresh produce market showcasing seasonal fruits and vegetables
- A hot and cold deli serving ready-made meals
- A Money Market counter for convenient financial and lifestyle services
This premium offering reinforces Checkers’ fast-growing presence in KwaZulu-Natal, expanding access to quality and affordability. The brand’s FreshX format has seen strong nationwide growth, including a recently opened store in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, underscoring the Group’s aggressive expansion strategy.
La Lucia Mall’s Luxury Evolution
The opening of the new Checkers store comes as La Lucia Mall completes one of the most significant redevelopment phases in its nearly 50-year history. Originally opened in 1974, the mall has long been synonymous with luxury shopping in Durban — home to more than 130 local and international retailers across fashion, dining, lifestyle, and electronics.
However, until 2021, the centre had not undergone major upgrades in 15 years. Recognising the need to refresh and future-proof the mall, Growthpoint Properties embarked on a large-scale renovation of both the centre and its surrounding environment.
Rather than enlarging the 45,000 sqm mall footprint, Growthpoint utilised an additional 14,000 sqm of development rights to expand the broader precinct. The upgraded development now includes residential apartments, modern office space, and enhanced public environments, representing an investment of R140 million.
Major Enhancements to Create a Premium Retail Destination
Growthpoint appointed M3 Africa Consulting to lead the transformation, which included:
- Complete renovation of all external facades
- Upgraded lighting across all parking areas
- Replacement of internal public area ceilings, bulkheads, lighting, and flooring
- Full remodelling of public restrooms
- Updated signage, shopfronts, and premium public furniture
These upgrades have positioned La Lucia Mall as a refreshed, contemporary shopping hub while maintaining its reputation for sophisticated retail.
A Rebound for the uMhlanga Region
La Lucia is located within the affluent uMhlanga region, which continues to recover from the disruptions of the July 2021 unrest and the 2022 KZN floods. According to Samuel Seeff, chairman of the Seeff Property Group, these events slowed business activity and temporarily softened the local property market.
However, coastal areas such as uMhlanga and Ballito are now regaining momentum, supported by renewed investment in infrastructure, strengthened governance, and growing consumer confidence. The arrival of the new Checkers FreshX at La Lucia Mall further underscores the region’s upward trajectory.
A New Standard for Premium Grocery Retail
The opening of the FreshX store marks a significant milestone for both Checkers and La Lucia Mall. For shoppers, it means greater access to high-quality foods, gourmet convenience, and an elevated supermarket experience.
For the mall, it reinforces its status as a premier retail destination — blending luxury, convenience, and modern urban living within one of South Africa’s most desirable coastal communities.
As anticipation builds, La Lucia Mall is gearing up to welcome a new chapter in premium retail — and Checkers is leading the way.
