To participate, swappers are invited to bring along up to five good-quality, gently used things they no longer want or use to swap for other people's things they want. Then, once they have had their items graded and received tokens in return, they 'check-in' at the Swap Shop to browse through five unique 'departments'- homeware; art & design; fashion & accessories; kids' toys and books.
Tyrone Beck, from The Switch Design Company says, "To ensure the experience replicates that of a real Mall, we've mirrored their big, bold design and included paraphernalia like shopping baskets, a shop-assistant squad as well as customised department aisles. There's even a check-out till where swappers will receive a receipt upon leaving."
Over and above the swapping, creative DIY workshops will also be hosted by local fashion and up-cycling trendsetters - Jessica Baylis and Jéan Wild from Remedy Interiors; NiceFinds founder Indianna Harris, Ivana Raguz of Imagine That and Lauren Wilshere from For the Love Of. Each will create bespoke pieces on event days for swappers.
Charl Nel, Capitec Bank says, "We wanted to create something original that would surprise consumers and encourage them to think differently about how they spend their money. So we tapped into what Jo'burg does best - shop - and turned a Mall on its head to help them save, instead of spend.
"The Swapping Mall is more than just finding a new frock or cushion for the couch - it's about inspiring young people to look at what they have already to reuse it, give it a makeover or swap it with their friends. By so doing, not only will they have given old things new life, they will also have saved tons of money," concludes Nel.
The Swapping Mall is the third in a series of interactive events called The Live Free Project. It uses national calendar days as a launch pad to remind South Africans of the simple, free things in life that do not cost a cent but are fun to do. For the 'Essential Swapping Guide' or to find out more about the event, go to www.facebook.com/capitecbank.
