Cape Town's growing 'prom-economy'
Nowhere else in the city will you find such a high-density of visitors and locals.
It's difficult to accurately say how many people use Cape Town's promenade (the sliver of paved walkway that stretches about 5 kms, from the V&A Waterfront to Saunders Rock Beach) daily, but you wouldn't be called 'mad' for claiming that it's a hellava lot.
And along with the scenic route's popularity with pedestrians and runners, an increasing number of small traders are setting up shop too.
From coffee stands (the popular Pink Dahlia was founded by Natasha Harris) and bicycle rental to mobile saunas (a good way to warm up after immersing oneself in the frigid Atlantic) trade is brisk alongside the path.
The emerging 'prom-economy' (yes, it probably deserves its own economic status) is something to take particular note of.
Nowhere else in the city will you find such a high-density of visitors and locals purposely spending slower, quality recreational / social time that isn't entirely captured by an entrenched property landlord. It's a unique marketplace that is clearly still very much underserved.
In the years to come you can expect this part of the city to get busier, there will be more events, there will certainly be more visitors and trader density will increase.
No doubt the prom-economy will serve as a useful retail business incubator and offer a tantalising launchpad for budding entrepreneurs looking for a viable, affordable marketplace to test new concepts.
The seeds of this future are already emerging, it's almost certain that the city will, at some stage, accelerate the opportunity with policy.
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Jon Cherry
Jon Cherry
Jon Cherry