BY CORRESPONDENT
On 19th May, East and Central Africa’s first enclosed shopping mall Sarit marked its 40th anniversary with a Gala Dinner at the Sarit Expo Centre.
The momentous occasion celebrated four decades of success, growth and unwavering support of tenants, business partners and shoppers who have made Sarit their mall of choice and destination mall.
Sarit was started in 1983 by the late Bachubhai Shah and the late Manekbhai Rughani and has been at the forefront of transforming the shopping experience since.
Recognising the increasing demand for a modern shopping complex, its visionary board embarked on a journey to create a space that would offer unparalleled convenience and an extensive range of products and services to local and international shoppers.
“Phases 1 and 2 combined brought the development to a total built-up space of approximately 360,000 sq ft Phase 3 introduced an additional 600,000 sq. ft of total built-up space, expanding the total built-up area to over 1.1 million sq ft which included the Sarit Expo Centre – the largest of its kind, in a mall and in the region,” noted Sarit CEO Sarit Shah.
The mall’s facilities also comprise a 30,000 sq ft roof-top garden and 10-storey parking with 950 parking spaces.
Shah added, “The Centre is now a City, Your City where you can find everything you need from banking, fashion, electronics, entertainment, groceries to health services.”
The Mall is also set to launch digital loyalty and parking apps as it continues to position itself as the mall of innovation and service to its shoppers.
There are also plans for additional three phases that will include commercial spaces, residences and a hotel, to ensure continuous growth and relevance in the retail landscape.
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who have made Sarit what it is today. This celebration is only possible because of the work and sacrifices of many, over more than 40 years. To our shoppers, your continued and dedicated support to Centre has been invaluable and is a key driver for making Sarit the most successful mall in the region. We endeavor to fully subscribe to Gordon Selfridge’s philosophy, the founder of Selfridges in London ‘The customer is always right’. To our 280 tenants, Sarit would not be what it is today without you. My heartiest thanks to all tenants. I acknowledge and thank the entire Sarit Management and Sarit Expo Team, our suppliers, past and present, who provide security, cleaning, equipment maintenance, parking management and many others who have been a vital part of this journey. I also express my gratitude to our contractors, consultants, law firms and auditors. Finally, I would like to appreciate, the directors who have continued to carry forward the Founders’ vision. Their unwavering commitment, leadership, guidance, and foresight have been instrumental in steering the Centre to where it is today, Your City,” Shah concluded. Pictured are moments from the glittering evening.