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Paarl, your wardrobe called. It's ready for summer.
H&M officially opened the doors to its 30th South African store at Paarl Mall on Saturday, 31 October, and it did not arrive quietly. Opening came with live performances from lordkez, Margot Rothman, and Dj PRLLI on the decks.
As a self-confessed fashion girl myself, I had one mission: find summer. And I did. The swimwear had me mentally packing for a beach day I haven't even planned yet, and the seasonal prints are bold, breezy and exactly what you want to wear to a long lunch on a wine farm. We are in the Winelands, after all.
The space
At 1831m², the store is big without being overwhelming. Think warm oak finishes, ceramic tile floors and brushed stainless-steel details. It feels calm and grown-up, which means the clothes get to do the talking. You'll find womenswear, menswear, kidswear and fragrance, from everyday basics to trend-led pieces.
Insider tips from the visual team
I caught up with Sivuyiswe Cawe, H&M's Sales Market Visual Manager, who knows this floor better than anyone. Ask Sivu where to start and you'll be sent pretty much anywhere. "We have a great offering literally in any category," Sivu says. "Looking for kids, looking for anything basic, looking for denim, you're looking for swimwear, our offering is superb."
So what's the summer trend Sivu is most excited about? Scarves, and not just around your neck. "This season, we tie scarves around the neck, around the waist, and on the head. The options are endless," Sivu says. It's all about accessories that work overtime.
Fashion, closer to home
If you live in Paarl, Wellington, Franschhoek or Worcester, there's no more planning a trip into town just to shop the new drops. The newly upgraded Paarl Mall now has a serious fashion anchor, and the opening has created 22 new jobs in the area too.
The R270-million revamp has brought a fresh look to Paarl Mall, with a new main entrance, refreshed interiors, upgraded facilities and a central fashion court. Shoppers can also look forward to an expanded retail and dining offering, modernised bathrooms and free mall-wide Wi-Fi.
H&M first landed in South Africa in 2015. Eleven years and 30 stores later, the Cape Winelands finally has one to call its own. Fashion girlies, see you in the fitting rooms.
H&M Paarl: Shop 32, Paarl Mall, Cecilia Street, Southern Paarl.
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