University Shop manager Shené Du Toit, ND (Public Relations) ’14 & BTech (Public Relations)’16 shares, “The platform is user friendly, it’s quick to create an account, select your items and the simply choose to either have your goods delivered or collect in store.”
The University Shop is a self-sustaining business unit which was established by the Alumni Association in order to support institutional brand development. The Shop is the official retailer of Nelson Mandela University branded clothing, corporate gifts, bags, and memorabilia. With its main branch at the Sanlam Student Village in Summerstrand, the Shop also has smaller outlets at the Missionvale and George campuses. As a business unit it offers employment and experiential learning opportunities to students as well.
“The University Shop remain an asset and a key brand development tool” said Vice-Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa at the Alumni Association’s 2021 Annual General meeting. We are fortunate to be named after a respected leader and global icon and we hope alumni of Nelson Mandela University and its founding institutions will continue to support their alma mater and be brand ambassadors wherever you are.
The Covid-19 period impacted on Shop turnover negatively as is the case for many clothing and corporate gift suppliers and retailers. Marketing and communication campaigns and regular promotions contributed to sustain operations in an environment where student, staff and visitor numbers on campuses also decreased. The online shop should hopefully increase alumni and other stakeholder support for the University Shop.
Deputy Director at Madibaz Sport Riaan Osman BTech (Marketing) ’06 shared “The University Shop continues to be at the forefront in driving the University brand and I have been impressed by their ability to respond to the ever-changing needs of their clients and broadening their product range. The addition of their online platforms makes ordering so much easier.”
The University Shop remains committed to enhancing the University’s brand through its products and services - now even more so as it enters the e-commerce space.