E-commerce mobile app MiBRAND has signed a partnership deal with seven AJP Group shopping malls across eastern Johannesburg.
The AJP Group is a South African property development and retail company which owns shopping malls and Pick n Pay franchises across Gauteng. The group also owns a chain of coffee shops and grocery stores.
The MiBRAND app, created by Salvatore Barras (21) and Kyri Ioulianou (19) is designed to bring foot traffic to stores through a live feed that displays specials and discounts in malls. Previously only focused in the Bedfordview area, the app is now expanding into eastern Johannesburg malls and will provide Ekurhuleni shoppers with quick access to information such as retail store discounts and special offers.
The co-founders say through the partnership, the seven malls and all their stores will be fully integrated into the app and will advertise their regular specials on it. The malls include Elgin Mall, Glen Balad Mall, Brentwood Park Mall, Kempton Gate Mall, Atlas Mall, Aero Centre Mall, and Birchleigh North Mall - all based in Ekurhuleni.
"AJP has bought over 300 monthly advertising packages with MiBRAND for all seven of their shopping malls and every store within the malls. The user will be able to download the app, available on the Android and iOS platforms, go onto the drop down list of malls and choose their preferred mall. They will then be able to see all the stores and the specials which are often accompanied by coupons. The vouchers are redeemable in stores. Users will also be able to explore the malls, their stores, and search for products using our innovative discover grid," explains Barras.
The young partners established their Bedfordview-based company, Firmaspace, which created the app, in January. Unlike the concept of a traditional e-commerce shopping application, the app, which recently scooped the MTN People's Choice Award, aims to provide Gauteng shoppers with an experience that starts before they leave the house. When they walk into a mall, the customers' live feed displays all of the specials in the mall.
"We want to create a direct connection between the retailers and consumers. The app acts as a reference point for consumers to search and find anything they're looking for within the malls. We live in the 21st century with fast Internet connection. Hhowever, it's hard to find all consumer products on the Internet, customers often drive around for hours looking for household products, when the Internet should provide easy access to brands and their items," asserts Ioulianou.
The expansion comes a few weeks after IT solutions company Universal Technology Holdings acquired a 51% stake of MiBRAND, through which Firmaspace received both funding and infrastructure for expansion.
The app has received more than 2 500 downloads since its inception in January and the duo are hoping to not only expand it to other parts of the country but also globally.
"We have recently established an office in India, where we have a recruitment agency helping us to source employees who will start working towards the expansion. We have hired our first developer who is operating there and we'll be travelling to India to join him," concludes Barras.
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