Port Alfred, A Shopping Mecca…

What holiday would be complete without a bit of retail therapy, and no stay at Green Fountain Farm Resort would be complete without an excursion through Port Alfred’s various shopping centres…

Rosehill Mall

Port Alfred’s newest shopping centre, Rosehill Mall opened in November 2008 just off the R72 to the west of Port Alfred, and attracted such big chains as Woolworths, Truworths, Foschini and Sport Scene, while surf brands Quiksilver, DC and Roxy opened a combined store complete with an indoor skateboarding half-pipe. Beautifully designed, the mall delights visitors with innovative interior designs and includes 25 fully grown palm trees lining the main walkway and forming part of a beach setting that includes the use of real beach sand, a decorative water feature and a view of the sea.

Wharf Street

Of course, if you’re looking for a shopping experience that is more cultural and in line with Port Alfred’s laid-back demeanor, then Wharf Street, on the older side will be right up your… well, street. Littered with quaint little shops, Wharf Street is famous for its fresh fish stores as well as its antique and second-hand shops. Be sure to pop into the Coelacanth Brewery for a locally brewed Old Four Legs Lager.

Heritage Mall

Heritage Mall is Port Alfred’s main shopping centre, and is known as the Shopping Heart of the Sunshine Coast. Located just off the R72 and accessed by Gluckman Road, Heritage Mall is he home of Kowie FM and includes a Mr Price and a CNA, as well as several smaller shops like Catch a Wave, 27° East, Knights Shoes and Coral Reef Shell Shop.

The Courtyard

In Van der Riet Street you’ll find The Courtyard, a chic boutique mall offering exclusive fashion, decor, antiques and more. Shops include Artichoke, Easy Living, Prickly Pear and Funky Junk, while Zest offers scrumptious home-made cakes and savouries to keep you fueled between shopping sprees.

The Ocean Basket Centre

Also in Van der Riet Street is a group of shops that’s becoming known as The Ocean Basket Centre as it houses the Ocean Basket restaurant. Situated right on the Kowie River, the centre also houses The Cove, a lovely ladies boutique, Equilibrium Beauty Salon Spa, and a Curves gym.

Beyond these main centers, other shops worth a browse include Weatherstar which specialises in nautical and marine items, The Anchorage which offers furniture and decor items with an Eastern influence, and The Bagman, an eccentric little store that has been referred to as an Aladdin’s cave of a shop.

So for the perfect mix of big chainstore shopping, and local specialities, Port Alfred will prove a little gem to all you shopaholics out there.