End of an era as landmark shop closes
Concerned community members would like to see the store re-open elsewhere in Meerensee's beach section but there simply is no alternative commercial premises
CENTRAL to the Meerensee community for decades, the Strandloper Convenience Store will on Sunday close its doors.
Meerensee community members were shocked to hear the news.
‘I truly am sad to see the establishment go,’ said one resident.
‘It is not only that Strandloper opens before and closes after other supermarkets, its location is also very convenient, not only for locals who need to buy milk for their morning tea or coffee or charcoal for their evening braai, but also for holidaymakers staying in one of the many complexes nearby,’ said Christa Kapp, a Meerensee resident of 20 years and regular Strandloper customer.
‘The Strandloper owners are real assets to the community. They are good to everyone and treat their regulars like members of their family,’ said Ursula Viljoen, who recalled receiving a food hamper from the store owners for her birthday one year.
‘It is just such a convenience having the store this close to the beach because it is an easy stop.
Changes in the future
Indaba Lodge, landlords of the premises in which Strandloper is located, plans to upgrade the premises and expand the lodge’s services.
‘By mid-July there will be six flats in the upstairs section, catering for both long-term corporate guests and tourists,’ said Mike Oliver, Indaba Lodge General Manager.
‘Offices currently occupying the middle floor will move down to the front section of Strandloper, while the rear will become a laundry to service the hotel and salon.
‘On ground level, the old surf shop will be converted into an upmarket hair and beauty salon and we are also building a gym for hotel guests.
‘The bait shop will not be affected, opening at 5am and closing at 7pm.
It will start stocking beverages and snacks, as well as the bait it already stocks, to fill this niche,’ said Oliver.
‘Our aim is to add value to the entire area, and by opening the spa and laundry, we are creating 13 new jobs.’
While concerned community members are calling for Strandloper to be offered a smaller section of its current premises, or reopen elsewhere in Meerensee’s beach section, there simply is no other commercial premises available in the area.
