BRINGING ‘SANDTON’ to Modimolle that’s the best description of what transpired at the eagerly awaited launch of Leisure & Adventure store in Modimolle, Limpopo last Saturday.
This fitting like a glove account was made by the bulky and muscled looking owner of the store Arnoux Mare, during media interaction, inside the bustling store that is perched along Nelson Mandela Drive CBD.
“I and my wife decided to open this store as part of affirming our loyalty, trust and belief to our people. Simply put why travel all these kilometeres to Sandton to get your top gear stuff instead of just popping in this dorpie, hence I did indicate ‘bringing Sandton to Modimolle,’” quipped Arnoux, flanked by his gorgeous wife Kiara Mare, who is also a fashion designer.
He also lamented the fact that farm workers struggled with uniforms for both males and females, particularly those with big ‘muscles’ and this store seeks to act as conduit between farm owners and its staff, says Arnoux shyly, and the wifey jumped in “our designs are playful, sexy and flexible for all ages throughout the season”.
The multimillion-rand store boasts high end of luxury, leisure and adventure equipment from brands including Swarovski, Zeiss, Hi-Tec and Weber and much more.
Camping equipments, hiking stuff, clothing, shoes, Gadgets, travel, outdoor style and adventure are all housed at the Leisure & Adventure store.
Young, old and travel seekers came to witness this magnificent opening throughout the day and some won worthy prizes, including yours truly. An Afrikaner male from Centurion won state of the art binoculars worth a cool R30k.
Upon entry one is welcomed by a huge rhino signature- a sign according to Arnoux tells thousands of words.
“We decided to use the logo and signature of a rhino as part of playing our part in preserving our heritage, culture and Ubuntu. We all know the attack our rhinos face in SA, and our little effort is to create awareness on its extinct and how bad it will look for the country, if we all fold our arms and let these poachers do as they please.
“We cannot and shall not allow that to happen under our watch, hence we’ve decided to create the hype on the importance of rhinos by using it as our marketing tool and a clarion call to all, that this animal is very special to South Africans and poaching should come to a stop,” he said.
According to the happily wed, they intend branching out to other provinces to conscientious adventurous lifestyle and embrace outdoor life.
“Its our immediate plan to open stores in other regions, as we provide the remedy and solution to our customers on travel and leisure,” agrees Kiara, whom some journos mistaken for a model.
It was a battle of choices in the store- parents went for camping equipments, clothing and kiddies were keener on other stuff.
Investment, job creation and economic opportunities are some of the key pillars that necessitated Arnoux and wife to head to Modimolle, although he was born just outside Polokwane.
‘The man in white’ (white T-shirt rhino logo emblazoned infront, white cap and white sneakers, and long-black pants) confirmed: “For me it was a calling and had to respond accordingly. Being a Limpopo guy I had to come back home and reinvest were my business operates. That’s how simple it was.”
Talk of investment- the Springbok fan, Arnoux also heads up an international Innovative Solutions Group that has other subsidiaries in Centurion, Pretoria.
They also own a farm not far from Modimolle that will soon will feature accommodation for discerning travellers.
As we feasted on braai-wors, swayed on boere musiek and love all over the air, as the sweltering heat took advantage of ‘us’ visitors, one had to remind Arnoux that it was a coincidence that they opened the store on tourism/heritage month.
“Daar sy- that was a plan” he clutched in his mother tongue, accompanied by a tongue in cheek smile. “We hope to create linkages with the local tourism industry and provide a meaningful boost to surrounding businesses.”
Next time you’re in Modimolle- make a sho’t left to Leisure & Adventure- it will be worth a while!
A worthy destination in its own right, Modimolle is the commercial centre for the popular Waterberg region in Limpopo. In the wake of the pandemic, the town is ideally positioned to benefit from a bounce-back in South African tourism, given its proximity to game reserves, guest houses, safari and hunting lodges around Bela-Bela, the Nyl floodplain and the Nylsvley Nature Reserve.
To prepare for the opening- the day was preceded by an evening stay over at Weesgerus Holiday resort, a drive from Modimolle CBD, for that much needed braai and cold ones.
In travel lingua- what happens in Rome, remains in China- yes, you do get my drift!
All images Jacob MAWELA (Hearty. Arnoux and Kiara Mare recorded at the opening their new store Leisure & Adventure in Modimolle, Limpopo).
