Inspired by similar developments like Box Park in London’s Shoreditch, 27 Boxes, a shipping container shopping development in Melville, has transformed a disused park into 80 boutique stores and restaurant and kiosk spaces geared towards starter entrepreneurs, from fashion designers to chefs, jewellers, artists, interior designers and baristas and bakers. The emphasis of many of the stores is on local design and local production and you will often find that the friendly face behind the counter is also the person who handmade the unique items that you are buying. A quirky alternative to Joburg's mega mall scene.

FASHION
Unique local fashion and design is a hallmark of 27 Boxes. Names to look out for include: must-have T-shirts from Krag Drag, with their cheeky African designs and fun twists on iconic South African brands; and Mantsho Lifestyle by Palesa Mokubung for elegant, contemporary womenswear in vibrant African fabrics. Also look out for the regularly rotating selection of vintage pop-up stores with every era (from the 1920s flapper to the 1990s grunge rockers) catered for, at prices that won’t break the bank. For dapper hats and men's jackets and blazers drop into the small Timeless Clothiers and for the widest selection, check out Reminiscene, where owner Rosemary has an exceptional eye for unique, beautiful items.

GIFT SHOPPING AND CURIOS
If you need to buy somebody a gift, 27 Boxes is a great place to find it. Look out for: beautiful ceramics and unique and surprisingly delicate decor items made from concrete at Concrete Jungle; an old school CD or vinyl treasure at Joburg's biggest secondhand CD/DVD/LP dealer, Microgram Music Traders; or unique South African jewellery and wearable art at ZA etc.

WHERE TO EAT
Shopping’s not the only thing worth visiting 27 Boxes for, there are also a host of places to pick up food with various cosy corners and green open spaces to sit and enjoy your lunch. Our favourites include: cronuts from the XO Patisserie, fresh baked artisanal bread from The Baker Brothers, the widest selection of spices and Indian treats from Flavours of India, fresh lunch specials,  sandwiches and coffee from Reserved Cafe, and dinner and craft beers at the steam-punk inspired restaurant The Countess.