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: Swazi-born IT graduate Stephanie Lesabe’s Moonyu clothing and accessories, must-have T-shirts from Krag Drag with their cheeky African designs and fun twists on iconic South African brands, Mantsho Lifestyle by Palesa Mokubung for elegant, contemporary womenswear in vibrant African fabrics, gorgeous leather satchels and handbags by leading local designers at Bags by Propaganda.There's also a regularly changing selection of pop-up shops to browse showcasing everything from men's streetware to vintage clothing.

GIFT SHOPPING
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 such as candle-holders in geometric designs at Concrete Jungle.

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, freshly squeezed juices at Impressed, and dinner and craft beers at the steam-punk inspired restaurant The Countess.

27 Boxes also hosts a weekly Saturday morning pop-up market. Note that opening hours vary from store to store.