This follows an agreement between Pick n Pay and the Cape Craft + Design Institute (CCDI), a not-for-profit company that supports craft, design and other creative enterprises in the province. The venture was inspired by Cape Town's status as World Design Capital 2014 and was facilitated by Cape Town Design NPC, the World Design Capital Cape Town 2014 implementation company. All items incorporate the yellow and black theme colours of this designation.
"The project developed after a series of conversations with Pick n Pay and it was decided to pilot the concept in the V&A Waterfront store because of its profile," said Nicky Swartz, Cape Town Design Programme Director. "While the majority of this store's customers are locals, it also attracts many tourists. The CCDI was a natural partner when it came to choosing products."
"This is an income-generating opportunity for the producers, who are able to reach a new market; and a chance for shoppers to buy affordable handmade pieces for themselves or as gifts," said Doreen Hendricks, CCDI Market Support Coordinator: Domestic & Local Markets. "This is an excellent example of design as a tool for social and economic development."
Andre Nel, Pick n Pay's GM of Sustainability, said, "The honour of being chosen as the World Design Capital is awarded to cities that recognise design as a tool for social, cultural and economic development. The company echoes the sentiments of development in these areas and we are delighted to be part of this initiative and to be able to work with such talented people.
"We would like to invite our customers to join us in celebrating and supporting these local craft producers and designers whose products will be for sale during this campaign and there is the bonus of having to look no further for your Christmas gifts this year."
Carol Morris, who owns Barrydale Hand Weavers in the Klein Karoo, said, "I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of World Design Capital. We employ 12 members of the local Barrydale community in our enterprise and it's great to reach a new market through Pick n Pay." Morris and her team have created a special range of hand-woven cotton tea towels, with either yellow or black stripes.
Deon Roux of Deoux Designs in Tableview, Cape Town, makes flat three-legged pots cut out of Masonite wood fibre board, carrying a message and topped with a spoon. These decorative items are popular as pub decorations and men's gifts. "These usually sell well at Christmas, and I'm making them in yellow now (instead of the usual black) especially for Pick n Pay," said Roux.
The other enterprises taking part in the project are Bokke & Blomme, Elolo, Hands Design Collective, LithaFlora, love milo, Memories of Africa, Hula Honey, Oh Voila, Starchild Inc, Tin Town, Township Patterns cc, Trip Handbags & Accessories, Useful Pretty Things, Wemasi Dolls and Zizamele Ceramics. Items range from stuffed toys to bath products, ceramic pinch pots to key rings and are produced by 17 craft and design enterprises.
