The Drip Group welcomes new children’s apparel store – Kiddies Republic
Hot on the stylish heels of Drip Footwear and luxury fragrance brand Finesse, comes another innovative concept from the Drip Group, this time aimed specifically at children. Kiddies Republic is a new children’s apparel brand and retailer that is big on trend and affordable on price. The first store opened at Mall of the North in Polokwane on Saturday, 30th of July. More stores are set to open in other provinces by December 2022.
Kiddies Republic is a new children’s clothing retailer that offers trendy, quality clothing at an accessible price-point. “The idea for Kiddies Republic came about as a solution to the lack of a children’s clothing offerings where trend meets value for money. Kiddies Republic offers quality clothing that is on trend at an attainable price. It is something that the South African consumer has been waiting for and we are very excited to be presenting the brand in stores that are eye-catching, fun, made-for-kids and expressive,” says Tshiamo Mathibela, Managing Director of Kiddies Republic.
As the Managing Director of Kiddies Republic within The Drip Group, Tshiamo Mathibela’s objective is to build, grow and sustain the new retail chain. “I am passionate about working with entrepreneurs and Lekau Sehoana, the CEO and Chairman of the Drip Group, is a true entrepreneurial visionary. My aim is to change the narrative around South African retail so that it positively shapes the economy for growth. I believe that Kiddies Republic, the strategic roll out of stores, the impact this expansion will have on both job creation and our local clothing manufacturers with our #LoveLocal section in each store, will positively change the accessibility of great children’s apparel. Trendy, good quality clothing and accessories at an accessible price point will change the face of kid’s fashion in this country,” says Mathibela, who is also one of the Directors for the South African Council of Shopping Centres (SACSC).
For Lekau Sehoana, the motive for opening the first Kiddies Republic store in Polokwane is deeply personal – Polokwane is where he was born so for him it is about being visible and recognizing his foundation and never forgetting where he comes from. The Drip Group is as much about creating sustainable jobs as it is about building South African brands that are entrenched in culture, passion, and innovation.
More about Kiddies Republic
Kiddies Republic is a children’s clothing store for ages 0 to 12 years. The brand offers trendy, high-quality apparel and accessories to consumers at a competitive price point. In terms of accessories, the lowest priced item is R19.99, and apparel starts at R29.99.
Now everyone has access to aspirational apparel at affordable prices. Furthermore, customers can have a beautiful store experience without the high price tags.
With the tagline “My World, My Style the brand is inspired by kids, with the result that it is children-centric and encourages them to express themselves. The stores have been designed with small hands and growing bodies in mind with low rails so that clothing is easily accessible to younger children, there is a hop-scotch area on the floor complete with affirmations that they can identify with and celebrate their identity, as well as a book corner featuring children’s books by African writers.
In line with what consumers want, the store colours are bright and incorporate aquamarine, magenta, orange and purple. A graffiti wall on which customers can write and draw, further entrenches the brand promise of self-expression. The vision is to take the artwork and turn it into a fabric that will be used to create a clothing range.
The following stores are set to open by December 2022:
1. Polokwane, Mall of the North – Open
2. Mpumalanga, Acornhoek Mall
3. Gauteng, Chris Hani Crossing
4. East London, Hemmingways Mall
5. North West, Hebron Mall
