Drip Founder, Lekau Sehoana Announces Kiddies Republic Liquidation

In July 2022, South Africa welcomed the arrival of Kiddies Republic, a local baby and children’s clothing shop that aimed to revolutionize the industry by offering affordable yet trendy clothing to a specific target audience. However, after less than a year in operation, Kiddies Republic has made the difficult decision to close its doors and undergo a liquidation process.

The inception of Kiddies Republic was met with anticipation and excitement. The first store opened on 30 July 2022 at The Mall Of The North in Polokwane, Limpopo, with plans to expand and open additional stores in the future. The vision was clear: to provide value-for-money children’s clothing, catering to the fashion needs of young ones without burdening their parents’ wallets.

Unfortunately, despite the best intentions and efforts, Kiddies Republic was not financially viable. In a press release, the owner acknowledged the risks inherent in any business venture, stating, “However, in any business, an owner takes a risk by operating with the hopes of the business becoming successful. This was sadly not the case.”

Facing the harsh reality of the situation, the difficult and unfortunate decision to initiate the liquidation process was made. Last week, liquidators were appointed by The Master of the High Court, signifying the beginning of the liquidation proceedings. To ensure transparency and clear communication, all stakeholders were informed by management about the liquidation and the subsequent appointment of the liquidators.

It is essential to emphasize that Kiddies Republic operates as a separate entity from other entities managed by the CEO, Mr. Lekau Sehoana. In particular, DRIP Footwear is an independent entity and remains unaffected by the liquidation. The owner made it clear, stating, “The Kiddies Republic company is a separate entity from other entities managed by the CEO, Mr. Lekau Sehoana. DRIP Footwear is a separate entity from Kiddies Republic.” The decision to liquidate Kiddies Republic (Pty) Ltd was made independently and does not impact any other businesses managed by Mr. Lekau Sehoana.

While the closure of Kiddies Republic may be disheartening to its loyal customers, it is important to note that DRIP Footwear will continue to operate and serve its customers without interruption. The owner reiterated this point, stating, “We reiterate the fact that Drip Footwear is not affected and will remain operational and in business as usual.”

As Kiddies Republic prepares to close its doors, the owner expressed gratitude to the loyal customers who supported the business during its time of operation. The owner acknowledged the disappointment that this news may bring and extended apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Kiddies Republic, in its short existence, aimed to provide children with a world of style. Although the business’s journey is coming to an end, the owner remains committed to excellence in their other endeavors.

In this unfortunate turn of events, the closure of Kiddies Republic serves as a reminder of the challenges and risks faced by businesses in a highly competitive market. Despite the disappointment, the hope remains that other businesses in the industry will continue to thrive and provide affordable and trendy clothing options for children, ensuring that their style and comfort are not compromised.