Meet Paul Gerard, the man behind South Africa’s evolving retail landscape

Stephen Grootes speaks to Paul Gerard, Managing Director of Flanagan & Gerard Property, about the work they do as retail property developers and investors in South Africa’s shopping mall sector.

Listen to the interview in the audio player below.

As Managing Director of Flanagan & Gerard Property Group, Paul Gerard stands at the helm of one of South Africa’s most influential retail property development firms.

Since joining in 2004, he has gained extensive experience under the guidance of Pat Flanagan and his father Peter Gerard, playing a key role in all strategic aspects of the business.

Known for creating high-performing shopping destinations that blend retail, lifestyle, and community space, Gerard has played a key role in shaping how South Africans shop, gather, and experience commercial spaces.

The group’s portfolio includes major retail destinations such as Mall of the South, Thrupps Illovo Centre, Ballito Junction Regional Mall, and Table Bay Mall, developments that have become economic hubs within their regions.

He's managed to keep brick and mortar shops relevant and appealing to the public, in a time when online shopping is becoming increasingly popular.

South Africa’s retail property sector has faced it's own significant challenges, including economic volatility, shifts in consumer spending, crime and of course the rise of online shopping.

Speaking to Stephen Grootes on The Money Show, Paul Gerard, MD at Flanagan & Gerard Property Group says the key to being successful in the retail property space is maximising the customer experience

He says ensuring the end user has the best experience when visiting a retail space will almost guarantee their return.  

"Some shopping centre developers choose to develop shopping centres based on the income stream they think they're going to achieve, and don't really focus on the ultimate end user, the customer."

-  Paul Gerard, MD - Flanagan & Gerard Property Group 

"...because it's all about customer experience. There's so much variety and so many shopping centres out there. Unless you're focusing on the end user, the consumer and making it the easiest possible journey for the consumer...you're missing out."

- Paul Gerard, MD - Flanagan & Gerard Property Group 

"Parking is important...directional signage within parking areas is important, so the ease of getting in is more important actually than the ease of getting out. People are less stressed getting out, than they are getting in."

- Paul Gerard, MD - Flanagan & Gerard Property Group 

Scroll to the top of the article to listen to the full interview.