The success of the Springboks at the Rugby World Cup in France helped to lift the turnover of the Lochners Biltong Deli in the N2 City Shopping Centre in Bluewater Bay!
Nathalie Moolman, owner of the franchise, says there was a definite rise in turnover of the business as the Boks progressed through the pool stages of the competition that culminated in an extra boost when the Boks reached the finals. But she said the increase in sales was not as pronounced as it was when the Boks won the 2019 World Cup played in Japan.
Nathalie attributed this to the tighter economic situation where higher mortgage rates, electricity charges and rates and taxes resulted in a decline in the disposable income of many people in South Africa. This came about after people were recovering of the effects of Covid on the economy.
“Biltong is now a luxury expenditure,” which some had placed on the backburner as they dealt with the new circumstances, she said.
Having been operational in Bluewater Bay for five years and three months, Nathalie believes the move from the Bay Centre to N2 City Shopping Centre three months ago has helped business. The foot traffic is higher, given all of the different shops, and N2 City also benefits from passing trade as motorists pull in to buy other products on their journey along the N2 highway.
Commenting on her local customers, Nathalie said she had a passion for people, and this resulted in her always trying to cater for their preferences.
Being a franchise operation, all of the basic biltong and dry wors comes from the Lochners factory and then the shop adds its own spices according to customer preference. For instance, the two popular biltong flavours are our “Skop, Skiet en Donder” range (spiced with chilli) and jalapeno spiced biltong.
The most important thing is to ensure quality and consistency. Nathalie believes it is these two aims – and the support of Bluewater Bay Residents and her husband, Franklin – that bring success to the business.
