Basi Giftz opened at Carnival City

Towards the end of last year, Carnival City welcomed a new gift shop onboard, just in time for those looking to spoil loved ones with Christmas bespoke gifts.

The bespoke shop offers varying locally sourced items from scarfs to jewellery, sunglasses to performs, perfumes, room diffusers and candles to small appliances and toys.

Basi Giftz was opened by former Carnival City Operations Manager, Tintswalo Rivombo, who decided to become an entrepreneur and saw a niche for the shop at the playground destination.

CAPTION (left to right): Katlego Tshetlo, cashier, Tintswalo Rivombo, owner & Mfunmo Nkuna, Store Manager

Rivombo explains that she decided to start the shop because, in the current economic climate, jobs are limited. “The economic situation requires entrepreneurs, so I decided to try to get a shop off the ground. I am hoping to inspire other people to start own operations instead of normal employment.”

Currently, 33.9% of people are without jobs, a figure that moves to closer to 50% when one considers discouraged work seekers such as those that have turned to hawking goods.

Apart from hiring her own staff, she is further helping the local economy by sourcing locally produced items such as cushions, custom-made candles, and diffusers.

Basi Giftz has already employed two people and has plans to expand further. “I see my venture as being a holding company with more – and different – outlets to be opened, and I may turn to franchising in time,” says Rivombo.

The store caters for those who look beyond congested retail malls for a special shopping experience. In addition to offering a wide array of unique, quality products, consumers enjoy friendly and knowledgeable customer service and a convenient, uncongested location next to Privé (the exclusive gaming area for Diamond and Platinum members).