The end of the year is also a magical time of year, when people go out of their way to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones. Shopping malls, temples of shopping, come alive with a new flame: dazzling decorations, special offers, festive programs… An overview of these joyous celebrations that promise a magical end to the year! Eugénie Sauzier-de Rosnay
Ascencia Malls
Shaping new experiences
With 7 shopping centers and a leading position in the Mauritian retail sector, the Ascencia Mall group offers much more than just shopping spaces: it models living spaces. Some 140,000 m 2 of total leasable area, over 500 brands, around 2.1 million visits per month, 99% occupancy rate… A closer look at this success story with Sophie Audibert, Portfolio Marketing and Communication Manager.
How does your motto “Shaping Singular Places” translate into your shopping centers?
It’s a real philosophy: to create living spaces where people can meet, have fun and connect with their community. What sets us apart: consistent architectural quality, a thoughtful tenant mix, year-round entertainment and a strong commitment to sustainability – through solar, recycling and intelligent building management systems (BMS).
How do you manage the diversity of your portfolio while maintaining brand consistency?
Each mall has its own identity and audience: Bagatelle Mall, our national flagship; Phoenix Mall, Riche Terre Mall and Bo’Valon Mall as regional hubs; and Kendra, Les Allées and So’Flo for everyday proximity. Despite this diversity, we maintain high common standards in terms of infrastructure, security and customer experience. The challenge? Coordinating seven different sites while respecting their local specificities.
What are your adaptation strategies for 2024-2025?
We are focusing on four key areas: enriching the customer experience with more events and unique concepts, exploiting data to optimize our spaces, continuing our investments in sustainability (solar energy, BMS, etc.), and integrating a more agile tenant mix with pop-ups, emerging brands and offers adapted to new consumer habits. We are also working to improve our malls, notably through the renovation of certain stores and common areas.
What’s your strategy for the 2024 holiday season?
Under the “It’s Time for Christmas” campaign, our malls offer a magical, immersive experience: fairytale decorations, parades, Christmas markets, visits from Santa Claus and light shows… We adapt our opening hours and step up security and services to manage the crowds while guaranteeing unforgettable moments.
Ruisseau Créole
A natural end to the year
In Rivière Noire, between the mountains and the sea, lies a little jewel in the shopping crown: Ruisseau Créole. As the year draws to a close, the 37 boutiques of this open-air shopping center come alive with finesse to offer visitors a simple, authentic experience, in the image of this human-sized gallery.
Halfway between authenticity and elegance, Le Ruisseau Créole’s philosophy is simple: to offer a setting combining art de vivre, shopping pleasure and tropical softness. To welcome the festivities in style, the center has opted for an uncluttered, natural ambience, in line with its identity – a more responsible way of experiencing Christmas, without energy-hungry decorations. “We wanted to create a serene atmosphere so that our customers could shop in a relaxing setting, far from the crowds and hustle and bustle of traditional shopping centers,” confides Gitanjalee Geemul-Simon, Sales and Marketing Executive at Ruisseau Créole.
While the store will keep its usual opening hours for the month of December, an exceptional opening will take place on Sunday December 21. In addition to unique gift selections, seasonal gift sets and new collections and products specially designed for the festive season, Ruisseau Créole has welcomed a number of new retailers, promising great variety for the end of the year: Ecrin d’Argent, Maxbram, Alicia Swim, Soho Exclusive Concept, The Pasta Atelier, Dave’s Pharmacy, The Fish Corner, as well as a space shared between L’Artigiano and Bacchanale – a veritable gourmet showcase!
“The month of December has begun with our unmissable Christmas market, and the spirit of craftsmanship continues with our boutiques and concept stores featuring local designers, fine cuisine and original gift ideas,” she adds. And since the spirit of Christmas is also about sharing, this year Ruisseau Créole has decided to support the Enfant Soleil Rodrigues Association to bring a little magic to those who need it most. To put a smile back on the faces of the children cared for by the NGO, the center will be organizing a collection of new toys from December 6 to 15.
For more information:
FB : Ruisseau Creole
Insta : @ruisseau_creole
Mahogany Shopping Promenade
Family festivities!
In the shade of a hundred-year-old mahogany tree, bordered by the emblematic Beau Plan lake, the Mahogany Shopping Promenade offers an unbeatable setting: more than a shopping center, it is above all a friendly, nature-friendly living space, for a relaxing and enjoyable shopping experience… even with the hustle and bustle of the end-of-year!
This December, Mahogany Shopping Promenade is going all out: inspired by the Christmas village theme, the center is decked out in red to welcome families looking for something new, but also a good time. In addition to targeted promotions in the various stores, opening hours will be extended to 9 p.m. – and 10 p.m. for Intermart – from December 19, and to 11 p.m. on the evening of the 24th – and midnight for Intermart and 361.
To keep families entertained, the center has also planned a myriad of activities to keep the little ones busy: treasure hunt, letter to Santa, candy bar, macramé workshop, candy distribution, giant panel painting, face painting, Christmas decorations workshop, wishing tree, New Year’s headband making and Christmas crakers… While the little ones are having fun, the grown-ups can enjoy the big Christmas market from December 19 to 21, featuring many local artisans.
To close the year on a note of solidarity, the Mahogany Shopping Promenade will be holding a special event from 1st to December 31, a toy collection for recycling or donation near the MCB. “Broken plastic toys will be sorted, crushed and recycled into new objects by Recyclar, while complete toys in good condition will be distributed to Terra Foundation’s partner NGOs and associations,” explains Davina Abel, Communications & Marketing Coordinator. An initiative that reminds us, in this festive season, how essential responsible sharing and consumption are.
New for 2025
The Mahogany parking lot has welcomed a new tenant: La Maison Médicale de Beau Plan! Ophthalmologist, gynecologist, geriatrician, podiatrist, general practitioner and pediatrician: a complete range of services in a human-scale center!
For more information:
FB: Mahogany Shopping Promenade
Insta: @mahogany_shopping_promenade
The Caudan Waterfront
A festive rendezvous along the water’s edge
Alongside the historic Port-Louis harbor, the Caudan Waterfront is lit up at the end of the year, with a subtle play of golden light, magnificent decorations, such as the emblematic giant fir tree, and an exciting program to delight young and old – the promise of a festive and magical atmosphere!
“At Caudan Waterfront, our approach is focused on art, culture and leisure,” begins Danilo Sanassee, Events and Communication Manager. As the year draws to a close, the center is living up to its identity! In addition to the festive decorations and entertainment, a whole program of activities has been designed to enrich the shopping experience for visitors.
A number of live music sessions and various performances will inaugurate the Caudan Waterfront’s new concept, Bwat Lamizik, an open stage dedicated to local artists, while Christmas carols will punctuate the month of December. From the 19th to the 27th, a Christmas market featuring local artisans will take place in the center: traditional cookies, festive decorations, handmade candles…
“We’ll be keeping things lively with our special Christmas salsa sessions, a garage sale and creative and fun workshops for children,” he continues. Finally, a grand concert will close the year with a surprise guest… In addition to extended opening hours from December 12, night-time shopping will begin in earnest on December 19, with stores and the food court closing at 10 pm.
For the end of the year, Le Caudan Waterfront is also unveiling a brand-new experience: the Caudan Pop-Up Experience, the island’s largest ephemeral market located on the second floor of Barkly Wharf. “It brings together more than a dozen local entrepreneurs offering original products such as top-of-the-range perfumes, summer clothes, beachwear and handmade jewelry,” explains Danilo.
In addition to supporting local craftsmanship and encouraging more conscious consumption, the shopping center also intends to reduce packaging and favor natural or recycled materials. “The idea is to take full advantage of the magic of the festive season while adopting simple, responsible gestures,” he concludes.
For more information:
FB: Le Caudan Waterfront
Insta: @lecaudanwaterfront
Le Quartier des Serres
A beautiful escape
Far from the hustle and bustle of the island’s shopping malls, there’s a timeless bubble that skilfully combines art de vivre and shopping: the Quartier des Serres. In this human-scale space, stores and pockets of greenery alternate endlessly, offering visitors a setting of tranquility and softness.
As the year draws to a breathtaking close, the hours tick away in the Quartier des Serres, a well-kept secret that invites you to stroll and contemplate. The setting is exceptional: studded with majestic plants, this atypical commercial space boasts a collection of exclusive boutiques, combining emblematic brands and local know-how.
Time may have stood still here, but the Christmas festivities are well and truly underway. On Thursday, December 18, from 2 to 9 p.m., the unmissable Marché de Noël By Night kicks off with a magnificent display of lights. On the program: a festive evening with a children’s corner, a fun photobooth with Santa Claus, gourmet food, numerous local artisans, live music and even a Christmas concert!
Les Arcades Currimjee
A Christmas of sharing
Les Arcades Currimjee has weathered the waters of time with refinement. More than just a century-old heritage, this modern center continues to bring the town of Curepipe to life through a dynamic and varied range of shops, offering visitors authentic and friendly experiences.
In December, Les Arcades Currimjee is decked out in white and gold, bringing a little more magic to Curepipe with each decoration: a large fir tree visible from the main road; Santa’s corner with his polar bear; fir trees, gingerbread and glittering garlands… An express trip to the Northern Hemisphere!
A true meeting point, the center will offer, from 1st to December 24, the center will offer an exceptional Christmas market, with a wide range of craftspeople, eco-friendly designers and handmade gifts. From December 23 onwards, it will come alive with Christmas Carols, creative workshops… and a surprise visit from Santa Claus and his elves!
Promotion of local know-how, rainwater collection and reuse, optimized waste management, reusable decorations and LED lighting… This year-end, Arcades Currimjee is also committed to solidarity, with a gift drop-off area for needy children.
For more information:
FB: Les Arcades Currimjee
Insta: @lesarcadescurrimjee
Hello, Christmas Magic!
A veritable whirlwind, the year-end period is also a magical time, when we go to great lengths to find the perfect presents for our loved ones. Shopping centres-true temples of retail-come alive with a new flame: dazzling decorations, special offers, festive programmes… An overview of these joyous celebrations promising a year-end filled with enchantment and light!
Ascencia Malls
Shaping Singular Experiences
Owning seven shopping centers and leading the retail sector in Mauritius, the Ascencia Mall group offers far more than shopping spaces: it creates living environments. Some 140,000 m² of total lettable area, over 500 brands, approximately 2.1 million visits per month, and a 99% occupancy rate… We explore this success story with Sophie Audibert, Portfolio Marketing and Communication Manager.
How does your motto ‘Shaping Singular Places’ translate into your shopping centers?
It’s a genuine philosophy: creating living spaces where people meet, enjoy themselves, and connect with their community. What sets us apart is consistent architectural quality, a carefully curated tenant mix, year-round events, and a strong commitment to sustainability-through solar power, recycling, and building management systems (BMS).
How do you manage the diversity of your portfolio whilst maintaining brand consistency?
Each mall has its own identity and audience: Bagatelle Mall, our national flagship; Phoenix Mall, Riche Terre Mall, and Bo’Valon Mall as regional hubs; and Kendra, Les Allées, and So’Flo for everyday convenience. Despite this diversity, we maintain common high standards in infrastructure, security, and customer experience. The challenge? Coordinating seven different sites whilst respecting their local characteristics!
What are your adaptation strategies for 2024-2025?
We are focusing on four areas: enriching the customer experience with more events and unique concepts, leveraging data to optimise our spaces, continuing our sustainability investments (solar energy, BMS…), and integrating a more agile tenant mix with pop-ups, emerging brands, and offerings suited to new consumer habits. We are also working on enhancing our malls, particularly through the renovation of certain shops and our communal areas.
What is your strategy for the 2024 festive season?
Under the campaign ‘It’s Time for Christmas’, our malls offer a magical and immersive experience: enchanting decorations, parades, Christmas markets, Father Christmas visits, and light shows… We are adapting our opening hours and strengthening security and services to manage the crowds whilst ensuring unforgettable moments.
Ruisseau Créole
A Natural End to the Year
In Rivière Noire, between mountain and sea, lies a little gem in terms of shopping: Ruisseau Créole. As the year draws to a close, the 37 shops in this open-air shopping center come tastefully to life to offer visitors a simple and authentic experience, reflecting the human scale of this gallery.
Striking a balance between authenticity and elegance, Ruisseau Créole’s philosophy is simple: to provide a setting that blends lifestyle, pleasurable shopping, and tropical charm. To welcome the festivities as they deserve, the center is embracing a pared-back, natural atmosphere aligned with its identity-a way of experiencing Christmas more responsibly, without energy-intensive decorations. ‘We wanted to favour a serene atmosphere so that our customers can do their shopping in a relaxing setting, away from the crowds and hustle and bustle of traditional shopping centers,’ shares Gitanjalee Geemul-Simon, Sales and Marketing Executive at Ruisseau Créole.
Whilst the center maintains its usual opening hours for December, there will be an exceptional opening on Sunday 21st December. Beyond selections of unique gifts, seasonal gift sets, and new collections and products specially created for the festivities, Ruisseau Créole has welcomed numerous new retailers promising wonderful variety for the year-end period: Ecrin d’Argent, Maxbram, Alicia Swim, Soho Exclusive Concept, The Pasta Atelier, Dave’s Pharmacy, The Fish Corner, as well as a shared space between L’Artigiano and Bacchanale-a true foodie haven!
December began with our unmissable Christmas market, and the artisanal spirit continues thanks to our shops and concept stores showingcasing local creators, fine gastronomy, and original gift ideas,’ she adds. And since the spirit of Christmas is also about sharing, Ruisseau Créole has this year decided to support Association Enfant Soleil Rodrigues to bring a little magic to those who need it most. To bring smiles back to the children supported by the NGO, the center will be organizing a collection of new toys from 6th to 15th December.
For more information:
FB : Ruisseau Creole
Insta : @ruisseau_creole
Mahogany Shopping Promenade: Festive Family Fun!
In the shade of a century-old mahogany tree, bordered by the iconic lake at Beau Plan, Mahogany Shopping Promenade offers an unbeatable setting: more than a shopping center, it establishes itself above all as a convivial, nature-respecting living space, for a relaxing and pleasant shopping experience… even amidst the year-end hustle and bustle!
This December, Mahogany Shopping Promenade is pulling out all the stops: inspired by the Christmas village theme, the center is adorned in red to properly welcome families seeking new finds, but also good times. In addition to targeted promotions in various shops, opening hours will be extended for shops until 9 p.m.-and 10 p.m. for Intermart-from 19th December, going until 11 p.m. on the evening of the 24th-and midnight for Intermart and 361.
For families’ enjoyment, the center has also planned a whole host of activities to keep little ones busy: treasure hunt, letter to Father Christmas, sweet shop, macramé workshop, treat distribution, giant panel painting, face painting, Christmas decoration workshop, wishing tree, New Year’s headband making, and even Christmas cracker preparation… Whilst the children have fun, adults can enjoy the large Christmas market taking place from 19th to 21st December, bringing together numerous local artisans.
To close the year on a community-minded note, Mahogany Shopping Promenade will organise a toy collection for recycling or donation near MCB from 1st to 31st December. Broken plastic toys will be sorted, crushed, and repurposed into new objects by Recyclar, whilst complete toys in good condition will be distributed to NGOs and partner associations of Terra Foundation,’ shares Davina Abel, Communications & Marketing Coordinator. An initiative that reminds us, during this festive period, just how essential sharing and responsible consumption are.
New for 2025
Mahogany’s car park has welcomed a new tenant: La Maison Médicale de Beau Plan! Ophthalmologist, gynaecologist, geriatrician, podiatrist, GP, and paediatrician… A complete offering in a human-scale center!
For more information:
FB: Mahogany Shopping Promenade
Insta: @mahogany_shopping_promenade
Le Caudan Waterfront
A Lively Rendezvous by the Water
Running alongside Port Louis’s historic harbour, Le Caudan Waterfront lights up as the year draws to a close, with subtle golden lighting displays, magnificent decorations such as its iconic giant Christmas tree, and a wonderful programme that will delight young and old alike-the promise of a magical and festive atmosphere!
‘At Le Caudan Waterfront, we have an approach focused on art, culture, and leisure,’ begins Danilo Sanassee, Events and Communication Manager. During this year-end period, the center stays true to its identity! Beyond beautiful decorations and entertainment to properly welcome the festive season, an entire programme of activities has been designed to enrich visitors’ shopping experience.
Live music sessions and various performances will launch Le Caudan Waterfront’s new concept, Bwat Lamizik, an open stage dedicated to local artists, whilst Christmas carols will punctuate the month of December. From the 19th to the 27th, a Christmas market showcasing local artisans will take place in the center: traditional cookies, festive decorations, handcrafted candles…
Activities will be in full swing with our special Christmas salsa sessions, a car boot sale, and creative and fun workshops for children,’ he continues. Finally, a grand concert will close out the year with a surprise guest… In addition to extended opening hours from 12th December, late-night shopping will truly begin on 19th December, with shops and the food court closing at 10 p.m.
For the year-end, Le Caudan Waterfront is also unveiling a brand-new experience: the Caudan Pop-Up Experience, the island’s largest pop-up market located on the first floor of Barkly Wharf. This brings together over a dozen local entrepreneurs offering original products, such as high-end perfumes, summer clothing, beachwear, and handmade jewellery,’ Danilo explains.
In addition to supporting local craftsmanship and encouraging more conscious consumption, the shopping center also intends to reduce packaging and favour natural or recycled materials. ‘The idea is to fully enjoy the magic of the festivities whilst adopting simple, responsible practices,’ he concludes.
For more information:
FB: Le Caudan Waterfront
Insta: @lecaudanwaterfront
Le Quartier des Serres
A Beautiful Escape
Far from the frantic hustle and bustle of the island’s shopping centers lies a timeless haven that skilfully combines lifestyle and shopping: Le Quartier des Serres. In this human-scale space, shops and pockets of greenery alternate endlessly, offering visitors a setting of tranquillity and gentleness.
As this dizzying year draws to a close, time passes gently at Le Quartier des Serres which, like a well-kept secret, invites contemplation and leisurely strolls. It must be said that the setting is exceptional: studded with majestic plants, this unique retail space boasts a collection of exclusive boutiques, combining iconic brands and local craftsmanship.
Whilst time seems to have stood still here, the Christmas festivities are very much present. On Thursday 18th December, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., the unmissable Marché de Noël By Night will kick off in a magnificent play of lights. On the programme: a festive evening with a children’s corner, a fun photobooth with Father Christmas, gourmet food, numerous local artisans, live music, and even a Christmas concert!
Les Arcades Currimjee
A Christmas All About Sharing
Les Arcades Currimjee has elegantly stood the test of time. More than a century-old legacy, this modern center continues, through a dynamic and varied retail offering, to bring life to the town of Curepipe by providing visitors with convivial and authentic experiences.
In December, Les Arcades Currimjee adorns itself in white and gold, sprinkling magic throughout Curepipe with each decoration: a grand tree visible from the main road; Father Christmas’s corner with his polar bear; Christmas trees, gingerbread, and twinkling garlands… An express journey to the Northern Hemisphere!
A true meeting point, the center will host an exceptional Christmas market from 1st to 24th December, featuring artisans, eco-responsible creators, and handmade gifts. From 23rd December, it will come alive with Christmas carols, creative workshops, and a surprise visit from Father Christmas and his elves!
Promoting local craftsmanship, rainwater collection and reuse, optimised waste management, reusable decorations, and LED lighting… Les Arcades Currimjee’s commitment this year-end is also community-focused, with a gift drop-off point to bring joy to children in need!
For more information:
FB : Les Arcades Currimjee
Insta : @lesarcadescurrimjee
