Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a qualified operator to manage the Kirstenbosch Gift Shop, enhancing visitor experience by offering high-quality, appealing merchandise that reflects South African biodiversity and culture. The operator should maximize the shop’s profitability, promote the garden as a destination, and support sustainability, responsible sourcing, and local enterprise development.

Scope

The scope includes:

• Operating two gift shop outlets at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden: a large shop (384 m²) at the Visitor Centre Entrance and a smaller shop (25 m²) at the Garden Centre Entrance.
• Developing and managing the shop’s product range, layout, and marketing to attract diverse visitors, including families, tourists, locals, and special event attendees.
• Providing retail services 7 days a week, 365 days a year, with proposed operating hours to be detailed in the proposal.
• Ensuring high standards of customer service, shop presentation, and merchandise quality.
• Maintaining the shop’s facilities, equipment, and cleanliness, and complying with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Implementing marketing strategies, including spending at least 1% of net sales on marketing efforts, subject to SANBI approval.
• Managing staff, including uniforms, training, and behavior, and ensuring staff are knowledgeable about the garden and merchandise.
• Handling financial transactions via cashless methods, and adhering to SANBI’s signage, security, and waste management policies.

Technical Requirements

The successful bidder must meet the following technical criteria:

• Product Range: Offer a diverse selection of merchandise, including:
• Botanical bath, body, and beauty products
• Homeware and artware reflecting South African flora and biodiversity
• Clothing and accessories with biodiversity themes
• Books, educational materials, and children’s toys
• Local crafts and souvenirs
• Edible gifts and seasonal items
• Pricing: Submit prices in catalogue format, valid for six months, with prices inclusive of all taxes and delivery costs.
• Payment Methods: Accept all major credit/debit cards and mobile payment options, following the cashless policy.
• Layout & Design: Propose a shop layout that enhances visitor experience, with visual aids such as sketches, photos, or design boards.
• Staffing & Uniforms: Provide staff uniforms aligned with the garden environment, and ensure staff are trained in customer service, product knowledge, and safety procedures.
• Facilities & Equipment: Supply necessary equipment and furnishings at own expense; SANBI retains ownership of fixtures supplied by them.
• Maintenance & Cleaning: Responsible for daily maintenance and cleaning of the shop and public areas attached to the premises.
• Security & Emergency Procedures: Implement security systems, alarm services, and staff training on emergency protocols, including fire and robbery procedures.
• Environmental & Waste Management: Develop plans for waste separation, recycling, and responsible waste disposal, aligned with SANBI policies.
• Compliance: Adhere to occupational health and safety laws, licensing requirements, and SANBI’s environmental and operational standards.