Ximex Mall closed

The infamous Ximex Mall in Harare has finally closed following expiration of the August 1 deadline compelling nearly 30 of the tenants to vacate the building.

Some of the tenants who were interviewed confirmed the closure. However, some of them were concerned that they would never find space anywhere as strategic and lucrative as the mall.

Mr Paul Nundu, who was representing one of the shop owners trading in fabrics said they were given notices to vacate a long time ago, but they were hoping things would go otherwise.

“There was enough time for people to look for elsewhere to go but people just didn’t take heed of the notices. However, I sympathise with some people with no alternative who were relying on business from Ximex Mall,” said Mr Nundu.

Mr Nundu said they had not found alternative space to rent as yet and were taking the fabrics to the company’s warehouse. “This place was busy and business was good. Even if we get another place, elsewhere, it will never compete with this shop,” he said.

Another shop owner who is in the business of selling cell phones hailed the move saying eventually sanity had prevailed. “It is a good thing that they have decided to close down this mall eventually. The services were just not commensurate with what we were paying,” said a cell phone vendor who spoke on condition of anonymity. Herald