27 Boxes is a shipping container shopping development in Melville, that transformed a disused park into boutique stores, restaurants and kiosk spaces geared towards starter entrepreneurs – from fashion designers to chefs and artists. The focus of many of the stores is on local design and production and you will often find that the friendly face behind the counter is also the person who handmade the unique items that you are buying. It's a quirky alternative to Joburg's mega-mall scene, inspired by similar developments like Box Park in London’s Shoreditch.

FASHION
Unique local fashion and design is a hallmark of 27 Boxes. Names to look out for include must-have T-shirts from Krag Drag, with their cheeky African designs and fun twists on iconic South African brands. There is also a regularly rotating selection of vintage pop-up stores with clothing from eras as diverse as the 1920s flappers to the 1990s grunge rockers, all at prices that won’t break the bank. 

WHERE TO EAT
There are a number of places to eat, with various cosy corners and green open spaces in which to sit and enjoy your lunch. Our favourites include fresh lunch specials, sandwiches and coffee from Reserved Cafe and for something hearty, dim sum or fried rice from Chopstix. 

WHERE TO SHOP
Find unique and local books at Book Circle Capital, a shop passionate about African literature and promoting local stories. Owned by a husband and wife team, the shop stocks an interesting selection of books written by local authors including plenty of non-fiction and kids' books and hosts regular book launches. Dedicated to promoting child literacy, you can buy children's books at discount prices directly in the store to donate to a local child literacy programme. If you're on the lookout for more locally made delights, the inviting scent of Lifestyle Hub and warm smile of its owner Obee make a visit well worthwhile. Lifestyle Hub serves as a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their unique creations, a space where handmade crafts, from herbal bath crystals and body scrubs to scented candles and bespoke fragrances. It's truly a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind items, perfect for gifts. 

ART 
The Stokvel Gallery is an innovative space created by artist and academic Gordon Froud for emerging and established artists. With no commission payable, it's a creative melting pot for art enthusiasts that is run by artists for artists. Also look out for Denzil's and Jo, a gallery dedicated to African contemporary art.