By By Delisa Magagula
The E40 million Boxer Superstore developments at The New Mall in Mbabane is progressing steadily, with construction now visibly transforming the roadside site that will soon house one of the capital city’s largest retail investments in recent years.
Located along the main road near the Mbabane traffic circle, the project is drawing the attention of commuters, kombi drivers, and street vendors who operate in the vicinity.
The building’s structure is now taking shape, signalling a new commercial era for the city’s retail and transport hub.
According to details shared by this publication earlier this year, the investment is valued at more than E40 million. The project is designed to house a full-scale Boxer Superstore complex within The New Mall precinct.
The development includes upgraded parking facilities, an expanded loading and delivery system for suppliers, and an outdoor seating area that will accommodate both shoppers and food outlets.
The layout is being tailored to support high traffic volumes in a part of the capital already known for its bustling activity.
The developers have indicated that once complete, the facility will directly create at least 50 new jobs across retail, logistics, and support services.
Indirectly, the project is expected to generate opportunities for suppliers, transport operators, and informal traders who cluster around the mall.
For now, the construction phase itself has brought in dozens of workers, including builders, electricians, and other technical staff, who are contributing to the physical progress of the building.
The site of the new Boxer Superstore has amplified public interest due to its proximity to a busy transport corridor. The road near the Mbabane traffic circle accommodates hundreds of kombis ferrying commuters daily.
Vendors who sell fruits, vegetables, clothing, and household goods have also set up stalls nearby, making the location a daily point of convergence.
With the building now taking shape, kombi drivers and vendors report increased curiosity from passengers and shoppers eager to see what the development will look like once complete.
Kombi operators, who rely heavily on foot traffic around the mall and traffic circle, say they anticipate changes once the Boxer store opens.
The provision of improved parking facilities could ease congestion in the area, while an expanded customer base could translate into more commuter demand.
At the same time, transport stakeholders will be closely monitoring how construction activities and future store operations affect traffic flow in one of Mbabane’s busiest nodes.
Vendors operating near the site have also been watching the construction closely. For years, the roadside has been a hive of informal economic activity, with traders selling directly to commuters and taxi passengers.
The presence of a major retail complex could alter purchasing patterns, but it may also bring larger customer volumes to the area.
Some vendors have already positioned themselves strategically along the edges of the site, hoping to benefit from spill over traffic once the store begins operations.
Observers report that the superstore building has now moved past the foundation stage, with the structural framework taking form.
Walls are being raised, and sections of the outer façade are beginning to give a sense of the scale and design of the upcoming retail space.
The project is on course to deliver a fully operational facility that meets the design standards set out by Boxer and the mall’s management.
Timelines for completion have not been publicly confirmed, but visible progress on site suggests that the project is advancing according to plan.
The investment comes at a time when Eswatini’s retail sector is undergoing shifts driven by consumer demand, urbanisation, and competition among major players.
Mbabane, as the country’s administrative and commercial capital, has been at the centre of these changes, with malls and supermarkets expanding their footprint to serve a growing urban population.
Boxer’s new development represents one of the largest retail-focused construction projects in the city in recent years, joining other mall expansions and refurbishments aimed at attracting both local and regional shoppers.
The project also highlights the ongoing pressures of urban development in Mbabane, particularly in high-density commercial areas.
The traffic circle area has long been a bottleneck, balancing the needs of formal businesses, informal traders, public transport, and government offices located nearby.
The introduction of a large-scale superstore will test how the city accommodates new infrastructure while maintaining accessibility for diverse stakeholders.
The upcoming Boxer Superstore will enter a competitive environment dominated by existing supermarkets, local grocers, and smaller shops. Its positioning within The New Mall will likely attract customers seeking one-stop shopping convenience.
Retail analysts point to the importance of location, pricing strategies, and customer service in determining how new entrants perform in
Mbabane’s concentrated retail space. For now, the physical progress of the building is signalling Boxer’s intent to establish a long-term presence in the heart of the capital.
Residents passing through the area have been quick to notice the rapid changes to the landscape. For many, the construction serves as a visible sign of investment and economic activity during a period when job creation and infrastructure growth are national priorities.
Commuters who use the kombis daily say they are eager to see whether the store will include affordable shopping options. Vendors remain cautious but hopeful that the increased foot traffic will expand their market.
When complete, the Boxer Superstore is expected to be more than just a retail outlet. With enhanced parking, better delivery systems, and space for shoppers to sit and gather, the project is set to reshape the commercial experience at The New Mall.
Its E40 million price tag underscores the scale of investment going into Mbabane’s retail sector, while its location near the city’s busiest transport hub ensures it will remain at the centre of public attention.
As construction continues, all eyes remain fixed on how quickly the building advances and how its eventual opening will integrate with the wider business, transport, and informal trade ecosystem in the capital.
