Hi and yes, this is set up in a mall!
For many years now, our Chairman (Colin TT) has trudged the streets or should I say malls, looking for empty shops. He has then approached the management asking them if we can use it while it is empty and in return, we have the layout running at certain times. I.e Saturdays, Sunday mornings and for the retired folk, Wednesday mornings. It has actually worked very well.
Yes, we do need to move every now and then, or, as in this case, be without a layout for about 4 months!
The management then does not charge us rent, however, in Northmead Mall where we are now, we do pay a pro-rata for electricity based on our open hours. You see, the management want the lights on all the time, irrespective if the shop is empty or not. It does not look great if all the empty shops are dark and dingy.
If you look on the EMRIG website, you will also see we have our Swap meets in the Mall as well, down the centre of the isles between all the shops. Initially there was some hesitation from the management and shop owners, but when they saw the feet it brought in etc, they basically wanted us to have a swap meet every month!!! So we have settled for 4 per year. Even the sellers love the concept!
You can see images from our Christmas Swap meet here: -
http://emrig.co.za/?p=860 
