25 minute read
Modern Furnitures is Here to Stay
MODERN FURNISHERS IS HERE TO STAY
Text by Farai Chaka, Photos by Structure & Design
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MODERN FURNISHERS HAVE EARNED A FIRM PLACE IN THE WORLD OF FURNITURE RETAIL. THE FAMILY BUSINESS HAS BEEN OPERATING FOR 61 YEARS HAVING BEEN FORMED BY THE ESSOF BROTHERS IN 1961 AS A HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE STORE. THEIR LONGEVITY IS TELLING.
The Manager, Saeed Essof is sure that the probability of your parents or grandparents having bought at least one furniture item from Modern Furnishers is very high, considering the fact that at the peak of their retail success Modern Furnishers had five branches in different parts of Harare.
Today, Modern Furnishers is located at the Engen Complex in Avondale at which they deal exclusively in office furniture. Mr. Essof says that they moved to these premises only last year after a few years of operating from a slightly smaller place they were renting at Hillary House, adjacent to Avondale Shops. Their current spot offers much needed convenience for customers as it has ample parking space. The parking space is right in front of the store so you can literally view some of the furniture range from your car.
Modern Furnishers sells the full range of office furnishings such as desks, chairs, work stations, filing cabinets, boardroom tables, letter trays and reception furniture. Much of the furniture is locally manufactured save for the office chairs which are imported from factories in Asia and South Africa. The products are of a superior quality and to add to that, they come with a five-year warranty. Only retailers convinced of their products’ durability and quality can provide such lengthy warranties on their products.
The advantage of having a reputable office furniture store is that they regularly get repeat orders. Most companies, successful ones at least, change their office furniture every few years and when they come knocking at your door, it would be for a bulk supply of furniture.
Modern Furnishers have been in the furniture industry for long enough to have established partnerships with local furniture manufacturing factories, who supply office furniture to them exclusively. These kinds of partnerships ensure that Modern Furnishers have plenty of furniture stock in their warehouse. Whereas it takes most other retailers from weeks or longer to provide you with large furniture orders, Modern Furnishers will usually have the stock on hand to provide the furniture by the next day or within 1 week to complete your order. Their delivery service is fast and efficient. In addition, they have the necessary arrangements to deliver furniture nationwide, delivering to towns as remote as Kwekwe and Victoria Falls.
Regardless of having had to downsize over the past few years, Mr. Essof says that a home furniture store is on the cards. With less on their hands, they have had time to restrategise and their bounce back is bound to be phenomenal.
Their customer base which is a mixture of NGOs, mining entities, corporate business and banks do not take lightly of the fact that they have been in the furniture retail business for sixty-one years. The longevity is proof of the excellent customer service, efficient delivery and durable products.
For elegant and durable furniture designs, get in touch with Modern Furnishers at:
Engen Avondale Complex Cnr King George Rd / Bedford Rd Avondale, Harare Call: +263 242 303 125/285 / 08677199191 Email: modfurn2@gmail.com Website: www.modern.co.zw
Visit: Sheikh Mo Royal Village (Engen Avondale) Cnr. King George Rd. & Bedford Rd. Avondale, Harare Phone: +263 (242) 303125 / 303285 / 08677199191 Facebook: www.facebook.com/ModernFurnishers E-mail: modfurn2@gmail.com Website: www.modern.co.zw
Siyadah Bathroom Products and
Accessories Are Totally Worth Every Penny
SIYADAH BATHROOM SOLUTIONS HAS ESTABLISHED ITS NAME AS THE DESTINATION FOR HIGH-END BATHROOM PRODUCTS. SINCE 2021, WE HAVE BEEN RETAILING A WIDE VARIETY OF MODERN, GENUINE AND DURABLE BATHROOM PRODUCTS FROM OUR WESTGATE SHOPPING MALL BASE, TRANSFORMING BATHROOMS INTO HUBS OF RELAXATION.
We supply high-quality sanitary ware such as freestanding tubs, faucets, vanities, countertop basins, a variety of toilets sets including wall hung toilets, back to wall toilets, one and two piece toilets, bidets; shower heads, basin mixers, LED mirrors, and plenty of other ultra-modern bathroom accessories.
At Siyadah Bathroom Solutions we go beyond just selling bathroom ware as we also offer reliable after-sales services. We strongly believe in fostering long-standing relationships with our valued clients. Aided by a strong sales team, with excellent customer service skills and product knowledge, our after-sales services include real-time WhatsApp and phone assistance for any queries or questions, follow-up engagements to determine if products meet the customer’s expectations, ‘Thank You’ notes to show our gratitude and how much our customers mean to us and occasional customer incentives/specials specifically aimed at giving them an added advantage on their next purchase.
Siyadah Bathroom Solutions is your one stop destination for your dream bathroom. We want everyone to have a beautiful and contemporary bathroom set up and that is the reason our products are reasonably priced.
Again, we also offer technical/ pre-installation services including anything that helps our customers install or assemble our products. Additionally, we have established good working relationships with trusted & reputable companies in plumbing & carpentry who have vast knowledge & experience installing our products in bathrooms hence we are happy to connect our customers with them.
Our signature bathroom decoration consists of a Freestanding Bathtub, a bold Bath Mixer/Faucet, a Wall-Hung Toilet set, an oval shaped Bidet set, two Counter-Top Basins for him and her, two Matt Black basin mixers, a glass Shower Cabinet, a stylish Shower Set, an LED Lit Vanity, with a Gun Metal Basin mixer, a couple of bathroom Accessories including a Glass Tumbler Holder, Glass Soap Dispenser and a Glass Soap Holder for the Vanity, a Double Shower Basket, Double Towel Shelf, a Soap Basket and a Shower Handrail for the Shower. This kind of decoration is best suitable for commercial, residential and hotel setups.
We also stock multi-functional cabinets which are suitable for not only bathrooms but also shops/ offices, restaurants, hospital wards just to name a few.
As much as we are bathroom-centric, some of our products are multi-functional and can be placed in bedrooms, house corridors and even outdoors. Due to our customers high demand for a one-stop shop, Siyadah Bathroom Solutions will soon be introducing kitchenware retail to cater for both bathroom and kitchen accessories. Alongside that will be high quality tiles to match our variety of products .We are looking to offer a vast range of both floor and wall tiles, ranging from ceramic and porcelain to stone and mosaic tiles.
Let us help you breathe some life into your bland bathroom with our unique and contemporary products!
CLAIM A DISCOUNT FROM SIYADAH BATHROOM SOLUTIONS BY USING THE CUT-OUT BELOW
5% on Basins, Basin mixers, and free standing Faucets (Free standing bath mixers)
Tacna Engineering Completes Renovations at the Zimbabwe Council of Churches Premises
text by Farai Chaka photos by Structure and Design
ZIMBABWE COUNCIL OF CHURCHES IS A BODY OF 31 MEMBER CHURCHES THAT WAS FOUNDED IN 1964 TO FACILITATE THE EMPOWERMENT OF MAINLINE CHURCHES, HELPING THEM CEMENT THEIR CHRISTIAN FOOTHOLD IN ZIMBABWE. LOCATED A FEW KILOMETRES FROM ROBERT MUGABE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, THE ZIMBABWE COUNCIL OF CHURCHES OWNS THE KENTUCKY HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTRE WHICH ALL RECENTLY UNDERWENT A MAJOR FACELIFT AND EXTENSION RESPECTIVELY.
The facilities are not for church engagements only. The conference hall and functions hall are open to anyone wanting to host conferences, workshops, parties or any other type of occasion that does not conflict with Zimbabwe Council of Churches’ values. The hotel has 30 well decorated rooms for accommodation that have been recently renovated to give guests a refreshing and homely stay. Kentucky operates just like any other hotel also taking walk in bookings.
The renovations started in May 2021. The structures were due for renovations and upgrade so Tacna Engineering was brought in as the main contractor for the renovation of the old interiors and exteriors of the reception area. The works included the extension of the conference hall from a 40 seater to 400 seater facility the renovations and extension of the functions hall to a 200 seater hall, and the facelift of the hotel rooms.
A new walkway with interlocking pavers leads to the hotel which has a stone clad facade. The hotel’s reception area had a completely different layout from what it looks like now. The space felt out dated for a hotel reception and had to be demolished. Before, a passage ran from the functions zone area to the reception. During the renovation process a wall was built separating the functions zone from the reception.
For the reception counter a modern laid back look with a granite countertop and a stone clad base was chosen. Existing furniture was done away with in favour of more contemporary furniture pieces except for the teak chairs which are for heritage purposes. Dried Leaf paint from Plascon was applied on the walls giving them an off-white look which contrasts well with the white ceiling.
From the reception, a passage leads to the ground floor hotel rooms with sensor lights that light up as you walk down the corridor. There are 10 ensuite rooms on the ground floor. Extensive renovations were done to the rooms including painting, electrical work, bathrooms, bedrooms, floor and wall tiling. Bathtubs were removed in favour of showers with fixed contemporary shower heads. The doors, walls and ceilings were repainted giving them a new look. DSTV and Netflix are available so guests can watch their favourite shows or documentaries on the new smart televisions mounted on the wall. The Wi-Fi package is unlimited. The rooms are spacious and can occupy a maximum of two people.
In addition to the 10 rooms on the ground floor, there are 20 more rooms upstairs 10 on each wing, which can be accessed through a newly tiled staircase. The staircase design allows a lot of natural light in as there are large windows on both sides brightening the pathway as you walk up or down stairs. The floors have also been newly tiled replacing the previous cement finish.
Included in the 30 rooms are disability friendly rooms which have been fitted with features that provide convenience for the handicapped. The doors on disabled friendly rooms open outwards to facilitate easier access in case of emergency. An outward opening door also eliminates the challenge of manoeuvring a wheelchair away from the door swing when closing the door. Grab bars were also fixed on the bathroom walls to offer support for the handicapped when transferring from a wheelchair to the shower or toilet seat and vice versa. The mirrors and the sinks were lowered to make them handicap friendly. A new fire escape was mounted to provide a fool proof escape route in the event of any emergency that makes the staircases inside the hotel inaccessible.
Three tanks with a total capacity of 30 000 litres were installed curbing any future water shortages. The water from the tanks supply all the buildings on the premise. Part of the project also involved the construction of a photovoltaic room as the buildings run primarily on solar. On top of that, taking advantage of the solar system installed, solar geysers were also mounted on top of the roof in order to supply hot water to the kitchen and the showers.
Motion sensor lights were installed throughout the building. The lights switch on as soon as they sense motion and switch back off afterwards saving power and also creating an alarming experience.
The function zone needed to be extended a little. Previously, the seating capacity was 100 and after the extension between 200 and 250 people can now be accommodated. The French doors at the front were removed and bi-folding aluminium doors were newly fitted. The back of the function zone, which leads to the dining area, was an open space so bi-folding aluminium and glass doors have been installed too.
In the tele studio, Oikos, the existing doors were removed and new soundproof double doors were installed to improve the quality of the sound recordings. The programmes seen on the Zimbabwe Council of Churches reception television and those they flight online are broadcast from this studio. In addition, a control room for systems management and monitoring was set up in the studio.
The conference hall not only needed to be renovated but also extended. The walls to the west and north were demolished in order to extend the building, increasing the number of people it can hold to 400. A new Chromadek roof was installed giving the conference hall a triangular shape as three exposed red brick pillars support the extension.
The wheelchair ramp with rubber tiles is also a new feature built to aid the handicapped. The ramp is flanked by aluminium rails for maximum support.
New restroom accessories were installed from urinals, hand dryers, cisterns, toilets and wash basins in the public toilets. The existing soakaway and sceptic tank were replaced for larger ones in light of the conference hall increasing its carrying capacity.
The renovations of the hotel and reception area plus the extensions to the functions zone and the conference hall are a sensible investment by the Zimbabwe Council of Churches considering the fact that they host most of the many mainline churches’ conventions. The hotel is also strategically located in an area which experiences much traffic so the facelift will definitely lead to more bookings.
Tacna Project
Juncture Union Hardware Lamasat Scotia Steel Longden Electrosales Earthern Fire Olinda Manufacturing Marketrite Saint Gobain Halsteads Boardex Tile and Carpet Centre Bathroom Boutique Copper King Africa Steel Litachi William Scott Chargo Industries Gutters and Water Proffing Solutions Afka Hose Centre Hardware Onsite Contractors Gavv Engineering Services Lithaiham Investment
Trade Centre defies wholesale building standards with a top-notch, classy new building in Hatcliffe
text by Patuma Salimu photos by Structure and Design
WHEN ONE GOES TO A WHOLESALE THE THING THEY CRAVE IS A COMFORTABLE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE IN A SPACIOUS ENVIRONMENT. MOST OF THE TIME WHOLESALES ARE USUALLY PACKED WITH RETAILERS AND INDIVIDUALS TRYING TO BUY AFFORDABLE GOODS TO RESTOCK THEIR RETAIL STORES. IT HAS BECOME THE NORM FOR MOST WHOLESALERS TO FORCE YOU TO PURCHASE CERTAIN PRODUCTS IN BULK AND NOT UNITS AS MOST HOUSEHOLDS WOULD REQUIRE. THE WORST OF THEM ALL IS GETTING TO A TILL POINT TO DEAL WITH LONG QUEUES.
SHOPPING SHOULD BE A HASSLE-FREE, QUICK, AND EASY EXPERIENCE. FOR YEARS WHOLESALERS HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO EXUDE A SHABBY LOOK BECAUSE THAT’S WHERE ALL THE BULKY GOODS ARE SOLD. IT SEEMS LIKE LESS EFFORT IS PUT INTO MAINTAINING A WHOLESALE AESTHETIC APPEAL COMPARED TO SUPERMARKETS, MAINLY BECAUSE OF THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF HEAVY MACHINERY AND HEAVY GOODS.
The parking lot is quite unique with different levels of terrain and a stunning footbridge or ramp covered in hanging flowers. The bridge not only provides aesthetic beauty to the building but aids it to breathe and avoid cracks during heavy rains. A ramp had to be created so as to provide easy access for walking and disabled customers.
Trade Centre Borrowdale opened shop on 20 January 2022, a bit delayed as they had planned to start trading in December 2021. Heavy rains and covid19 restrictions challenged the project build but did not stop Trade Centres’ pursuit of a world-class shopping experience. The new branch has changed the wholesale industry and ushered in a totally different perspective. They left no stone unturned in bringing a convenient, refreshing wholesale shopping experience to what was perceived as the most boring chore. The new building breaks all standard wholesale norms and in a good way too.
The need for a second branch was inspired by the first Trade Centre wholesale in Ardbennie which has gained a large clientele due to its convenience. As you enter the new Trade Centre premises which are embodied by green palisade fencing, your whole focus shifts to the beautiful, uniquely wellmaintained landscaping featuring all sorts of colourful flowers which welcomes you if not the big Trade Centre signage.
The main entrance of the building greets you with a high-tech sound system constantly playing different types of classic melodic tunes and a bright welcoming white suspended ceiling with magnificent fluorescent lights that ushers you into a serene environment. The first thing one notices is the information center with a beautiful black granite counter on your left. Beyond the counter, you find all different types of small highvalue goods and of course the friendly staff members ready to assist you.
Right in front of you is merchandise ideal for those who love adventure and the wilderness. All camping gear which includes tents, coolers, gas heaters, and so on is neatly displayed. The best thing is that you can make shopping enjoyable for every family member since there are also gigantic toys near the entrance to entice kids. To make your shopping experience even more comfortable, the selfregulatory air conditioner provides all the fresh air one needs.
The insulated roof and great lighting in the building is a rare occurrence if not impossible to find at wholesales. The best thing to note is the fact that there are about sixteen till points making it easier to pay for your goods in time without having to worry about long queues and overcrowding in these trying Covid 19 times. These factors make the whole shopping experience a bliss almost making one forget that they are at a wholesale.
There is also an appliance and hardware section which provides customers with upright fridges, chest freezers, microwaves, stoves, televisions, handy tools, car maintenance accessories, batteries, geysers and so on.
Another unique thing about Trade Centre Borrowdale is the business section which is meant to accommodate small startup businesses. The section has merchandise designed for those who want to start a small business, be it in the catering field or the digital world as it is equipped with printers, tills, and catering equipment.
The liquor section caters for all tastes with a separate counter for the most expensive alcohol including gin, cognac, whiskey, vodka, and scotch malt whiskey.
Other sections include a fruit and vegetable department full of freshness, a perishable department, an office furniture section plus a home and garden section and a huge grocery section with well-branded gondola ends full of goods on promotion as Trade Centre really sticks to its motto ‘Pay less for More’.
For those who do not like the stress of going shopping physically, Trade Centre has an online platform and if one buys goods above USD $60 they get free delivery within a 10km radius. For those keen on physical fitness, there is gym equipment be it for cardio, weight lifting or Zumba or even yoga mats for those keen on mental exercise, all the equipment is available to keep you fit.
RELIABLE COOLING SOLUTIONS
WE PROVIDE A 365 DAYS A YEAR REACTIVE SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE FACILITY THROUGHOUT ZIMBABWE, AS REFRIGERATION SPECIALISTS, WE DESIGN, SUPPLY, INSTALL, SERVICE AND MAINTAIN A WIDE RANGE OF REFRIGERATION AND AIR C CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT. WITH OVER 10 YEARS OF INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE OUR SERVICE IS SECOND TO NONE
MATANUSKA BUILDING 1 ABERCON STREET, HARARE +263 773 296 168 +263 (0242) 756156
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A.ALUMINIUM AND FORMICA (PRIVATE) LIMITED AAF Specialists In Aluminium Sliding Doors, Shower Doors, Skylites, Shop Fronts & Balustrades
Address 466 Goodwin Rd, Willowvale, Harare +263 772407131+263 773239919+263 779532326 abelmadzvimbo@yahoo.com
A steel staircase leads to the neatly tiled reception and offices adorned with frosted windows on the first floor. The offices on the first floor include the ICT, buying, receiving and provisions. The manager’s and sales offices can be found on the ground floor making it a total of twenty offices including the ones in the basement. The ground floor has two male and two female restrooms for customers.
The second branch is strategically located at the border between Hatcliffe and Borrowdale so as to cater for the two different communities. Since the location is right in front of Borrowdale road which leads out of town into peripheral plots and farms, most farmers in the nearby vicinity and small businesses can now also enjoy the onestop-shop without the hustle of travelling long distances and passing through the CBD traffic to where most wholesalers are located.
Trade Centre Borrowdale is the place for all your shopping expeditions. Be it the regular individual shopper who wants to buy their basic single unit groceries, a small business seeking their merchandise in bulk quantities, top executives, or a group shopping for a club grocery they are all bound to get what they want with great service from the very friendly and helpful staff. The management is also encouraging school tours at the new premises to encourage students to start entrepreneurship projects.
Customers can also avoid the hustle of queuing to get their receipts checked thanks to the three-building exits. To avoid overcrowding and long queues often faced at wholesale exits whilst receipts are being checked, the building has one entrance and three exits making it convenient for customers as they swiftly leave.
It is also important to note that safety for your vehicles is guaranteed. The site is manned by Safeguard Security on the outside whilst Altran security mans the inside. One can shop with ease knowing that their vehicles are protected whilst they enjoy a world-class shopping experience. Trade Centre Borrowdale has five prolific boreholes and backup generators so as to ensure smooth operations. This means that they continue offering great services if there might be load-shedding or water-shedding.
So if you ever feel like paying less for more whilst enjoying a top-class shopping experience, feel free to visit Trade Centre Borrowdale. Not only will you feel like royalty, but you are bound to shop like one. After all, we live once so why not enjoy wholesale shopping in the meanwhile?
Trade Centre Project
Lage Consultancy Project manager J Mungoshi Consultancy Engineer Classic Engineering Main Contractor Brown engeneering L electron Dan cool Aluminium and formica C3 aluminium Denchi Beta bricks Willdale Bricks Four ways Halsteds Pump and steel ICC Drip tech Electrosales Milvot Electrical (power system) Garage door Bowline Fire Guard
MANUFACTURERS OF: FIREPLACES, SLIDING GATES, GARAGE DOORS, BRAAI STANDS, PALISADE FENCING , INCINERATORS, TANK STANDS, FIREPLACE DECORATIONS SECURITY SCREENS & STEEL METAL FABRICATIONS
22124 Tarisa Road Damofalls Industrial Area Ruwa Tel: 0242 756128 / 0242 006441 Hotlines: 0712 417 874 / 0772 446 633 Cell: 0732 446 633 / 0719 313 138 / 0719 213 135 WhatsApp Only: 0773 213 138 / 0776 735 669 Email: moushtecsteel@gmail.com / sales@moushtecsteel.co.zw Facebook: moushtec steel Website: www.moushtecsteel.co.zw
