The Gold Footprint Awards, which celebrate exceptional marketing and innovation, were awarded for campaigns executed at popular shopping centres, says EBM. 

According to the agency, Sandton City won Gold awards for the centre's '50th Birthday Celebration,' 'Lessons in Love Valentine's Day' digital campaign, 'Chocolate Café: Speckled Edition' and 'Momo's Magical Adventure,' which was also the recipient of a Naledi award. 

These wins build on EBM's global recognition in 2024, when Sandton City claimed two International Council of Shopping Centres (ICSC) awards in Las Vegas, further acknowledging the agency's creative leadership on the global stage, says the agency. 

Other Gold Footprint Awards recipients include: 

  • Gateway's 'Gifting Concierge,' Festive campaign and 'The AMAZEing Maze Experience'
  • Bedford Centre's 'Battle Zone,'
  • Cavendish Square's 'Dressed in Hope' initiative
  • Liberty Promenade's 'Next Generation Musical Showcase,' and 
  • Eastgate's 'Power of Influence.'

This year's accolades also highlight EBM's expanded portfolio. The agency now manages the marketing for the retail centres owned by Liberty Standard Bank Group, Old Mutual Property and Burstone. The agency says it also manages Mall of Africa and Fourways Mall, and now Anfa Place Mall in Casablanca, Morocco owned by Grit — its first international property.

With a growing team of creatives, EBM says it continues to push the boundaries, delivering campaigns that elevate retail brands by blending cultural relevance, immersive experiences and strategic innovation.

Reflecting on the agency's accomplishments, Darren Katz, Managing Director of Excellerate Brand Management, says, "Winning these awards reflects not only the brilliance of our team but also the trust and partnership of our clients. At EBM, we are driven by a mission to spread joy by connecting brands to culture, creating meaningful experiences and delivering exceptional returns on investment. This recognition motivates us to keep innovating and shaping the future of retail marketing in South Africa."

Michael Wilson, Chief Marketing Officer, says, "Our team's ability to create distinctive, unique strategies for every centre we manage is what sets us apart. Everything we do is guided by a single-minded proposition that differentiates each of our clients in a competitive market. These awards affirm our approach and highlight the transformative impact of retail marketing done right. As we continue to grow, our ambition remains to push brands into tomorrow through innovative experiences and immersive storytelling."

Since its inception seven years ago, EBM concludes that it has consistently raised the bar in retail marketing, amassing over 262 awards, including 62 Gold Footprint Awards. This is a testament to the agency's commitment to redefining the retail property landscape through a culture of innovation and excellence. 

For more information, visit www.excelleratebrandmanagement.co.za. 

*Image courtesy of contributor