Abstract
Informal retail demonstrate resilience in the way they adapt to economic
instability through spatial organisation, maximising limited resources and fostering
strong community connections when creating functional retail spaces. This paper
explores the lessons that formal retail design can learn from informal retail environments,
particularly in contextual influences, spatial organisation, structural approaches
and material selection as they align with the three pillars of sustainability:
environmental, economic and social. In Eswatini, a small, landlocked country in
Southern Africa, informal traders successfully operate with minimal resources in
their communities. Using a case study approach supported by observational analysis
and photographic documentation of publicly accessible spaces, the research
highlights the role of adaptability, flexibility, locally sourced materials and community
integration in shaping resilient retail spaces. The findings contribute to sustainable
retail design discourse by illustrating how informal trade environments balance
practicality, affordability and cultural relevance. While the study is limited in scope
to specific informal retail structures, it highlights valuable lessons for formal retail
design. Informal retail design practices can teach us lessons in adopting more
adaptable, resource-efficient and socially inclusive strategies. This is particularly
true in contexts where sustainability and affordability are critical considerations.