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- Old Mutual launched 'The Nest by Old Mutual' at Rosebank Mall on Thursday.
- The facility is aimed at moms and babies, allowing them to get some relaxation time while shopping.
- It offers private cubicles for breastfeeding and changing nappies, a bar to clean bottles and warm milk, and more.
- For more stories, visit the Tech and Trends homepage.
Old Mutual recently launched a private nursing space for mothers, babies and toddlers at The Zone, Rosebank, for free use.
The private space, called 'The Nest by Old Mutual', is essentially a quiet, secure, clean, private and convenient facility, where parents can care for their children, whether it's during or after a busy day at the mall.
According to the chief marketing officer at Old Mutual, Mosala Phillips, the purpose is to meet the needs of mothers and their little ones while they're in the vicinity - be that running errands, shopping or just in need of a quiet place.
"It's creating a safe space for people to come in with their little ones to change their diapers, feed them, or just get some rest. It also makes it comfortable for parents while shopping," he told News24.
The facility offers private cubicles for breastfeeding and changing nappies, a bottle cleaning and milk warming bar, a tea and coffee station for parents, various comfortable seating areas, play nooks, charging stations, wifi and more.
Phillips said the success of the current space would determine whether it would be rolled out at more branches.
"This is our pilot store, and we will have to see how people respond to it. If it ticks all the objectives, and people find value and use it productively, then why not roll it out?
"We have to test it out and see if people find value in the space - and, if the objectives we have are met, then we'll potentially roll it out," said Phillips.
The catch
Although parents and their young children have free access to the facility, Old Mutual's plan is to appeal to parents by selling them some of their financial products to invest in their children's future.
"We want our customers to understand that we partner with them holistically on their overall financial needs. If people see that we are a partner that really cares, they can choose us as their preferred partner," Phillips said.
The Nest by Old Mutual operates from Monday to Saturday, from 09:00 to 17:00, and 10:00 to 17:00 on Sundays and public holidays.
