Mini Cooper World Record – New Guinness World Record for South Africa – the most people crammed into a Mini Cooper

Mini Cooper World Record – New Guinness World Record for South Africa – the most people crammed into a Mini Cooper

Virgin Mobile South Africa has successfully achieved a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the Most people crammed into a Mini Cooper. 25 people squeezed into the old-school Mini at the new Virgin Mobile concept store in Braamfontein under the watchful eye of the media, the public, several officials and Sir Richard Branson himself.

The über-trendy store design is a mixture of British heritage and strong Jo’burg influences so, to celebrate the launch of the store, Virgin Mobile wanted to bring the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title to South Africa from the United Kingdom. The previous record for Most people crammed in a Mini Cooper (Classic Model) is 23 and was achieved by Danielle Maynard and the David Lloyd Divas (UK) on 15 November 2012.

The 25 participants, who needed to be adults taller than 1.5 metres, each received a GALAXY S III Mini – a compact smartphone with a powerful technology punch – sponsored by Samsung Electronics SA.

When the funky Virgin Mobile Mini Cooper doesn’t contain over two dozen people contorting their bodies, it is converted into a photo booth for consumers to use free of charge when visiting this vibrant, cutting-edge store, which has been designed to provide a creative space for the community to work, play and test drive the latest phones and accessories.

What’s more, Virgin Mobile has teamed up with Motherland Coffee Company, an emerging local Fair Trade coffee supplier, to provide tasty bites and beverages to peeps while they shop, get assistance, work or socialise in the store environment. Offering two hours of free Wifi access with any purchase from Motherland or Virgin Mobile, and plenty of plug points and steaming hot coffees, the store is definitely a place for making connections.

Another cool feature of the store is the artwork from designer Sibusiso Ngcobo featured in the lounge area. Ngcobo was the winner of Virgin Mobile’s “Naked Wall” competition which encouraged artists and designers in Maboneng to place their mark on the Braamfontein store and add the flair of Jozi culture to its walls.

“Both this concept store and the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS  attempt is what Virgin Mobile is all about –innovation, fun, quality, value for money and a sense of competitive challenge. We are always striving to be different and better. More importantly, we’re focused on contributing to the wellbeing and happiness of people and the sustainability of the planet, hence our partnership with Motherland Coffee Company. Our partners’ pioneering attitude to delivering products ethically combines smart disruption with fair play. In short, we’re a lifestyle brand and really wanted to create a space for the community to connect and enjoy themselves”, says Anton Landman, CEO of Virgin Mobile South Africa.

Virgin Mobile Braamfontein takes great pride in its various collaborations with the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship. Situated directly above the store, the Centre helps entrepreneurs become innovative business leaders through business training programmes, mentoring and support. In fact, The Virgin Mini Photo Booth was built by graduate Wes Boshoff and the team from Plastispray Customs. In addition, special uniforms for staff were designed by Ubuntuism, another organisation affiliated to the Cantre. While involving members and graduates through initiatives such as these, Virgin Mobile will also donate 50% of the profits made from all accessory sales to the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship.

Braamies will get the hottest scoops with loads of special offers and the latest happenings at the store. So, whether you go to study, work, meet or just chill, Virgin Mobile Braamfontein is the place to be.

Virgin Mobile Braamfontein is situated at 19 Melle Street, Braamfontein. For more information visit www.virginmobile.co.za and join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.