GEORGE TOWN: IKEA Southeast Asia is now readying to open the first phase of a shopping centre that will be linked directly to its blue-box home furnishing store in northern Malaysia, bringing a new mix of retailers to Aspen Vision City.
With around 20 units, this new retail destination aims to become the hub of the growing Batu Kawan township.
IKEA Southeast Asia managing director Christian Rojkjaer said the retail extension would open at the end of this year, and today, 85 per cent of the space has already been leased to tenants to enhance the shopping experience of the IKEA store.
"Tenants include Sports Direct, Project Rock, 7-Eleven and Harvey Norman.
"Taking up 50,000 square feet, Harvey Norman is bringing its concept of a flagship superstore outside the Klang Valley for the first time.
“We are grateful for the relationships we have built with long-term partners like Harvey Norman. Together, we can live up to our mission of creating vibrant meeting places for the many people – going beyond just shopping,” Rojkjaer said.
Rojkjaer said, in the region, five of the IKEA stores are anchors for shopping centres -– a retail recipe that has been proven to attract millions of visitors, including some who drive hours for a great day out with family and friends.
In Penang, he added, the first phase of their integrated shopping centre would offer a unique tenant mix to deliver something for everyone and provide a great base for many more partners to join in the coming years as they grow.
IKEA Southeast Asia shopping centre and mixed-use director Christian Olofsson said IKEA looks for tenants that meet needs of the people in their community.
“In the four months since we opened IKEA Batu Kawan, we have seen that Penangites often visit on lunch breaks and during dinner time.
"So, we will focus on bringing in F&B outlets and convenient grab-and-go services.
"We also see the opportunity for other leisure, entertainment and sporting retailers to serve the growing township of Batu Kawan,” Olofsson added.
The integrated retail component to IKEA Batu Kawan is part of the master plan for Aspen Vision City, a joint-venture of IKEA Southeast Asia and Aspen Group.
“IKEA is a major catalyst, attracting other businesses that want to be part of a modern and intelligent township of the future,” said Aspen Group president and group chief executive officer Datuk Murly Manokharan.
“We want to create a convenient destination that is at the heart of a walkable community where people can work, shop, dine, study, and create positive memories together with their loved ones.
"Vervea, the commercial precinct with three and four-storey shop offices in Aspen Vision City is now ready for business. We welcome the local retailers and corporate entities to join us.
"In the heart of Vervea also houses a 38,000 square feet trade centre called Vervea Trade & Exhibition Centre (VTEC) that comprises versatile event halls, function rooms, food preparation and service areas that can cater for large scale trade fairs and events. VTEC will be ready for occupancy by the fourth quarter of this year. Together, we can create a thriving community in the north,” he added.