BATU KAWAN: Design Village, Penang’s outlet mall serving the northern region, opened its doors this evening as scheduled.
The 10.1 hectare mall built by PE Land (Penang) Sdn Bhd and marketed by Savills Malaysia, features a coterie of fashion shops, including international and regional brands at discounts.
The outlet mall, located close to the landing point of the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge here, houses a diverse selection of brands, with 150 stores built on 400,000 sq ft within a tropical garden.
“This one of its kind green village was completed in a short space of two years.
“Design Village will be a major tourism magnet for the state and also act as the catalyst to stimulate economic activity at Bandar Cassia in Batu Kawan,” said PE Land (Penang) managing director James Ling.
He noted that outlet malls which are typically located in greenfield areas like Batu Kawan will accelerate business activities, stimulate the local economy and help turn Bandar Cassia into a vibrant community.
PE Land Sdn Bhd executive director Joanna Ling meanwhile, remarked that the ‘new Penangites’ are also seeking new malls and shopping experiences.
Aimed at mid- to high-income shoppers, Design Village comes with 2,500 parking bays, rest and children’s play areas, safety wristlet for young shoppers, safety escorts for female shoppers and food and beverage outlets.
“Shoppers can expect to be spoilt for choice, especially with something new on offer virtually every day, and often at up to a 70 per cent discount, making it seem like a year-round sale,” said Savills Malaysia Sdn Bhd managing director Allan Soo.
Savills Malaysia is the leasing and retail development adviser to PE Land.
Soo said the mall is almost 70 per cent tenanted and nearly half of the stores operating are international brands like Banana Republic, BVO Best Value Outlet , Sacoor Brothers, Timberland, Superdry, Esprit, Guess, Levi’s, Samsonite as well as Coffee Bean, Starbucks and Wendy’s.
“Many others are already on the way and Design Village is confident of achieving over 70 per cent commitment from more international and regional brands by year-end,” he added.
Apart from providing free shuttle bus rides from Penang (Gurney Drive and Komtar) to the outlet mall, the mall’s general manager Tay Ai Leen said familiarisation sessions of the Design Village will also be given to tour operators and guides.
“There will be a funfair throughout December celebrating Christmas and weekend-themed performances,” she added.
Design Village, Tay said, will also launch an online promotion offering attractive prizes on its digital platform and social media.