JPO extremely popular

JOHOR BARU: Thousands have thronged the Johor Premium Outlets (JPO) since it was launched on Dec 11 with many travelling as far as Kuala Lumpur just to grab some of the best deals.

Hussain Ayob, 54, who planned a special trip from Kota Damansara just to visit the outlet said that it did not disappoint. “The group of us travelled here in three cars as we heard a lot about the outlets through online blogs and websites,” he said.

Lots to shop: Eager shoppers look forward to the variety of brands with up to 65% daily discounts at the outlets in Kulaijaya.

He added that so far the prices were reasonable and the concept was unique and interesting. Sisters Nisa Hanafi, 27, and Syafiqah, 25, also made a special trip from Klang and even booked a room overnight at a nearby hotel to shop at JPO. “We have visitied the Premium Outlet in Korea and it is so exciting to have a similar experience right in our own country,” said Nisa who hoped that another Premium Outlet would be set up in the Klang Valley as well.

The shopping haven located in Kulaijaya here differs from conventional shopping complexes as it is an open space concept and boasts 80 designer and branded stores offeting discounts of up to 65% throughout the year. Upon entering, visitors are greeted with shady palm trees, miniature fountains, shrubs and benches to relax before entering individual shops to splurge on discounted branded items.

There are also various eateries serving Thai, Japanese or Western cuisine, dessert treats as well as premium coffee outlets there. Children are not left out, as there is also a play area available, equipped with green and chocolate coloured slide, overhead ladder, seesaws and trapeze swings.

Nice ambience: Shoppers taking a break from bargain hunting and rest at the spacious food court.

Housewife Ngew Yoke Kin, 33, said that it was that she does not mind splurging on branded goods although the designs at the outlets are one or two seasons late because “good quality items never go out of style”. “My favourite part of the outlets are the classy glass doors that makes me feel like I’m overseas,” she said.

Meanwhile, sales executive Samantha Siah Pei Shang, 34, suggested for high-street brands like Zara and H&M to be opened to JPO in the future. “I think that JPO can appeal to even more shoppers by adding more European high-street brands that are very in-trend right now,” she said, adding that the mix of high-end and low-end brands made JPO appealing to all shoppers.

Among the popular brands available are Armani, Burberry, Coach, Calvin Klein, Charles & Keith, Cotton On, DKNY, La Senza Lingerie, Lacoste, Levi’s Gap, Guess, Michael Kors, Nike, Oroton, Roxy, Timberland, Salvatore Ferragamo and Zegna to cater to your shopping needs. The RM149mil complex is a joint-venture between Genting Group’s subsidiary Genting Plantations Bhd and Premium Outlets, a division of US-based Simon Property Group.

-thestar online.

www.premiumoutlets.com.my