But is the island state really ready for another mall?
Gurney Plaza and Queensbay Mall are currently the most 'happening' malls to shop in. Groups of narcissistic teenagers, families, couples out to flaunt their love and yuppies all throng these two malls come weekend. Massive jams and traffic obstruction all caused by people who just want to go to a mall but are completely oblivious to the carbon footprint they leave behind from driving their shiny petrol guzzling, carbon monoxide spewing cars. (sorry i'm veering off topic)
Yes, these two malls, are at the top of their game as compared to the other malls which have unfortunately gone down hill like Midlands' One-Stop, Bukit Jambul Complex and Island Plaza. But from observation, these malls share a few other things in common besides their success:
1. Location, location, location.
Queensbay mall, strategically located off the Jelutong Expressway and in an area currently undergoing rapid development. And Gurney Plaza...Gurney Drive. Nuff' said.
2. Space and Ceiling Height
Queensbay has 1 million sq. feet of retail space. Gurney Plaza, over 800,000 sq. feet. If you contrast them to KL malls they fare quite well (Pavilion KL: 1.4million sq. ft.) And both malls have pretty high ceilings on each floor. The high ceilings give a more grandiose feel and emphasizes space, avoiding tight cramped areas.
3. Circulation
A linear and easy to follow mall layout encourages good circulation. Take for example the awesome malls. KLCC: Linear shaped mall. Pavilion: Linear shaped mall. Midvalley and the Gardens: Both linear shaped malls. Queensbay: Linear shaped mall.
Of course there ARE exceptions like One Utama and Sunway Pyramid whose layout is non-linear but nonetheless, they are still pretty easy to maneuver compared to the terribly planned complexes the likes of Prangin Mall and Bukit Jambul. They are just a hot mess.
And not forgetting the New hot mess, Penang Times Square. That mall is a circulation nightmare. I wouldn't be surprised if it was modelled after it's terrible namesake, Berjaya Times Square in Imbi road, KL, but the layout of the complex is horrid. Sure, it's new and the tiles are so shiny I could see my reflection, but that mall is just a big million dollar mistake. And plus, the ceiling height is surprisingly low probably to minimize costs. And the shops available are mainly F&B outlets. There is absolutely nothing to do there. I stepped in there once. And I will never again. Unless of course they pull of a miracle and manage to get Zara to open in there.
4. Retail outlets
This is a no-brainer. It's the types of shops which attract the crowd. Cinemas are almost a must. F&B is also a crowd favourite. Fashion stores are undoubtedly necessary. And you NEED an anchor tenant like Parkson of Isetan or Tangs. If you have crappy shops, you get crappy and measly amounts of people.
So with those self-observed facts, let's see how 1st Avenue fares.
As mentioned, it would be located in the heart of Georgetown which is a good thing. But right next (and will be joined) to the uber-devastating, Prangin Mall. That may cost it some points. Hardly any 'upmarket' shopping complexes are joined to ill-diseased malls. And the fact that it only has 400,000 sq. ft. of retail space (half that of Gurney Plaza) worries me.
Unfortunately I have yet to know about the circulation and interior feel of the mall, but it was stated that 1st Avenue is 'modeled after Singapore retail outlets'. If that is true, this may be great. It also says that '80-90% of the shops would be popular brand names' as they are targeting the 'chic and young shoppers'. Well, it better be. And if there are any new brands penetrating into the Penang market, that would make a fantastic attraction. Say, Cotton On, Zara (which are already available in KL), Uniqlo or H&M. But one thing's for sure, the anchor tenant would be Parkson.
With construction already well under way and approaching completion, I sincerely hope this mall is able to stand its ground and not end up being Penang Times Square II: Revenge of the Empty Mall.
Oh and one more thing, whoever initially wanted to name the mall 'Mutiara Parade' is obviously off their rockers.
Good Day!
Stay tuned for more.
6 comments:
I see that you're putting what you learned from class to good use =)
On the strategy and business end, if they anticipate more crowds, they better be widening the roads. And if they plan to have brand names, these retail outlets for sure would not want to be associated with the likes of Prangin Mall. It's a good opportunity to liven up Georgetown once again but they need to make sure they market and plan it out carefully so as not to attract the ah bengs and ah lians.
very interesting insight and comparison among the different malls. No doubt it will increase congestion again, seeing as Penang has such narrow roads with copious number of vehicles. Having like four malls within walking distance is going to suck like mad.
Jhei:
Yes they'd better widen the roads. But then again, Georgetown is an unplanned city and there in lies the charm. And road widening would be difficult since that area practically does not have a pavement anymore. Something needs to be done!
Reubs:
Thank You! I conquer with the having 4 malls within walking distance. What were they thinking?!
Hmmm.... i have been trying very hard to dig some info on the tenants of 1st Ave, but seems like there isn't much to see. Any one knows who will be moving in? I'm still trying to decide if it's a good choice to move into 1st Ave.
The only info i have are the following tenants - TGV, Red Box, Carrefour, Virtual Land, Versace, Rolex, Selective by SASA, COACH, Charles & Keith...
skit
It's interesting to see that Coach is willing to land in 1st Avenue. But I too unfortunately don't know what stores are slated to open there. But I guess we will know soon.
do u have any info about the monthly rental for a shop in 1st avenue??? cz we're planning to open a cake house there..do u think it will be a potential place??? =)
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