Shoppers who plan to hit the Johor Premium Outlets can expect more value buys, flash sales and savings of up to …
The sales can only get better, it appears.
Shoppers who plan to hit the Johor Premium Outlets (JPO) can expect more value buys, flash sales and savings of up to 90 per cent off, pledged general manager of Genting Simon Sdn Bhd Jean Marie Pin Harry on Tuesday.
"Discounts of between 25 to 65 per cent — that's what we safely promote. But of course it can be more, depending on the brand," he said, adding that discounts are mostly determined by the brands.
Labels such as Canali and Oroton will be offering 80 per cent off during the grand opening celebration from 11 to 18 December, where shoppers will get to enjoy extra savings in addition to the daily deals.
His comments come after mediocre reviews of the highly-anticipated outlet shopping destination, which opened its doors to the public last Friday. Many shoppers were reported as saying they failed to find the big bargains they were expecting.
Jean Marie said he has received feedback the discounts were not good enough."Then I say, I can't help you in that sense, because if I give you 50, you want 60; if I give you 60, you want 70. It never ends," he said.
A joint venture between Malaysia's Genting Berhad and American real-estate company Simon Property Group, JPO is the 70th megastore in the Premium Outlets portfolio, the world's largest collection of upscale outlet centres.
Retailers mainly sell past seasons' stocks at reduced prices. Unfortunately, some brands' signature products such as Salvatore Ferragamo's Carla pumps and Levi's 501 jeans are not available for sale.
Unfortunately, Salvatore Ferragamo’s signature Carla pumps and Varina flats are not available for sale at its store …
Dissatisfied shoppers have also pointed out that the JPO, which features over 80 brand name stores, pales in comparison to other Premium Outlets overseas, which carry more designer brands.
Jean Marie acknowledged that the JPO is only a third the size of say New York's Woodbury Commons, which has 220 shops. "But if you look at many of the centres in Japan and even Korea, we're probably comparable," he stated.
But in spite of the negative responses so far, large crowds from Singapore and Johor Bahru continue to throng the JPO, located along the highway in Kulaijaya.
Only into the fifth day of its soft launch, vehicles were queuing to enter the 2,600-lot car park, which was full on a weekday.
The 2,600-lot car park was full even on a weekday. (Yahoo! photo)
"We've thrown all our budget and forecast out of the window… the response has been overwhelming," said Jean Marie, who declined to reveal specifics.
Singaporeans concerned about the high crime rate in Malaysia will take comfort in knowing that several security measures are in place.
"We have a close collaboration with the police, that's why you see the big mobile police unit. But what you don't see is, there are a lot of policemen around as well," said Jean Marie. Other than having a police station at the entrance, there is also the "mobile police", or security — some armed — patrolling in and out of the centre.
CCTVs have also been installed around the whole centre.
'JPO up to standard'
Shoppers whom Yahoo! Singapore spoke to shared the same sentiments.
"The crowd is amazing," said 37-year-old Singaporean Steven Ho.
"We can imagine the grand opening on Sunday will be even (more amazing), so we're lucky that we came here today," added a relieved Ho, who spent about RM150 on an Adidas sports jersey and a pair of shoes just an hour into shopping.
The senior travel consultant, who had been to the Premium Outlet in UK, found the JPO more spacious and thought it was "up to standard".
Added his friend Darren Tan, "It's just supposed to be window shopping, but the prices are so attractive that every one of us is getting something!"
Still, he admitted that he was hoping the discounted prices would be 20 to 30 per cent cheaper, so that the discounts would be comparable to outlets in America or the UK.
Some shoppers were disappointed that certain stores were not yet open. Stores such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Raoul, Tommy Hilfiger and Versace, are only expected to open when the mall holds its official opening this Sunday.
Some shoppers were disappointed to find stores such as Tommy Hilfiger still closed. (Yahoo! photo)
"I was planning to buy things from shops like Bonia and Brooks Brothers but they're all not open yet," said 35-year-old Johorean Dennis Quek.
"The promotions are good, cheaper than what you can get outside," added the graphic designer, who spent about RM220 on a pair of Levi's jeans. "I'll definitely be coming back when all the shops are open."
For more information on how to get there, http://www.premiumoutlets.com.my/center-information/directions
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