Even though new outlet shopping destination, Johor Premium Outlets (JPO),
opened across the causeway last Saturday, Singaporeans do not seem to be
satisfied with the discounts that were being offered and many left with one or
two shopping bags, if not none. On opening day, JPO shops gave discounts up to
70 per cent on selected products, reported The Straits Times (ST). But even
then, some say deals are not as attractive as those in US and Europe.
Singaporean housewife, Ginny Chu, told ST: "Compared with prices in Singapore,
they are definitely lower but American brands like Coach are much cheaper than
in the US."
The mall boasts of over 80 shops, but it seems not all were opened on launch
day. Shops such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Tommy Hilfiger and
Versace, are only expected to open by Dec 11 when the mall holds its grand
opening. The 800-seat foodcourt was also still being fitted out and only five
stalls were operating.
However, retailers seemed to have benefitted from the strong crowd. Shoe
retailer Charles & Keith said that sales hit RM20,000 (S$25,756) that day and
the Michael Kors store said they had achieved about 80 per cent of its daily
sales target but 3pm, according to ST.
Click on for more pictures on JPO and other outlet shopping malls in Asia.
JPO features more than 80 brand stores, selling items like designer fashion,
sportswear, children's wear, bedroom linen, jewellery, shoes and fashion
accessories.
Located along the highway in Kulaijaya, JPO is only in its soft launch phase
but this has not stopped large crowds of Singaporeans from streaming in to
"shop till they drop" on launch day, reported Malaysian newspaper The Star.
On its list of planned shops, there are brands like Salvatore Ferragamo, Zegna,
Charles & Keith, Armani Exchange, Burberry, Michael Kors, Coach, DKNY and
Oroton. However, not all were opened on Dec 3. Some shops, such as Polo Ralph
Lauren, Brooks Brothers and Tommy Hilfiger and Versace, are expected to open
only on Dec 11 when the mall holds its grand opening.
A shopper showing off her buys on opening day, Dec 3, 2011.
Shoppers with buys from Vincci, a popular ladies shoe brand from Malaysia.
Women entering a Coach outlet store on the first day of business at JPO.
A cosmetics store on the first day of business at JPO.
JPO shops will sell leftover stock from past season and items made exclusively
by the brands for their outlet shops. However, brands' signature items such as
Salvatore Ferragamo's Varina pumps and Levi's 501 jeans will not be available.
JPO sits on some 45 acres of land with some 80 to 90 outlet stores, 3,000
parking lots and 30 bus bays.
