BANGI: Kedai Emas Sri Semantan (KESS) has successfully opened its 21st store in Malaysia after the opening of its new store in Bandar Baru Nilai. It now aims to open 30 new branches nationwide this year, following the increased demand for gold purchases and savings among the community.
KESS Founder and Executive Chairman Mohamad Hafizal Mahmood said that the opening of the company's 21st branch in Bandar Baru Nilai is a strategic move to meet customer needs, especially in the rapidly developing Southern Klang Valley area.
According to him, the selection of Bandar Baru Nilai was made based on the population growth as well as the high awareness of the community regarding the importance of gold as a long-term savings asset.
"In terms of locality, the population in Bandar Baru Nilai is steadily increasing. In addition, the level of public awareness here regarding the purchase and saving of gold is very commendable. That was the main factor that made us open a branch here," he said.
The opening ceremony of the new branch was officiated by Mohamad Hafizal and was attended by the company's Board of Directors and other top officials. Guests and the VIPs were also treated to dance programmes by schoolchildren who are living in the area.
Mohamad Hafizal said that the opening of the branch in Nilai can also accommodate the increase in customers from the surrounding areas, including Bangi, Seremban and Melaka, who previously received services at the Shah Alam branch.
He said that customers are also offered a discount of RM20 for every gram of gold purchased in conjunction with the opening of the new branch, in addition to having the opportunity to participate in a lucky draw with a grand prize of a car.
Commenting on the company's performance, he said that KESS's revenue increased by more than 60 per cent compared to last year due to the opening of more than 15 new branches in the past four to five months.
"Actually, if evaluated, every new branch of ours has never lacked customers, and this directly contributes to a very encouraging increase in sales. We have very excellent discounts for our customers, and at the same time, we have very good methods for buyers to become members too," he said.
He said that KESS is set to open its 22nd branch soon, at the end of this month, before continuing its network expansion to northern Malaysia, including the likes of Sungai Petani, Kedah, and Kangar, Perlis. The corporation also intends to move to Raub and East Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.
In the same development, Mohamad Hafizal announced that KESS now has its own gold factory in Puncak Alam, which is expected to be fully operational by August next year to further strengthen the company's production capacity.
He added that the factory will offer a unique experience to customers when they are allowed to see the gold production process openly.
"To date, the Sri Semantan Privilege Club (SSPC) customer community has gathered approximately 180,000 members who enjoy various rewards, including reward points and vouchers that can be redeemed for gold, thereby promoting a culture of gold ownership and savings among the community," he said.
"We are very thankful that we have received fantastic support from our buyers and loyal customers. We are very thankful for that. Our online sales have also been very solid. But that is because we give good support to our customers, and we intend to make it even better in the near future."
