New outlet: Aeon chairman Datuk Iskandar Sarudin (fourth from right), Poh (third from right) and other local community leaders visiting the new outlet after its launch.
JOHOR BARU: Aeon Co
(M) Bhd is set to open more malls including one in Kuching, Sarawak, next year after seeing improvement in consumer sentiment in the retail sector.
Executive director Poh Ying Loo said the company also planned to set up one or two more malls in Peninsular Malaysia within the next three years.
“Our immediate plan would be to set up a mall in Kuching by the second quarter of next year, followed by one or two more in Peninsular Malaysia.
“Currently, we already have 27 malls up and running nationwide, including six in Johor alone,” he said at the official opening of Aeon Mall Bandar Dato’ Onn here.
Poh said that while the retail market has been facing challenging times with consumers spending cautiously in view of the rising cost of living, Aeon noticed a slight improvement in sales this year compared to last year.
“Going forward, although we expect to compete with more players in the industry, we are optimistic of sustaining our business.
“As for Johor, we have no plans to open more outlets, as our latest Bandar Dato’ Onn mall would be the sixth in the state, making it sufficient to cater to the demand here,” he added.
Poh said the Aeon Mall Bandar Dato’ Onn, which cost some RM300mil, is designed to offer shoppers a comfortable destination to spend quality time with family and friends, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
