Retailer opens sprawling 25th outlet

(From left) Harvey Norman computers and corporate division general manager Danny Lau, electrical division general manager Ian Bushy Martin, Ng, Tjhung, Harvey Norman chief finance officer Tan Swee Ing and furniture division general manager Mark Mah.

HARVEY Norman celebrated the grand opening of its first standalone store in the Klang Valley, its 25th outlet in the country.

The Menara Harvey Norman superstore, formerly the iconic Avon building along the Federal Highway, was refurbished with around RM5mil spent on its retail space while another RM1mil went towards the company’s new local headquarters occupying the 30,000sq ft fifth floor.

The standalone superstore is a sprawling 35,000sq ft of retail space featuring a wide range of electrical, computers, furniture and bedding products on the ground floor.

In line with the Australian-based retailer’s “shop with confidence” policy, shoppers are welcome to negotiate to get the best deals.

Harvey Norman lead general manager Eddy Ng shared that the company was doing well despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

“For retailers like us who are selling home furnishing and with more people working from home, they tend to realise that they need to upgrade their furniture.”

Ng noted that although the superstore was similar to other Harvey Norman stores, the main difference was that it was not in a mall.

“It is more convenient for shoppers, just park your car and come straight in, ” he said, adding that the location that faced a highway

was on a lease with Maximin Corporation.

According to Maximin Corporation director David Tjhung, there are some 1.3 million cars driving past the building daily and some 200 parking bays on the property that are free of charge.

“Everywhere you go, you have to pay (for parking).

“I think conceptually, it is very unique and it is pushing the boundaries for retail, with Harvey Norman at the forefront of it.

“It took eight months to complete the redevelopment as well as upgrade the facilities and amenities of the 30-year-old building.

“We worked very closely with Ng and the team to ensure that once it was completed, they would also be able to open, ” he added.

Tjhung shared that the overall building investment with multiple phases of enhancement would be some RM70mil and while the first phase had been completed, another would be expected in 2021.

The multinational retailer would be opening its 26th store in the country on Dec 19 at Quayside Mall in Kota Kemuning.