Boosting Penang’s appeal as lifestyle destination

Tourism Malaysia northern region deputy director Siti Hajar Mohd Yunus visiting BoomGrow x Solarvest’s solar-powered container farm.

THE opening of five new stores in Gurney Paragon Mall is set to boost Penang as a premier shopping and lifestyle destination.

Shoppers can look forward to unique retail, dining and entertainment experiences offered by international and homegrown brands.

The first of the quintet to arrive at the mall were MST Golf and MST Golf Arena, the region’s largest golf retailer and golf services provider respectively.

Their combined 20,000sq ft- space pairs golf simulators with a cafe and lounge to allow beginners to tee off indoors while enjoying food and drinks with friends and family.

Golf enthusiasts and players can now shop for the latest equipment and apparel at a retail outlet as well as enjoy club fitting and coaching services.

At a ceremony to announce the new tenants, MST Golf Arena marketing manager Brandon John Law said the retail group hoped to revolutionise the golfing scene in Penang and convert more non-golfers into golfers.

Up next is the northern region debut of Japan’s largest furniture and home furnishing chain, Nitori. Its 28,000sq ft-store is set to open on June 15.

Its products are known for elegance and sophisticated minimalism, with over 95% of them being self-developed.

Nitori Retail (M) Sdn Bhd store development manager Wong Yutaka said this would be their eighth store in Malaysia, complementing a network of over 900 locations worldwide.

“Our functional products are designed to enrich home environments and tackle the inconveniences people often face.”

Equally anticipated is the arrival of France-based Decathlon, the world’s largest sporting goods retailer.

(From left ) Law, Koay, Tze Ming, Shaffa, Siang Gin, Syerleena, Soon, Chris, Eddy and Wong at the launch. — Photos:JEREMY TAN and Gurney Paragon Mall

Its store in Gurney Paragon Mall will also be its maiden outlet in the northern region.

Set to open on June 17, it spans more than 41,000sq ft and will carry over 5,000 products from in-house brands.

Decathlon Malaysia regional manager Shaffa Mustafa said this would be their 14th store in the country and the first to embrace local heritage and identity in its design.

“Our mission is to move people through the wonders of sport.

“We’re pleased to help Penang make sports accessible to all.”

She said there would be several free activities such as 3x3 basketball, a neon cycling ride and a 5km run between June 14 and 18 to mark the opening.

BoomGrow x Solarvest’s collaborative solar-powered container farm will be launched on June 14.

The vertical hydroponic venture will supply fresh greens to local establishments.

Solarvest Energy Sdn Bhd corporate strategy manager Eddy Lee said its model was a glimpse into the future when farmers could utilise advanced energy management systems to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and revolutionise agricultural operations.

“Our vision extends beyond the farm. We strive to empower communities, businesses and individuals to embrace renewable energy and create a greener, more sustainable world,” Eddy said.

Hunza Group executive director Khor Tze Ming said the new tenants would not only enhance the mall’s retail mix but also the vibrancy of Penang as a whole.

“The mall is celebrating its 10th anniversary in July and we have many exciting campaigns lined up for shoppers,” she said.

Also at the ceremony were Penang youth and sports committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, Bukit Bendera MP and Seri Delima assemblyman Syerleena Abdul Rashid, Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee, Hunza Group managing director Datuk Khor Siang Gin and Gurney Paragon Mall chief operations officer Koay Bee Fong.