The economic crisis will not dampen shoppers' mood as Malaysian retailers have the right merchandise mix and pricing. The range and quality of goods in the malls is fantastic and with new, refurbished and extended shopping malls, there's more on offer.
Kuala Lumpur (KL) City Centre has the greatest shopping choices whilst in the suburbs, malls like One Utama, Mid Valley Mega Mall, The Gardens, Sunway Pyramid and The Curve are equally packed, especially on weekends.
Most of these malls are a pleasure to wander around in, with adequate parking lots and above all, bargains galore. Some of the suburban malls also have adjoining hotels which make them one-stop "stay and shop" destinations.
This is my guide to the malls in the Klang Valley. A Singaporean's perspective.
One Utama
Size 6 retail floors spreading over 2 million sq. ft.
Shopping experience Anchor tenants are Jusco, Parkson and Cold Storage. There is basically something for everyone in this mall, from midrange-priced shops in the old wing to avant garde attractions on the new wing, abundant entertainment options, and a wide selection of F&B outlets. If you are a DIY person, a visit to the AEONS Centre is a must.
Directional signs The interactive directory is user-friendly, clear and precise. However, if you are staying at the One World Hotel, the interactive menu has no directions to the hotel. Likewise, there are no directional signages to the hotel from the new wing.
Comfort and ambience The shops are neatly laid out on both sides, hence navigating around the mall is a breeze. The mall is extremely crowded on weekends - there is always something happening at the Centre Court, where all the events and launches are. On weekdays, it is pretty pleasant to walk around.
Advice Put on a good pair of walking shoes. If you see something you like in a particular shop, grab it before you regret as you may not be able to find your way back to the shop or rather you have to walk miles back to the shop.
Do not try waiting for a taxi along the roadside, get to the designated taxi stand located outside the old wing and at the main entrance to the new wing. Always ensure that is someone manning the taxi booth otherwise no taxis will come.
Carparks
With close to 10,000 carpark bays, shoppers can opt to park at the multi-storey car park, open-air car park or at the office towers and One World Hotel which are linked to the mall.
However, the parking charges at the office tower and One World Hotel are higher than the multi-storey car park and open air car park. The only setback getting to the mall is that the ingress and egress roads are poorly maintained and perpetually jammed. The traffic is horrendous during peak hours.
Toilets Being in a 5-star shopping mall, the toilets are pretty run down in the old wing. However, the toilets in the new wing are much cleaner and better kept. For mothers with infants, please note that there is no nursery room in the mall.
Overall Rating 4/5
KLCC
Size 6 levels of retail outlets
Shopping experience This mall houses mainly international designer brands including some midrange-priced shops.nThe anchor tenants are Isetan, Parkson Grand and Kinokuniya. Parkson Grand has a higher quality range of products as compared to other Parkson outlets.
If you are into designer brands, this mall is a "must go". You can get good bargains at Coach, Burberrys, Bally and others when they have sales. Besides fashion, one can find a good range of Japanese groceries from the Isetan supermarket.
Food-wise, Madam Kwan's (nonya food) is a must try place for Singaporeans. Apart from shopping and food, Petrosains Discovery Centre (similar to the Science Centre in Singapore) is a good educational place for kids to spend their time.
If you have time, hop over to the Aquaria, equivalent to the underwater world in Sentosa, but on a much attractive scale. So make this place a day's out for everybody.
Directional signs The directory on each level is pretty good. However, there are no directional signs to the LRT station even when you are on the lower ground level until you get near to the exit to the station.
Comfort and ambience The two food courts are perpetually crowded, at all times of the day. The shops are neatly categorised and hence it is easy to navigate through the mall.
Advice Remember to bring your credit cards if you are an avid designer brand shopper.
Carparks There are few entries and exits to the car parking. So remember where you park. The lifts at the car parks to the shopping mall are extremely slow due to heavy traffic. Take the escalators, they are much faster.
Toilets Only the toilet on the ground level charges an entry fee of RM2, whereby you can pamper yourself to a clean and dry environment and some Marks & Spencer products. The other toilets on the upper levels are free but not particularly clean. There is a nursery room (baby change room) on the concourse level but it's nothing to shout about.
Overall Rating 4/5
The Curve, Ikea, Ikano Power Centre & Cineleisure
Size This is a montage of 4 centres, The Curve, Ikea, Ikano Power Centre and Cineleisure.
Shopping experience Prides itself as Malaysia's first open air style shopping mall. Be spoilt for choice with close to 180 retail outlets. Anchored by retailers like IKEA, Tesco hypermarket and Cineleisure.
All these are connected to The Curve by all weather walkways. Enjoy shopping from a plethora of renowned outlets including Metrojaya, MNG, Padini Concept Store, Borders and others.
I like the big open space in The Curve for the children to run about. The Curve's unique attraction lies in its amazing array of over 50 food and beverage outlets.
Comfort and ambience Enjoy the alfresco style and outdoor dining. Because of its large open space, the design is such that the shops are everywhere, some are hidden in corners and it takes a bit of effort in navigating around.
Advice Beware of pickpockets. Due to its many exits, you may have a problem with people with sticky fingers but be warned, not all are men.
Toilets Toilets are clean but sometimes carry a stench due to the heavy usage. The nursery rooms are located in the Ikano Power centre.
Carparks Car parking is always a breeze at The Curve. The only problem you have is on weekends, especially at Ikano and Tesco.
Overall Rating 3/5
Daisy Chiu is a Director of Corporate Real Estate at Hall Chadwick Asia Sdn Bhd. She is a Singaporean, living in Kuala Lumpur and is a self-professed mall rat.
*The ratings and reviews above are strictly the views of the author and not endorsed by AsiaOne Travel.
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