Window shopping helps him de-stress

On his bag I like the colour tone of this Louis Vuitton Tadao PM NM Damier Graphite tote bag, which I bought about 11/2 years ago. It's easy to match it with outfits and it can be carried on both formal and casual occasions. I also find it hardy and roomy. I can put a lot of things in it.

Walking is a key part of Mr Chris Chong's daily work schedule.

The 44-year-old chief executive officer of Orchard Turn Developments, which manages Ion Orchard, begins each work day by taking a walk around the eight-floor, 640,000 sq ft mall (net lettable area). The other entities of the Developments are The Orchard Residences and Ion Orchard Link.

"Having eye contact - seeing the shops first-hand - is very important," he says.

As he walks, his eyes take in everything.

If he spots anything amiss, he sends a WhatsApp message to a group chat his key employees are in, so that the problem can be fixed.

"Retail is detail," he declares. "Details matter to me."

After the morning walk, he goes for meetings, and lunch is usually at one of the eateries in the mall.

These "food tasting" sessions, as he terms them, are also to ensure that the mall's food options stay relevant.

If he is stressed out by work at mid-day, he goes for a walk again.

Checking out window displays and new merchandise helps him de-stress and pretty often, he ends up giving himself a good dose of retail therapy. About 60 per cent of his new purchases come from the mall.

He used to feel guilty buying items from other places, but has since come to terms with it, believing that "the retail pie is big enough".

Mr Chong - he is married to housewife Njauw Lan Ing, 41, and they have two daughters aged 12 and 10 - shops at Ion for substantial purchases, though.

For example, he recently spent about $500 at Japanese clothing store Uniqlo on coldwear for a holiday to Hokkaido, Japan, with his family.

The current economic climate may be less than rosy and Mr Chong says retailers should look beyond market challenges to see if they are selling to the right people, he advises.

"Know your consumer and give them what they want to see, buy and feel."

This article was first published on March 17, 2016.
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