Melaka to add luxury labels to its drawing power

Business & Markets 2013
Written by Quah Su Ann, fz.com (contributor to theedgemalaysia.com)
Friday, 06 December 2013 17:21
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Last Updated: 4:20pm, Dec 06, 2013
SAY 'Melaka' and the first thing one thinks of is its richness in history and
tourism.
Soon, one can add 'high-end shopping' to the list of attractions for the Unesco
heritage site that attracts visitors by the millions annually.
Enter Freeport Retail - a leading developer and operator of Outlet Centres in
Europe - which, together with Langkah Realiti Sdn Bhd, will open Freeport
A'Famosa Outlet Village.
Costing RM190 million and covering 310,000 square feet, the development is
designed to fulfill the growing demand of shoppers who seek to own quality
branded items at a discounted price.
The development which will be adjacent to A'Famosa Resort was launched by
Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron and will be developed beginning
March 2014, in three phases.
"We have no natural resources, but the value of history gives Melaka an upper
hand in the tourism industry, which is what we hope the Freeport A'Famosa
Outlet Village will bring," said the Chief Minister.
"Visiting Melaka can be said to be the equivalent of visiting the whole of
Malaysia," he added, commenting on Melaka as a Unesco heritage site which
brings in 13 million tourists a year.
The first phase of the Malaysian-British retailer is set to open in April 2015.
Freeport Retail commercial director Chris Milliken said: "Southeast Asia is a fantastic market for Outlet Centres."
"With the increase in disposable income and consumer spending, there is a huge demand for top quality brand items. We could not wish
for a better location - easily accessible to north and south via the most important Expressway in Malaysia, an existing customer base of
over two million, and Melaka's approximately, 12 million tourist visitors."
Phase 1 will see 81 retail lots for international fashion brands that offer goods at 30% to 70% below normal high street prices, 19 food and
beverage (F&B) units including themed restaurants and fast food brands, 1,200 free car parking spaces, plus an exhibition and event hall.