Outlet firstly appeared in America. It began with the Factory Outlet opened by some branded clothing factories to sell leftover stocks from orders. The concept of having genuine goods offered at low price indeed attracted lots of customers.
After some time, this Factory Outlet concept became popular. Many brands started to have their respective stores set up under one roof and attract customers with the concept of offering genuine goods at low price. Gradually, these Factory Outlets evolved into the recreation-cum-shopping megamalls comprising a variety of shops that sell brands off-season products, shelf pulls and products short in size.
As of 2022, currently Malaysia has five outlet malls. The first outlet mall in Malaysia was Oriental Village in Langkawi, which opened between 10 to 15 years ago. But perhaps built ahead of its time, it did not gain traction and eventually closed down. Now, it acts as a tourist spot consist of Langkawi SkyCab and SkyBridge and other attraction such as 3D Art Langkawi, 6D Cinemotion, SkyTrex, souvenir shops and others.
1. Johor Premium Outlets, Johor
Opening date: December 2011
Built up area: 379,000 sq ft
Land area: 18.2 ha
Stores number: 150
The mall first opened in December 2011, as a joint venture between Genting Plantations and Simon Property Group, in Kulai, Johor. It was only the second outlet mall to open in Malaysia, after the Oriental Village in Langkawi, which had eventually closed down.
Near Senai Airport, it is located three hours drive from Kuala Lumpur and one hour drive from downtown Singapore. In Kulai, it is at the intersection of the North-South Expressway and the Second Link Expressway. The location is on 18.2 ha of land, with a built up 379,000 sq ft.
In November 2013, it completed Phase 2 expansion. By 2019, it had 150 outlet stores, and stated it was attracting 4.5 million visitors annually. Phase 3 of the property opened in March 2019.
More information at:
www.premiumoutlets.com.my/johor-premium-outlet
2. Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA, Selangor
Opening date: July 2015
Built up area: 178,000 sq ft
Land area: –
Stores number: 150
Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA SEPANG is a factory outlet shopping mall located 60km from KL and 6km from KLIA and klia2. Opened on July 2015 as Klang Valley’s first outlet mall and advocates factory outlet concept, offering a myriad of upper-middle to high-end off seasoned brands and products at attractive discounts.
With a commercial space of over 178,000 square metres, the outlet has 140 outlets selling apparel, accessories, perfumes, cosmetics, confectionery, sportswear, household items, and luggage. Conceptualised by Japanese global architectural and design house Nonscale, the outlet is developed based on the theme of “Paradise Village”.
It also features Japanese Specialty Store (Japan Avenue), introducing Japanese Art, Culture, Music and Culinary Delights. Catering to a diverse group of customers, MOP also offers an array of scrumptious fare ranging from authentic Malay cuisine, oriental fare to western delights, cafes and a food court.
More information at:
www.mitsuioutletparkklia.com.my
3. Freeport A’Famosa Outlet, Melaka
Opening date: January 2016
Built up area: 180,000 sq ft
Land area: –
Stores number: 80
Freeport A’Famosa Outlet is a collaboration with London based Freeport Retail was opened on January 2016. It offers over 80 brands of fashion, sports and accessories with a total size of 180,000 sq ft. The Mall features with a lake, fountains, carousel and windmill with architecture loosely themed on Malacca’s Dutch heritage.
The outlet is centrally located between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, near Melaka which has been certified World Heritage site by UNESCO. It is located adjacent to the main entrance of A’Famosa Resort in Alor Gajah,.
More information at:
www.freeportafamosa.com
4. Design Village Outlet Mall, Penang
Opening date: November 2016
Built up area: 400,000 sq ft
Land area: 9.7 ha
Stores number: 150
Design Village Outlet Mall is an award-winning outlet mall concept built on 24 acres of land in Bandar Cassia, Batu Kawan. Owned and managed by PE Land, Design Village Outlet Mall was opened its door to the public on November 2016. It is Malaysia’s biggest outlet mall at that time, spanning a built-up area of 400,000 sq ft.
Design Village Outlet Mall has 150 stores housing a broad variety of exciting international and local brands, both premium and high street from fashion, beauty, sports, home, restaurants and lifestyle cafes.
More information at:
designvillagepenang.com
5. Genting Highlands Premium Outlets, Pahang
Opening date: June 2017
Built up area: 600,000 sq ft
Land area: –
Stores number: 150
Genting Highlands Premium Outlets is situated within Genting Highlands and is well connected to the capital city, Kuala Lumpur by car, bus, taxi and cable car (from Genting mid-hill to the peak). It is located approximately 45 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur and accessible via Karak Expressway.
Opened on June 2017, it is Southeast Asia’s and Malaysia’s second Premium Outlet Center and the world’s first hilltop Premium Outlet Center. The shopping destination offers more than 150 designer brands and stores.
More information at:
www.premiumoutlets.com.my/genting-highlands-premium-outlets
There are several upcoming outlet mall project in progress notably Silverlakes Brand Village Outlet in Perak that is still waiting for opening date since the pandemic started. Others like Labuan’s BVO Premium Outlet, Sepang’s Horizon Village Outlet and Langkawi’s proposed premium outlet are still long way to go but will be nice alternatives for outlet shopping experience.
Last updated on January 2022
GoKelah 