Shop Away at Design Village, Penang's First Outlet Mall

Penang welcomes a brand new landmark bringing shopping experience to a brand new level of excitement.. Design Village, Penang's first outlet mall and the biggest in Malaysia serving the northern region is deemed as the ultimate heaven for shopaholics thus leading it to be a major tourism magnet for the state. The humongous 25 acres mall built by PE Land (Penang) Sdn Bhd and marketed by Savills Malaysia features a coterie of fashion shops, including international and regional brands at discounts.

I was truly fortunate and honoured to be invited to be there for the official opening ceremony which took place on the  23 Nov 2016. 

Design Village is truly one of its kind, the green village was completed in a short 2 years time. That was pretty quick I must say especially looking at the size of it. 

Batu Kawan which is now renamed as Bandar Cassia, is easily accessible from the island  and mainland via a virtual ring road formed by the 2 bridges and the north south highway. Design Village will offer job opportunities for retail and service sectors and recognise the growing affluent Penangites who seek high paying jobs in knowledge and service industries.

Allow me to share with you my experience, my journey to the opening of Design Village Penang.

We gathered at Lexis Suites Penang, as it was the pick up point for us to be shuttled over to Design Village. The pleasant surprise was, we were to be shuttled using the luxury and posh BMW rides. Now never have I felt so VVIP. 

The awesome 15 rides were courtesy of BMW Tian Siang.

Here's my ride.. phewwwwwitttt..wink wink :)

And off we go! The convoy journeyed with all eyes of the public looking at the cars pass by.

Just as we exited the 2nd Penang Bridge, The Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, the Design Village building was already spotted from afar. That was when all the excitement built up even more. I was already all hyped up since spotting the BMWs back at Lexis Suites Penang.. haha..

We were dropped off at the multi-storey car park and was then lead up to the office where the press conference took place.  

They made sure our tummies were filled with the heavenly treats before things kick-started :) 

Allan Soo, Managing Director of Savills Malaysia, says that with over 150 stores planned in the 400,000 square foot mall, shoppers can expect to be spoilt for choices especially with something new on offer virtually every day. often at up to 70% discount, making it seem like a year-round sale.

James Ling, Managing Director of PE Land (Penang) Sdn. Bhd. says that the outlet malls which are typically located in greenfield area like Batu Kawan will accelerate business activities, stimulate the local economy and help turn Bandar Cassia into a vibrant community.

Joanna Ling, Executive Director of PE Land Sdn Bhd, remarked that the 'new Penangites' are also seeking new malls and shopping experience. Design Village is built with 150 shops nestled amongst lush tropical gardens and with captivating bold anchor stores called 'jewel boxes' which are eye-catching. The central plaza is centrally located with water features and where shoppers can convene as it will be the heart of activity.' The single-storey open-air mall features cool weather-sheltered walkways offering a mix of international and home grown brands providing the best value and the ultimate experiential shopping.

Tay Ai Leen, General Manager of Design Village has plans to attract shoppers to Design Village by providing a designated shuttle bus offering free rides to visitors and picking them from Gurney Drive, and Komtar to Design Village daily. 'We are working closely with tour operators and tour guides in providing familiarization sessions of Design Village and to bring tourists to the outler mall"

Well the good news is that Design Village has now added new pick up stops and now the shuttle picks customers up from Gurney Drive ( G Hotel), Komtar ( CIMB Prangin Mall) and Queensbay Mall (Summerton).

Alright, so now here's the real deal. It's time to explore what Design Village is all about. 

The occupancy of the mall is about 60% occupied while there are still many tenants opening as the day passes. 

The mall features international brands as well as regional brands. Shop away while enjoying neat deals at all the different store designs. For fashion category you will find brands such as GAP, Sacoor Brothers, Timberland, Superdry, Esprit, Guess, Levi's, Samsonite, Cotton On, Bonia, Sembonia, Carlo Rino, Padini, Brands Outlet as well as 

As for the sports category, Adidas is the largest outlet store back here and you will also find brands such as Converse, Everlast, Skechers, Royal Sporting House and Italia Sportivo.

While for lifestyle categories, Design Village is proud to bring the flagship Toyworld outlet along with Poney and Cotton On Kids, catered for the younger customers. There is also the largest BVO Best Value Outlet, an Akemi Uchi outlet, Beauty Scents, the Cosmetic Company, Hush Puppies. Obermain, Samsonite, Bratpack, Timberland andf many others.

Not forgetting a handful of F&B offerings such as Starbucks, Coffee Bean, Wendy's, Baskin Robbins and Cube Coffee. There will be more eateries & restaurants opening over time.

Shown below is the current Directory of Design Village. Click HERE for the updates

Let the shopping spree begin :)

First 500 shoppers received limited edition Design Village shopping bag and Beryl's chocolate on the opening day.

Though it is a mall, Design Village has some uniqueness or shall I put it as some good points and one of it is the sight of greens everywhere within the premise. It certainly does give a nice contrast of trees and concrete. 

There is even a children's play area. Suddenly I am a kid all over again, then again I'd better not or I'll probably break the see-saw into 2 parts haha :)

As dusk sets in and night falls, Design Village is magically turned into a wonderland of brightly lit colours and lights. 

As Christmas is approaching, there will be a fun fair throughout December celebrating Christmas and weekends themed performances. Among the event line-up are such as A Little Clown with A Big Heart, coloring contest, Shine A Little Star contest and Penang Christmas Run on Christmas Day.

With all the excitement going round everywhere as it was the first day members of the public to visit, the hype was all back at the launching event arena. Crowds of people were all waiting in anticipation for the mall to be officially open. Guests were treated to a lavish spread of hors d'oeuvre and wine which was then followed by a scrumptious dinner later. It was a night filled excitement, anticipation and fun.

Guest were then shown a video showcasing the progress  of Design Village from day 1 until its completion.

The event was then followed by a welcoming speech by James Ling, Managing Director of PE Lang (Penang) Sdn Bhd.

Penang CM, YB Lim Guan Eng then gave his speech complimenting Design Village's success.

It wasn't long before Penang's CM, YB Lim Guan Eng officiated the official opening ceremony followed by a spectacular show of fireworks in the sky. 

Time sure flies fast when you are having a good time. Next thing I knew, it was almost time for us to head back to Penang Island. I sure did wished I could stay there longer :) But it's always near especially with the shuttle service provided by Design Village. Kudos to that.

Among the services and facilities that is available at Design Village are :-

-Free Shuttle Bus Service 

- Baby Strollers

- Wheelchair

- First Aid

- Handicapped Parking

-Call A Taxi

- 2,500 parking bays

-  Ladies Only Parking Bays

- Security Escort to Car Park (For Ladies)

and many more.

Read more about the services available HERE

Instead of walking, you can also ride on the Fun Mini Train Ride which only cost RM 5 per person. Go Choo Choo around Design Village. Cool eh!

My sincere gratitude and many thanks to Design Village for the awesome arrangement and for having me over to be there for the much awaited launching event.

 Congratulations to Design Village on their launch.

For more information:
Design Village Penang
733, Jalan Barat Cassia 2,
Bandar Cassia,
14110 Simpang Ampat,
Penang.
Tel : +604-589 9888
Design Village Web / Design Village FB


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