NST Online: StreetsJohor
NST Online: StreetsJohor |
| Posted: 26 Oct 2011 11:20 AM PDT 2011/10/26 Things are looking up for Danga City Mall which is fast becoming the hub for electronic gadgets THE quiet sections of Danga City Mall, with lots that have been left vacant for at least a year, may not spell the end of the shopping centre. The complex, which sits on 3.3ha of prime land just one kilometre from the city centre, was one of the most sought-after commercial properties in Johor Baru when it entered the market, fetching more than RM3,000 per sq ft (0.09 sq m).
And despite public perception that businesses are leaving in phases due to the lack of visitors and customers, one could be forgiven for the notion that the mall, that reopened in 2009, is just another newly-opened shopping centre. Following its promotion as the hub of electronic gadgets such as cell phones, computers and accessories, the mall has loyal customers frequenting its floors.
It has already attracted some of the biggest names in the IT industry such as Lenovo Concept Store, Panasonic Digital Centre, and Acer Computers. A sales assistant, who wished to be known as Zeti, said many shops on the floor where she worked had closed down, and this gave an impression that some traders were leaving.
"There has been word of traders from another shopping mall temporary relocating here while their premises are under renovations," said Zeti. At the same time, there are at least three stores selling second-hand items or collectibles for hobbyists. There is also a DJ academy for those interested in learning the art of turntabling. The TreasureStore buys, sells and rents secondhand novels, books and magazines for as low as RM1. There are similar shops selling old vinyl records, trinkets, costume jewellery and souvenir items. There are traditional Malay clothing such as baju kurung and baju kebaya, on the ground floor. But business is all about location. Adeline Kuah, who runs a thrift shop on the mall's fourth floor, said the location of her business does not attract a steady flow of new customers. The former nurse, in her 60s, continues to receive regular customers and the occasional newcomer who chances upon her shop. "There was a Canadian woman who discovered my shop as she was browsing on the fourth floor. She was pleasantly surprised to discover there are thrift shops in Johor Baru. Later, she gave some of her old shoes to my shop," she said. Eateries are available at every corner, with a food court on the lower ground floor. Diners flock to the food court during lunchtime as it offers a variety of cuisine, ranging from nasi campur and western food, to Penang cuisine such as char kway teow and soup noodles. The Excite Fitness Centre, which occupies 1,486 sq m on level five, is well equipped. It has become a favourite for fitness buffs because of its affordable membership fee, high-end facilities, instructors and classes catering to people of every fitness level. Danga City Mall Sdn Bhd spokesman Datuk Lim Kang Hoo said the mall has been designed and repositioned as Johor Baru's premier retail complex. "To inject new life into this property, we have appointed a retail consultant to do a market study on the tenant mix, merchandise and purchasing-power of customers who are likely to patronise the mall." Full content generated by Get Full RSS. |
| The 'Houdini of Asia' to appear here Posted: 26 Oct 2011 07:45 AM PDT 2011/10/26 SINGAPOREAN illusionist-cum-escape artist Mohammad Hairmiwilly Mohamed Kamal will be performing at several popular locations including shopping malls, hotels and amusement parks in Johor Baru from the middle of next month. Popularly known as "Iron Willy" or "Willy" among peers and fans, Hairmiwilly's daredevil stunts include being locked in a metal chest with a 1.8 metre-long python, walking on broken glass, swallowing balls of fire, piercing a 10cm nail through his nose, and the "chainsaw stunt". All performances by the artiste will be sponsored by Impact Music and Entertainment.
He started working as a stuntman six years ago. Hairmiwilly said he idolises magician David Copperfield.
"He was so good at magic stunts. "I aspired to be an illusionist since I was eight years old," said the degree holder in business management.
Hairmiwilly learnt the tricks of his trade by being in contact with experienced illusionists via the Internet. Still, the magician can be nervous before a show, if the feat is especially difficult. He recalls one such feat -- the "strait jacket escape" -- which he performed for Singapore TV three years ago. "I was given only two minutes to free myself from the jacket. "Sweating profusely, l struggled relentlessly and managed to free myself within 59 agonising seconds, which seemed like an eternity. After that, he was hailed as the "Houdini of Asia", (after Harry Houdini, the renown American escape artiste of the 19th and 20th century). Hairmiwilly has performed in countries such as Indonesia, Japan and Dubai. For details, call Rahimah Shukor at 017-645 3244, or email ezs.emma@g-mail.com or emma@ezsmusic.com Full content generated by Get Full RSS. |
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