Metrojaya: New stores will drive up sales

RETAILER Metrojaya Bhd expects sales to grow by five per cent this year, driven by new stores and ongoing marketing and promotion activities.

Last year, it made some RM400 million in sales.

The group operates seven department stores which account for 60 per cent of its revenue, three specialty stores and a new venture called MJ Outlet, which sells off-the-season products from its department and specialty stores.

"The idea to operate MJ Outlet is to provide a proper avenue to market our off-the-season products instead of having a warehouse sale all the time," chief executive officer Robert Heng said.

Metrojaya had launched an MJ Outlet and a Reject Shop at Brem Mall in Kepong on Saturday. Covering 46,000 sq ft of retail space, the stores offer men, ladies and children apparels and household items.

Well-known brands like Somerset Bay, East India and household items from Laura Ashley and Living Quarters are all available at MJ Outlet where prices are reduced by up to 70 per cent.

Heng said since its soft launch on December 20 last year, MJ Outlet has received positive feedback from customers who shop for quality products at lower prices.

"Our customers appreciate the move especially during challenging times like now," he adds.

Metrojaya has signed an 18-year lease with Brem Holdings Bhd and spent a total of RM4 million or RM2 million each to open MJ Outlet and Reject Shop.

Depending on the response, Heng said the group may open more MJ Outlets but it has not set any targets or budgets.

"It depends, as we move along, since our main focus is still department stores. If we do open more MJ Outlets, it will be at the edge of town," he said.

Meanwhile, Metrojaya will open a 125,000 sq ft department store in Sabah by the third quarter this year.

By Business Times (by Zurinna Raja Adam)