Johor's Toppen Shopping Centre, owned and operated by Ikano Centres, has signed a tenancy agreement with Lulu Grocer, a full-fledged supermarket selling fresh food and imported products.
Lulu Grocer will open later this year and it will be its fifth branch for Malaysia, according to a statement issued today.
Ikano Centres is part of IKEA Southeast Asia, which also owns and operates IKEA stores in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Toppen, located in Taman Desa Tebrau, was established in November 2019 and has since grown to become a popular meeting place in Johor Bahru.
The 1.2 million square feet retail mall currently has over 300 tenants with a 90 per cent lease rate, including IKEA Tebrau, TGV Cinemas, and Harvey Norman.
Ikano Centres commercial director Arnoud Bakker said: "We are excited to have Lulu Grocer join our tenant mix, bringing a grocery offer that is a strong fit with our customer profile. In the past 22 months, we have continuously adapted our strategies to ensure Toppen's resilience in meeting the needs of our visitors."
According to Bakker, Ikano Centres aims to have at least 43 per cent of its total portfolio lease space focusing on sustainable products and services that promote an active and healthy lifestyle.
"In line with this, Toppen is pleased to partner with Lulu Grocer as it will offer a wide range of imported gluten-free, sugar-free, no additives, no preservatives, and other "free-from" F&B products to give customers better and healthier options," he said.
Lulu Group Retail Malaysia regional director Asif Moidu Ahamed stated that five more Lulu hypermarkets will open this year.
Asif said Lulu Group will open more outlets in Selangor and Terengganu.
