FOR many years, decades even, Malaysia has been a shopper’s paradise, both for locals, and for travellers coming in from overseas, tempted by a favourable currency exchange rate. From luxury brands, to cool souvenirs, one can definitely find it in Malaysia.
Multiple products ranging from luxurious designer clothing, accessories to exclusive handbags, watches, trendy footwear, and every type of electronic equipment imaginable – you name it, Malaysia’s got it!
As of 2019, there were more than 550 shopping malls, with a total floor space of 135 million sq ft throughout the country. In Kuala Lumpur alone, over 25 malls have been built with some of them attracting over 2 million visitors per month.
The Vibes Culture and Lifestyle takes a walk down memory lane, visiting some of the iconic departmental stores of Kuala Lumpur.
Globe Silk Store
The Globe Silk Store was one of the earliest department stores in the country. Originally founded in Segamat, Johor in 1930, its founder Tiratha Jethanad, moved the store to Kuala Lumpur in 1947, which then boomed into a competing store against the likes of John Little, Whiteaway Laidlaw and Robinsons.
The 12-storey building was remembered for selling school uniforms, school shoes and textiles, with two floors designated for its food court. However in 2010, it was reported that the former owner – Kishu Tirathrai, his wife, and their two sons were found guilty and had to pay a fine amounting to RM200,000 or face jail time of up to three months for interfering and obstructing the sales of the store.
The family declared they were bankrupt and requested to suspend the order while they raised money.
In 2005, the pioneering department store eventually shut down after creditors obtained a liquidation order, and after resolving some of the legal troubles, the store was restored as Sarah Hughes @Globe, which currently sells the same products but at a slightly cheaper price.
Campbell Complex
Campbell Complex is a 20-storey building, with two floors dedicated to shop lots and 18 to office space, that opened way back in May 1973, was the first high-rise shopping complex and is the oldest surviving departmental store that is still operating in Kuala Lumpur.
However, on April 8, 1976, Campbell Complex suffered a severe fire disaster caused by an electrical short circuit that badly damaged the building, and is regarded as the worst fire disaster involving a high-rise building in Kuala Lumpur to this day.
The fire reportedly lasted nearly 30 hours, claimed one innocent life and a total loss of RM50 million, with 156 shops and 41 offices destroyed.
Today, Campbell Complex, located next to Dang Wangi police headquarters, is the only building left that still retains the road’s original name, Campbell Road, before it was renamed to Jalan Dang Wangi in 1980.
The road was previously named after Douglas Campbell (1867-1918), a British resident of Negri Sembilan and Johor's first British advisor during the colonial era.
Campbell Complex – known for its bundle shops – offers leather goods, unique one-of-a-kind jewellery, vintage clothing, custom made uniforms and electronic appliances.
Sungei Wang
Sungei Wang is known as Jalan Bukit Bintang’s oldest mall, and was a location for events and promotions in the 1990s with countless fashion shows, stage showcases and countdown concerts by famous national and international artists.
Sungei Wang, which translates to ‘river of gold’ is still an iconic spot to get good bargains, from affordable clothes, footwear, electronic items, home décor, and has also become known as a tattoo haven in recent years.
Despite newer competing malls like Pavilion KL, Starhill Gallery, and Berjaya Times Square opening in the vicinity, Sungei Wang remains an attraction for customers, especially during weekends.
Sungei Wang opened for business in 1977, with a 1.2 million square feet mall, consisting of seven shopping levels and three split-level basement parking levels.
SOGO
SOGO, known to be the largest single department store strategically located at a landmark site on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, with a retail space of 60,000 sq metres, was originally founded in Japan, and has since grown into an international chain.
It officially opened on January 18, 1994, and became one of the main shopping centres in the city, along with the nearby Globe Silk Store and Campbell Complex, located on a shopping centre packed row. Located by the Gombak River, its name is easily visible to cars driving along the opposite bank. While taller building have sprung up, its logo is still easy to pick out.
This all‑time favourite one‑stop shopping centre features the best in beauty products and accessories, offering the latest value for money offerings.
Subsequently, SOGO opened two more locations, namely, in Central i-City, Shah Alam, and SOGO The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey in Johor Baru.
Central Market
One of Kuala Lumpur’s most familiar landmarks and a popular tourist attraction, Central Market, or Pasar Seni, along Jalan Hang Kasturi – is said to have been built by the third Kapitan Cina of Kuala Lumpur, Yap Ah Loy.
It started off as a wet market in 1888 and by the 1930s, the place had expanded into a proper structure to house all the merchants. By the 1980s, the wet market was relocated, and the building was almost demolished.
However, the Malaysian Heritage Society set up a petition to save the building and Central Market was revamped into a handicrafts outlet.
Fast forward to today, the historical place is now a popular shopping destination for tourists visiting Malaysia, showcasing true Malaysian culture and heritage through its sales of local crafts and products.
Currently there are more than 300 shops selling local handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs, collectibles, and restaurants are a short walk away from Petaling Street. – The Vibes, July 10, 2022
*This article is part of a series of content produced for Lens KL, The Vibes Culture & Lifestyle’s fortnightly series that sheds light on the past, present and future aspirations of Kuala Lumpur.
