Sebrinah Yeo: retail

Showing posts with label retail. Show all posts

Thursday, 4 July 2019

LuLu Hypermarket Grand Opening at 1Shamelin Mall

Sebrinah Yeo July 04, 2019 0

Today 1st July is the beginning of the second half for 2019. Also a new beginning for LuLu Hypermarket as they celebrate and launch their 2nd branch in Malaysia and 174th branch in the world; Grand Opening at 1Shamelin Mall, Cheras! LuLu Hypermarket is one of the largest retail operators in the Middle East & North African (MENA) regions.

It was crowded and the parking was full! The whole area surrounding 1Shamelin Mall was jam-packed bumper-to-bumper the whole day! Basically everyone is trying to get into LuLu Hypermarket to grab the best deals during their opening that is happening from now 1st July till 4th July 2019.

I was lucky that I was able to find a parking spot at the basement. However, after entering the premises I decided to just check out what's available and maneuver my way in the hypermarket at Ground floor through the sea of crowd!

It was definitely something you don't see everyday. Whenever there's a crazy sale going on for half the price people will just grab as much as they can! If my husband was here, I would've grabbed as much as I could too. But I have my limitations as I was pregnant and there were no more trolleys available!!

I love how everything is arranged properly and how well lit it was inside. They have clear sign boards of product types that makes it easier for you to find the items that you want. Even the variety of products available is an abundance! The sprawling 80,000 sqft hypermarket designed with the latest retail space concept and modern technology that has dedicated sections categorised properly for your shopping ease!

The best part is the store is designed to have an exclusive store-in-store for all "free from" food range that offers an extensive line of Gluten-free, Organic, Sugar free, no additives, no preservatives and other special food from around the world! Even their hot food was a hit! And I really love how fresh their fresh seafood were displayed decoratively and very neatly!

That's not all! At the launch today, I couldn't be more excited to know that they are committed to launching another four (4) more new hypermarkets by end of 2020 in Setia City Mall, Bangi Gateway, Bachang (Malacca) and Johor Bahru. They are even exploring other markets in Malaysia as they are committed to creating 5,000 job opportunity for Malaysians. They currently employs over 300 Malaysians in their two (2) hypermarkets. But the crowd today surely exceeded the amount of staffs on floor, I mean just look at the crazy offers available at almost 50% off and all these happy shoppers grabbing them home for their household.

The one thing that really stood out when I entered the hypermarket was the dedicated SME display area that was specially designed to support local small & medium enterprises to grow their businesses to Gulf countries.

A really good initiative to really help these local SME businesses have a chance as well in the industry and there's already more than 100 local companies associated with LuLu Hypermarket. There were sampling booths setup that we can sample and eventually make our purchase as well at LuLu Hypermarket!

As one of the top 50 fastest growing retailers globally, it is no wonder that the crowd today came earlier than the opening hours and queued at the entrance to grab their groceries and the special offers on ground! There was practically no trolley left available when I was there. And I heard the queue to payment took atleast more than 1 hour plus, every payment counter has a crazy loooooong queue! And mind you, there's 2 exit here with more than 10 over counters (maybe more) each and all fully queued until the center of the shopping floor!

So do drop by to grab these crazy offers from 1st to 4th July 2019! I am considering to head back again to try my luck! Will update here on my loots from LuLu Hypermarket! Stay tuned!

For more updates visit

LuLu Hypermarket

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Batik Boutique Unique Holiday Collection Malaysia

variety

Sebrinah Yeo December 04, 2018 1

What do you know about Batik?

Ever thought about it before?

If you're like me, am sure you may have the same common understanding that Batik is a unique design by Asians, especially amongst the Malay community with their traditional Batik design and attires.

In fact, you're probably thinking, batik is a sarung or baju kurung or a cloth with nice pattern print design. But what if I tell you that, this post may change the way you see, think, imagine and feel about batik more than you can even imagine it's purpose for!

At The Batik Boutique, the story to how it began to it's solid footing here in Malaysia today, truly marks a gift that the founders and its creators really inspires and empowers more people with their humble beginnings.

Amy Blair, met her friend Ana, a single mother in 2009 and through her friend she actually met a few women who were living in PPR flats in a very poor and rundown condition with their family. It saddened her to see that they didn't have the opportunity that she had when she was growing up in the states. And settling here in Malaysia building her family here, after meeting these ladies, she were inspired to find ways to help these ladies and her friend Ana to have a better chance in Malaysia.

Ever since then, from a few ladies who had zero knowledge in sewing or batik, learned baby steps and finally, from sewing from home, to studios, into retail outlets and now into exporting across borders such as UK, US, Australia, Japan and abroad; The Batik Boutique truly made its humble mark in proving that you can do anything if you just don't give up!

The women who are involved can now earn a sustainable income to support their family unlike before, they can finally stand on their own two feet and be independent. You see, the Batik Boutique was created with the mission to teach women how to sew and to work with artisans in Malaysia.

They have just recently launched their 'Holiday Collection' a couple of weeks ago and the result was overwhelming as it was almost sold out.

I really love their display of the 'Holiday Collection', it's truly befitting for the upcoming festive season Christmas. What's even better, celebrating Christmas in Malaysia with the true art of the beautiful and unique Batik design.

If you noticed the pillow design that I am cuddling with, was actually inspired through the founder Amy, rummaging through some of the batik blocks from one of the artisan and she saw a tenung design weaved on the batik. That's how this pillow design was born for this 'Holiday Collection'.

I won the Instagram post during the day! A beautiful yellow batik, bag.

They also have 2 types of clutches, one in greyish white and another in vibrant colors; the colorful one is almost sold out as well by the way.

Everything that the Batik Boutique has to offer are all 100% handmade, including the tassels on some of the products.

It's really amazing to see women who started from scratch, they had nothing, everything from zero ground up, zero skills and no knowledge of sewing, even one of them couldn't read or write but they all needed one thing in their life, and that is money for their family. Through learning this skill set, they now make a decent living and continues to create these marvelous collection for the world.

I really love how the Batik Boutique does not just focus on selling batik cloths etc, but they offer you a wide array of variety in batik design, such as having modernise fashion but in batik styles.

Batik Boutique successfully expresses to the public that batik can be modern and be used for more than just apparels, yet, it can still be casual AND each piece is unique because they work with artisans. This makes their collection valuable for money as you can not only wear it at home but even outside as well.

And seeing as the season of gifting is near, what's even better than to gift these perfect gifts to your loved ones, here's a 20% code for you to enjoy online! (Valid till end Dec 2018)

HOLIDAY20

I really enjoyed the workshop here where they also organize workshops like these to the public too. These are perfect gift sets for kids too! I'm thinking to get a set for my kids to enjoy the beauty of batik at home.

My impromptu creation, I just simply paint only with 3 main color and just mix it away!

This is called "My Cincai Batik", beautiful piece right ahahahaha!

We also enjoyed some yummy snacks, I especially love the hummus and baked macaroni from PichaProject. The Quiche was delicious too!

Do drop by when you have time, and be mesmerized by their beautiful array of collection at :

Batik Boutique

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Address : No. 3 (Ground Floor), Jalan 26/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Contact : +603-23036052

Email : info@thebatikboutique.com

Opening Days/Hours : Monday - Saturday, from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Top 10 About GCH LARGEST Distribution Centre Malaysia

Widest

Sebrinah Yeo September 19, 2018 13

GCH Retail Distribution Centre officiated the Country's Largest Supermarket & Hypermarket Distribution Centre right here in Kajang, Malaysia! This Distribution Centre worth over RM116 million, vows to bring consumers nationwide fresher products with more value for your Ringgit.

Being Malaysian, I usually get my groceries from Giant Malaysia because I like the freshness it has to offer and it's reasonably priced. Now with this huge distribution centre here, Malaysians will be able to enjoy a fresher product at all Giant, Cold Storage, Jason's Food Hall and Mercato's in Peninsula Malaysia.

Today I was taken on a short tour in the Distribution Centre, it was a fun experience and really chilly one too...brrrr...

There's actually more areas in the DC that I've yet to explore and may not want to (because it's COLD!) but here's what's in store :
Frozen (-20°C) stores processed foods, frozen vegetables, ready meals, desserts, etc.
Perishable (+1°C) stores milk, dairy products (cheeses, yogurts, butters), delicatessen, drinks, etc.

Processing of meats (+1°C) stores beef, buffalo and lamb, fish and poultry products.

Citrus fruits (+5°C) stores lemons, oranges, tangerines, pomelo
Produce (+10°C) stores fresh vegetables and fruits - from local farmers, imported specialty and seasonal produce

Local tropical fruits (+13°C) stores banana, watermelon, papaya

Produce (+25°C) stores onions, potatoes, garlic, ginger, dried chillies

Fun facts! Red onions make up approximately 12% out of the overall products that are distributed to stores in terms of volume! Followed by potatoes at 8% and carrots at 3%! (Malaysians love their ABC soup ke? I know I do, haha!)

There's are the Top 10 Things To Know About GCH's LARGEST "Gateway For Freshness" in raising the standard of "Freshness" in your groceries!

1. COMMITMENT - For 70 years, GCH has been committed to bringing innovative, value driven, fresh retail experiences to Malaysian consumers nationwide.
2. FACILITY - The state of art facility here at Kajang, represents a part of GCH continuing financial commitment and support at an organisational level to the idea of "Freshness".
3. THE BEST QUALITY - Getting the best local products from farm to table, while ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness at every point and bringing consumers value in every purchase.

4. VALUE WORTH - GCH always strives to bring consumers value in every purchase while keeping the price affordable, yet, maintaining a high standard of fresh quality.

5. LARGEST - This Distribution Centre houses the LARGEST fresh produce and packed goods of processing, packaging and distribution in Malaysia.

6. ENERGY EFFICIENT - You will be amazed at their energy efficient operations on rainwater harvesting, heat recovery technology, integrated and automated processes, temperature-controlled environments, improved handling and logistics processes that improves the overall quality and freshness of all the fresh produce and food brought in by GCH Retail to the country.
Rainwater Harvesting - Collecting rainwater from the roof areas to be re-used in the building services such as washing the dishes in the canteen and also rainwater recycled in the washrooms.
LED Lighting - Keeps the facility well lit and saves electricity simultaneously.
Heat-Recovery Technology - Recycle waste heat generated by the refrigeration plant to pre-heat water to be used in operations like rinsing vegetables.
Refrigeration System - Real time high efficiency technology to ensure temperature control with minimal energy inputs.
Digital infrastructure - Status of cold chain can be monitored remotely for optimum efficiency and product temperature control.
Doors - High speed doors to maintain temperature integrity.
Paperless - Basically, paperless operations with Radio Frequency technology.
GPS - Trucks fitted with GPS to monitor trucks' movements.
Processing - Integrated meat and seafood processing centre.

7. PEOPLE - With this Distribution Centre alone, it is able to create more than 200 jobs directly in the warehousing and food processing sectors at this facility. This includes also the management department of all sorts, such as the product experts, buyers, quality control professionals, distribution team and even indirect job opportunities through partnerships with local suppliers, logistics partners and vendors. This actively enhanced the economy of the surrounding areas almost immediately.

8. VENUE - Located in Kajang, which took 12 months to build and occupies 25,000 square metres of land. It's practically THREE (3) times the size of the current GCH operation in Balakong. Definitely the largest and most innovative fresh distribution centre dedicated to a single retailer in Malaysia! Kajang was chosen for it's strategic location between the field and the stores.

9. REAL TIME EFFORT - From the moment the food produce arrives the Distribution Centre until it reaches to all GCH Retail stores nationwide; With insights into the process that brings fresh produce from across the country daily, this centre is designed to ensure produce from over 200 vendors stored here are constantly maintained, while the digitally enabled infrastructure of the centre with it's temperature controlled facilities, ensures round the clock monitoring for optimum efficiency. The largest real time, daily supply chain operations of fresh produce in Malaysia means, GCH assume the responsibility when it comes to preserving and enhancing the quality of food.

10. FIGHT AGAINST FOOD WASTE - As the "Gateway For Freshness", it's more than just bringing fresh quality produces to consumers; It's also about ensuring as little food as possible is wasted, hence, GCH Retail has established processes to control the age, appearance and freshness of its in-store products. When products are kept beyond this period, they are then shared with The Lost Food Project to be re-distributed to those in need for free. It will then be distributed to charities home including underprivileged children, soup kitchens for the poor and homeless, as well as those with special needs. Another reason why I prefer to shop in Giant Malaysia, because they will also clear out any food produce that does not appear nice or may have 1 or 2 spoilt items (eg. sometimes a pack of tomato is cleared out for RM1 a pack where there's 1 or 2 spoilt ones in it, but the rest are still edible).

The launch of the fresh distribution centre (DC) is part of GCH Retail's on-going commitment which includes reviewing and renewing the way supermarket and hypermarket shopping experiences are brought into the nation and how it may support Malaysians nationwide. Incase you aren't aware yet, GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd is a subsidiary of Dairy Farm International. You will probably know them through Giant hypermarkets and supermarkets chain; Cold Storage, Mercato and Jason's Food Hall premium grocery stores. GCH Retail was awarded as Retail Asia-Pacific's Top 500 Gold Winner as Malaysia's Number 1 Retailer!

This pineapple super syok! Sweet, delicious, fresh and cold!

The perception on frozen food is that it is not fresh. Most aunties, would tell me to buy from the fresh market because they claim it's fresher, however, they are unaware of it's quality and actual freshness because some could be actually frozen and defrosted (on repeat) until it's sold. Nevertheless, I beg to differ; And I am right, because GCH DC has 32 state of the art docks that handle all deliveries with over 50 trucks everyday, going in and out, delivering the freshest products to customers. And all products are quality checked and assured before being accepted and made ready for delivery to stores nationwide.

That being said, all local products will be harvested, received and sent to stores on the same day! It's a round-the-clock service and the DC facility houses an on-site generator that can last up to 8 hours in case of power outage, equipped with CCTV's, fire suppression system and ammonia sensors to ensure the well-being of their workers and customers at the facility. Am sure fresh markets won't have such preliminary checks to ensure the person handling your fresh food produce is well and fit for duty. After all, the last thing anybody wants is to have their fresh produce contaminated by any unwanted strains of bacteria. So I rather be safe than sorry.

Met my ex-colleague, Darren, dulu with Samsung together.
Now he is attached with Shopper360 - Malaysia's Shopper Marketing Experts.

All in all, this NEW and LARGEST Supermarket & Hypermarket Distribution Centre by GCH Retail (M) Sdn Bhd is the ultimate "Gateway For Freshness" for Malaysians!