Leading Malaysian hypermarket operator, Giant, has announced plans to expand its local network by opening 500 new smaller outlets in the coming five years to compliment its existing large-scale stores, the New Straits Times reports.
The decision to establish of smaller stores was taken by Giant’s owner, the leading pan-Asian retailer Dairy Farm International (DFI).
Jeff Shaw, DFI regional food director for Malaysia and Brunei, told local media that the decision was taken to minimise operating costs, enabling customers to buy products at the lowest possible prices.
'We will open a few stores of only up to 5,000 square feet on an experimental basis, it is really small and we will test it to make sure it suitable for customers,' Shaw told reporters after the opening of Giant Kuala Pilah Mall in Negeri Sembilan, just south of Kuala Lumpur, on 24 June.
'We already opened one mini-store in Shah Alam and we aim to open 20 mini stores for this year before moving to open 500 stores in five years.'
Shaw added DFI aims for these plans to make Giant the regional market’s low-price setter. He emphasised that as well as lowering costs for consumers, the hypermarket operator provides substantial employment and business opportunities which will be increased by the new plans.
'We also support local businesses through our policy of giving priority to local suppliers and promoting Malaysian food and agro-based industries,' he said.
At present, there are 1,300 small to medium enterprise tenants and traders operating in all Giant malls. The new Kuala Pilah mall reportedly created employment for 200 people, bringing Giant’s total staff to 13,000.
