PETALING JAYA (Jan 17): Toppen Shopping Centre at Taman Desa Tebrau, Johor Baru signed a tenancy agreement with Lulu Grocer, making it the first outlet in the state and is set to open later in the year. This also marks the fifth Lulu Grocer in Malaysia.

According to a statement on Monday (Jan 17), Lulu Grocer is a full-fledged supermarket selling fresh food and imported products from the UK and US that come directly from Lulu Group's sourcing companies around the world. 

Ikano Centres commercial director Arnoud Bakker said Lulu Grocer brings a grocery offer that is a strong fit with Ikano Centres’ customer profile. 

“Ikano Centres aims to have at least 43% of our 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,” Bakker added. 

Lulu Group Retail Malaysia regional director Asif Moidu Ahamed stated that five more Lulu hypermarkets are slated for launching this year. 

“We are thrilled to partner with Toppen and are looking forward to bringing all the goodness that Lulu has to offer to the people residing in Tebrau and the surrounding communities. Lulu Group Retail will also open more outlets in Selangor and Terengganu. Currently, Lulu Malaysia employs more than 600 Malaysians in its existing hypermarkets and will add many more local employees in the near future,” said Asif. 

Based on the statement, Lulu Grocer provides display areas inside the store as a support for local small and medium enterprises, providing the opportunity for local brands to expand their business and export their products. Currently, more than 100 famous local brands associated with Lulu Malaysia have exported their products to Lulu stores worldwide.

Toppen Shopping Centre currently houses over 300 tenants. The 1.2 million square feet retail space with a lease rate of 90% features attractions including IKEA Tebrau, TGV Cinemas, Harvey Norman, and many other retailers and F&B offerings. A multi-storey car park is being constructed and scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2022.