KUALA LUMPUR: Sports retailer Decathlon is preparing to open a 22,000 sq ft flagship store at the upcoming 118 Mall in the Merdeka 118 precinct, following a recent site visit by its Asia Pacific representatives.
The delegation included representatives from multiple Decathlon markets across the region including Malaysia, Singapore, India, Japan and South Korea.
They toured the development and the planned store space ahead of the mall’s opening later this year.
The Level 2 outlet is being positioned as a major store for Decathlon Malaysia, with added services such as custom printing, engraving and racket stringing for sports equipment.
The store will also integrate Decathlon’s online and offline retail systems, allowing customers to access products beyond in-store inventory.
Design-wise, the outlet will incorporate Malaysian-inspired elements, including motifs drawn from traditional songket patterns, as part of the overall store concept within the new mall.
Decathlon Malaysia director of membership and 118 store project owner Adlyna Azmi said across Asia, the company is constantly exploring ways to make sport more accessible, engaging and relevant to the communities it serves.
“This store represents a new expression of Decathlon in Malaysia, bringing together innovation, local identity and meaningful sporting experiences in a way that reflects the ambitions of this market.
“The opportunity to establish our premium legacy store within the Merdeka 118 precinct is a significant milestone for Decathlon Malaysia, and even more meaningful as it marks our 37th store in the country.
“We are proud to be part of what 118 Mall is building and look forward to welcoming communities to this unique destination in the heart of Kuala Lumpur,” she said in a statement.
Meanwhile, PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Izwan Hasli Ibrahim said Decathlon is one of many exciting and distinctive brands that will help shape the experience at 118 Mall.
“As we prepare to open our doors this year, visitors can look forward to discovering a vibrant mix of retail, lifestyle, culture and community experiences unlike anywhere else in Kuala Lumpur.
“From immersive flagship concepts to uniquely Malaysian touches throughout the mall, 118 Mall is being curated as more than just a shopping destination.
“We are excited for Malaysians and international visitors alike to experience everything the mall and the wider Merdeka 118 precinct will have to offer,” he said.
Tenants have begun interior fit-outs at 118 Mall, moving the lifestyle destination closer to opening within the Merdeka 118 precinct.