Malaysian retail group GCH Retail (M) Sdn Bhd is planning to revamp its 28 Giant hypermarket stores across the country by early 2016.
Additionally, the company plans to open six new stores to provide better shopping experience to customers. Four among the six new stores will be opened in Setapak, Kangar, Kota Bharu and Jerteh, while information on two other stores is yet to be disclosed, reports nst.com.
GCH Retail operations director Ernest Potgieter was quoted by nst.com as saying that the company decided to revamp the existing stores following several complaints from customers that the hypermarkets looked outdated.
Ernest Potgieter was quoted by nst.com as saying: "Our customers told us that we look old. We have to revive the business. The stores have not been refurbished for the past five years and it is time to give a new look to customers. Giant Malaysia listens to customers and the transformation was tailored with the customer in mind, aiming at providing greater value and a customer friendly lay out.
"We serve 2.3 million customers a week, serving this many customers, you have to give them what they need and customers these days have become very demanding. We have to be cheaper than everyone but also give good service, good products and good environment in Giant stores."
The company has renovated its Shah Alam Giant hypermarket with around RM2.5m. GCH Retail said that the spending would differ according to the size of the stores.
Regarding the change in the store layouts, GCH Retail general merchandising director Lee Siew Mei was quoted by nst.com as saying: "The new layout presents a one-stop shopping experience for all customers. For example, baby products are all within reach and customers need not walk to various sections of the hypermarket looking for baby related products.
"Children related products are put together and we have a dedicated seasonal promotional area. Now, there is a back-to-school promotion running for six weeks and all back-to-school related products including stationery, school bags and uniforms are in one place."
The company is also introducing new product ranges, some of which would be exclusive.
Lee Siew Mei was quoted by the website as saying: "We have the O'Fresh range which comes direct from farms in Cameron Highlands. The vegetables do not go through distribution centres, therefore they are of better quality and the price is also lower."
Currently, GCH operates 147 stores across Malaysia and plans to open another four stores by mid-2016, The Malay Mail Online reported.
