Not many bargains at Johor Premium Outlets

Not many bargains at Johor Premium Outlets

Friday's heavy rain did not stop hundreds of Singaporeans from taking an hour's drive to Johor Premium Outlets (JPO) to look for designer goods at lower prices, said The Straits Times.

However, shoppers at the 16,258 sq m mall were rather disappointed and each went home with only a bag or two of purchases.

The mall noted that the discounts were not as big as those at Premium Outlets in the US and Europe, even though there were discounts of up to 70 percent on selected products. For instance, a Zegna tie that cost S$290 at the Takashimaya boutique was about 55 percent cheaper at S$130 (RM315), while high heels from Salvatore Ferragamo, which usually sell for S$790 in Singapore, cost around S$430 (RM1,040).

"If we wait for things to go on sale in Singapore, they are about the same price," said shopper Y.L. Tan.

"Compared with prices in Singapore, they are definitely lower but American brands like Coach are much cheaper in the US," noted Ginny Chu, who spent around RM700 (S$289) on a pair of sunglasses, a watch and a handbag.

The report noted that JPO retailers sell leftover stock from past seasons while some items were exclusively made by the brands for their outlet stores. Store managers said that because theirs are outlet shops, some signature products are not available.

Meanwhile, some stores like Tommy Hilfiger, Versace, Polo Ralph Lauren and Brooks Brothers are expected to open only on 11 December, when the mall holds its grand opening. Related Stories: Johor Premium Outlet opens doors today Prime retail rents in HK among highest in region Courts plans S$70m expansion boost in region.

~News courtesy of Yahoo~