Tipped to be one of Asia’s most popular retail hubs the former duty-free island of Penang is a one stop shopper’s Mecca for the masses. Renowned as a bargain haven when haggling is not only acceptable but the norm, Penang offers a plethora of shopping experiences to suit every kind of traveller. From luxury items for fashion-forward holidaymakers to great deals for budget shoppers the holiday heartland packs in a punch when it comes to retail therapy. An annual shopping festival each August also sees the entire region transform in to one larger than life shopping haven.

Mall culture is a thriving component of Penang’s economy and it is evident by the number of super shopping malls that occupy the city’s main zip codes. The Penang Gurney Plaza tops off the list when it comes to luxury brands and international labels. With flagship stores for CK Jeans, Birkenstock, Rolex, Tissot, Coach and Omega lining its plush interiors this mega shopping complex houses 400 store outlets in its 7 floors. The Queensbay Mall is another local favorite as it is the largest mall in all of Penang. Sprawled across half a kilometer in Bayan Lepas the venue is known for its Adidas, Tag Heuer, Nike, and MNG outlets while G2000 and Uniqlo outlets also calls this massive complex home. Other highlights include the Penang First Avenue Mall, Gurney Paragon Mall and the Penang Sunway Carnival Mall where the Giant Hypermarket and the Parkson Departmental Store is also found. Situated at the city centre of Seberang Jaya in Butterworth hot pick items at the venue include fashion accessories, books, leather wear, electronics, jewellery, footwear, home decor and souvenirs.

Megamall Seberang Perai is equally spectacular while budget shoppers in search of quality goods for reasonable process can head down to the Prangin Mall Penang and the Penang KOMTAR. Targeting a middle class and lower middle class clientele these value for money shopping malls offer the best deals in town. The Bukit Jambul Complex is a similar establishment known for cheap electronics although it also houses a Toys R Us, Reject Shop and Popular Bookshop flagships.

Auto-City Penang on the other hand offers visitors a Fashion Market, several factory outlets and boutiques in a park setting surrounded by stunning garden landscapes. This night market is rivalled by the equally popular Batu Ferringhi night market where local curios reign supreme.

Travellers on the lookout for a luxury Tanjung Bungah hotel will find no finer alternative to the Copthorne Orchid Hotel Penang. Ideally located in a strategic position in the city this elegant Penang hotel is perfectly suited for those on business and families on vacation.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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