2 May 2014
GOOD TO GO: Retail outlets in the country’s largest low-cost carrier terminal eagerly await customers
BUSINESS is set to take off for the numerous dining and retail outlets at the Gateway@klia2, as the country's largest low-cost carrier terminal opens its door today.
There are over 200 shops in the Gateway, comprising food and beverage outlets, retail, service and public facilities.
A check by Streets yesterday found that most of the shops have already started operations, while others were making last-minute preparations ahead of the airport's opening.
The mall's facilities were impressive with a large number of spacious parking bays, squeaky clean toilets, and adequate surau and baby care rooms.
The mall is also a smoke-free zone and those who need a smoking break will have to head to a designated smoking area located at level 1, next to the transportation hub.
There are also numerous avenues for directions with five concierge counters and 11 interactive directory units to cater to visitors and passengers.
Eager visitors also took advantage of the public holiday yesterday to check out the mall and its offerings.
Gateway@klia2 general manager Ben Chong said the management was prepared well in advance for the start of operations.
"Currently, 70 per cent of the food and beverage outlets, and 70 per cent of the retail outlets are open."
Chong said some were making last-minute preparations and that nearly all outlets will be open by the end of the month.
Chong said that the mall has a good mix of tenants and that the management was encouraging tenants to provide their services for a similar price as they do at their other outlets.
"For the convenience of visitors, the mall has 5,690 parking bays and 800 motorcycle bays," he said, adding that the mall was also disabled-friendly.
"There is also a supermarket, spa, banking and baggage storage facilities, as well as a lounge with napping and washroom facilities."
Chong said he has received numerous feedback from tenants and visitors on areas for improvement.
"In any mall, the first three weeks are designated to iron out any shortcomings or hiccups that the mall has and we will also look into adding more directional signages," he said.
Texas Chicken training officer Abdul Rashid Jaabar said he is looking forward to the opening day.
“We have been here for two weeks setting up our outlet and we’re all ready to serve breakfast at 6am today,” he said, adding that they were expecting brisk business.
An employee from a watch shop, who declined to be named, said her colleagues were eager to welcome travellers.
“We are excited to be part of klia2 as this is a huge airport with the potential to bring in millions of customers,” said the salesgirl.
Norina Abdul Talib, who came to klia2 for a visit, was awed at the variety of shops at the mall.
“The mall is so spacious and comfortable compared to LCCT and I would like to come here again just for the mall,” she said.
Another visitor, C.S. See, said he was impressed with the mall’s design but that the place could use more directional signages.
“The variety of shops and facilities are good but maybe they can add more signages as the mall is really huge,” he said.
Original Source: www.nst.com.my
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