Old Malls, New Look

Source : The Straits Times, March 14, 2009

New malls may be springing up along Orchard Road this year, but old favourites are sprucing up their act. Paragon shopping centre has undergone a $45-million revamp, for example. The 10-year-old mall, known for its luxury goods, now sports a three-dimensional facade with multiple pop-out glass panels and multi-faceted aluminium panels.

And store fronts there are set to shine further. Five designer stores - Salvatore Ferragamo, Prada, Tod's, Miu Miu and Gucci - will be converted into double-storey duplexes, with Gucci enjoying a fivestorey-high facade facing Orchard Road.

These changes are expected to be completed by the third quarter of next year. Tod's leads the pack as it will unveil its duplex next month.

Paragon's general manager, Ms Linda Kwan, says the new design was prompted partly by luxury retailers looking for space to expand and do something different. In May, Jimmy Choo will open its flagship store in the mall and Coach is set to do the same in November.

Ms Kwan says: 'Paragon has secured stronger positioning as an upscale shopping mall with its diverse mix of international brands.'

Another shopping destination, Meritus Mandarin hotel's retail arcade, Mandarin Gallery, is undergoing a $200-million expansion and will reopen by the fourth quarter of this year. The mall will dazzle with duplex boutiques that have floor-to- ceiling windows lining the building facade.

Two other retail spaces getting a new look this year are The Heeren Shops and Park Hotel Orchard.

The open-air area in front of The Heeren will make way for a 15m, single-storey glass structure. McDonald's and New York New York cafe are among the eateries to be housed in it.

At Park Hotel Orchard, some tenants such as Starbucks have moved out. Replacing them are high-end boutiques which will take up 7,710 sq m in its retail podium.