Johor Premium Outlets recently celebrated its third anniversary with new shops, an updated food court and more fabulous bargains. If you haven’t been to JPO or have been looking for a good shopping deal, there’s no time like the present to visit.
On a recent media familiarisation tour, I was there for a day and a half and as a first timer, I was pleasantly surprised and impressed at what the shopping haven had to offer. Located at the intersection of the North-South Expressway and Second Link Expressway, JPO is a favourite amongst Malaysians, Singaporeans and shoppers worldwide.
With a long list of reputable designer, fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands, there’s something for everyone who is on the lookout for a good bargain. Our tip is to visit on Fridays and the weekend as the center offers extra deals and discounts at the end of the week.
Here are our 10 must-visit shops and brands:
1. La Perla
Ladies, the concept of lingerie shouldn’t be a stranger to you but once you’ve experienced the refined sensuality of this luxury Italian lingerie brand, there’s no turning back. Seeing that this is the only La Perla in the entire Malaysia, it’s definitely a must-visit if you’re in Johor.
The discounts are huge at La Perla – you can find last season’s swimwear items and lingerie at 50% off. It still might cost an arm and a leg for very little fabric but it’s totally worth it.
2. adidas
The adidas store in JPO has generous discounts such as buy three items and get an additional 50% off your purchase. Your best bet is to go on Fridays and the weekend. All sorts of sportswear can be found here but the highlight has to be the huge markdowns on the Stella McCartney for adidas collection.
3. Cotton On
Yes, we might have Cotton On in the city but if you’re in JPO, do take advantage of the massive (and we mean it) discounts at the JPO store. Items are priced as low as RM5!
4. Kate Spade
If you have your eye on a past season Kate Spade bag, you will most likely find it here with a discount of 30% or 50%. Be sure to check out the small but present Kate Spade Saturday section which you can’t find anywhere else in the city.
5. Royal Selangor
This isn’t an attempt to convince you to collect pewter but do pop by the Royal Selangor School of Hard Knocks, located in a glass room in the store. For RM60, you get a crash course in shaping and engraving your own pewter bowl.
Don’t worry if you’re not into pewter, the knocking is extremely therapeutic albeit rather loud; and you get to keep the bowl.
6. Sacoor Brothers
Starting a new job or looking to overhaul your closet for some good work clothes? Come by to the Sacoor outlet at JPO and all your shirts and slacks problems will be solved.
7. Fossil
Another great store for a great bargain is Fossil and you’ll find the brand’s past seasons with incredible discounts. Fossil is the place to shop for leather goods.
8. Diane von Furstenberg
If you’re into designer wear, why not snap yourself Diane’s iconic wrap dress at a bargain? DVF might be one of the quieter stores in JPO but if you’re a fan of the Belgian designer, seek and you shall find a great bargain.
9. Michael Kors
On the trip, we were told that Michael Kors is one of the most popular stores in JPO and it’s not hard to imagine since MK bags are easily spotted on everyone these days.
10. Oroton
Yet another must-visit store is Oroton. The luxury Aussie label makes fabulous handbags, ballet flats, accessories and wallets.
Don’t shop on an empty stomach: Great food choices at JPO and more about the center
You’ll never go hungry at JPO thanks to the center’s wide variety of eateries. There’s Kampachi for Japanese, Baskin Robbins for ice-cream, Cafe Barbera and Dome for continental cuisine and an updated food court on the ground level.
Now that you know you won’t starve during your shopping trip, the other fabulous thing about JPO is that it has no shortage of benches for you to rest while you recharge or wait for a friend or partner during your shopping escapade.
Those of you who visited JPO during its early days of operation would probably remember that the center was plagued with a fly problem. The management has since dealt with the problem and on our visit, we hardly spotted any. So, if that’s the only thing holding you back from visiting this shopping mecca, it’s about time to head south.
Besides the outlets mentioned above, JPO is home to the following brands – Armani, Brooks Brothers, Burberry, Canali, ck Calvin Klein, Coach, DKNY, Esprit, Ermenegildo Zegna, Evita Peroni, Gap, Geox, Guess, Lacoste, Levi’s, Nike, Salvatore Ferragamo, Swiss Watch Gallery, Timberland, Tommy Hilfiger, Tumi, Victoria’s Secret, Aigner, American Eagle, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Beauty Scents, Bread & Butter, Calvin Klein Jeans, Calvin Klein Underwear, Columbia, Cotton On Kids, Florsheim, Furla, Guy Laroche, Hush Puppies, Hugo Boss, LeSportsac, Pan-West, Paris Hilton, Sembonia, Springfield, Stride Rite, Sunglass Hut, Swatch and many more. Latest additions to the centre include Marc Jacobs, Kipling, Rubi Shoes and Hackett.
