Mitsui Outlet Park vs Johor Premium Outlet?

Yes, I have been to Mitsui Outlet Park (MOP)last weekend. Yes, I liked the trip. If you love good running shoes from PUMA (my favourite running shoe brand) at below RM200, if you love the ‘fast’ looking running shoes from Nike for RM229, if you love children denim jacket from MANGO for RM29 and last but not least RM179 Obermain shoes which was RM469 before, then you would love to visit Mitsui Outlet Park. My sister-in-law bought a Bonia ladies handbag at a huge discount as well and I think everyone in the family enjoyed the cooling mall. (strong air-con). We had lunch there and even the pizza is considered good. My Arabiatta spaghetti could have been hotter but tastes good too. So, environment wise, I think this is better than Johor Premium Outlet (JPO). I felt that JPO is a little too hot when you are visiting in the afternoon time.
Now, what about the actual purpose of MOP which is as an outlet for the many famous brands? For this purpose, based on the currently operating ones, I prefer JPO. I think there are many shops in MOP which are just heavy discounted stores for the usual brands and not the usual famous brands’ outlet. Yes, you can find many of the usual brands in the typical malls anywhere in Malaysia and despite these having huge discounts, it does not attract me as I could have gotten them during some of the clearance sales in KL city centre. In JPO, I have even bought 3 pairs of Charles & Keith’s shoes for just RM57. The sizes are very limited but I think outlet stores should be like this. All the goods which are one season behind or those with odd sizes should all be sent to the outlets so that the usual stores can sell newer designs instead. My Singaporean friend bought a PUMA running shoe for just RM129. Another friend bought an Ellesse watch which normally retails for RM800 for less than RM300. So, for now, my vote goes to JPO where the buying is concerned.
Note though that there are many more stores which have yet to open in MPO. The mall is also very comfortable and there are lots of resting chairs for the older folks to sit down and rest. The convenient location next to KLIA also meant that the next time I am taking a flight, I would definitely drop by again. Oh yeah, the parking was pretty full when I visited it on Monday afternoon. Perhaps it is still new but I think it is here to stay if more stores open and the outlet concept becomes more genuine in the future. JPO is a little far for majority of KLites anyway. So, if you like what I like, it’s time to drop by even if just for a stroll. Shopping is always relaxing to the mind. Happy shopping!
written on 12 June 2015
Next suggested article: Another Premium Outlet, this time high up the hill!