US Factory Outlet Giant To Open In Johor!

Woodbury Common - Chelsea's most famous outlet in upstate New York - is set to open in 2011 in Johor Bahru. The outlet, known for selling top labels at discounted prices, would be housed within the Iskandar Malaysia development. The outlet, a joint venture with Genting Group, is to be called Johor Premium Outlets and although details are not yet available about its size or the labels it will carry, it is expected to boost shopping within the state - especially since its almost a stone-throw away from Singapore.

In their press release, Genting Group attempts to play the patriotic diplomatic side - to "capitalise on the expected throng of tourist to the upcoming Resorts World at Sentosa". But seriously, it's a no-brainer. So yes, I fully agree with this idiot from Berita Harian that "tentunya yang akan menikmati penubuhan kompleks beli-belah itu adalah juga rakyat republik itu (Singapore)". Besides the fact that it makes a damn load of business sense (the lower the cost, the better, right?) and the fact that Singaporeans are brand junkies, there's also the fact that the average Singaporean CAN afford and WILL buy that RM1,000 Coach Hobo. If anything, the fact that Louis Vuitton have stores within 200m apart along Orchard Road says alot about the spending culture of Singaporeans. And mind you, those stores aren't mini-marts - two of them are both double storeyed complete with their own personal stairs/lifts. And no matter the time of the day, there's always a queue to get into the stores.

Anyhow, that article... sigh...

I believe the writer needs to broaden his horizons before he goes barking narrow-minded comments. Funny how he nit-picks about the subsidy - I mean, how much can the subsidy be? And how much can Singaporeans consume? And I doubt Singaporeans travel into JB, braving the at best 1-hour causeway jam, just to get those subsidies. Those people, no doubt, will also buy the rest of their household groceries, which will include things like Ayam Brand "Buatan Malaysia"' canned food and Maggi "Buatan Malaysia" Mee. When we buy Malaysian products, aren't we indirectly supporting that industry - and hence, also contributing to their company taxes which in return becomes the subsidy? Which part of the bigger picture have I failed to see, that has fueled the writer's displeasure with Singaporeans crossing the causeway for "shopping".

Ah well, I'm just glad the outlet's gonna be within my reach soon!!! Man, I can't wait..