Eslite Spectrum will open in The Starhill by 2022 (All photos: Eslite)
Back in October, when The Starhill announced its reopening for 2021 along with its selection of new flagship stores, they hinted that a lifestyle library concept would be one of the highlights of the retail floors.
Following the signing of a tenancy agreement with YTL Land and Development Berhad yesterday, it has been confirmed that Taiwanese bookstore chain Eslite Spectrum will be anchoring the entire first floor of the luxury shopping mall.
“We are very excited to establish a new flagship branch, the first store in Southeast Asia, in the capital of Malaysia,” said Eslite Group chairperson Mercy Wu in a joint statement. “Through this Kuala Lumpur store, we hope to promote exchanges and interaction involving Asian publications and the cultural and creative content of the region.”
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The 70,191sq ft store in KL will host a rich selection of Chinese, English and Malay books, music, design and handmade goods, not to mention themed restaurants and lifestyle and cultural brands as part of its goal to be an omni-channel platform for creative commerce.
Eslite Spectrum will also feature a sweeping café terrace overlooking The Starhill Piazza — where creative events and programmes will be staged year-round — fronting the bustling streets of Bukit Bintang.
“Eslite Spectrum epitomises the discerning taste of a true tastemaker being a seasoned retail player which has constantly set new benchmarks and delivered a slew of first-evers in creative retail concepts and experiences, besides offering a thriving platform for creators of cultural content,” said YTL Land and Development Berhad vice president Joseph Yeoh.
Eslite, which created the world’s first 24-hour bookstore, has established over 40 stores across Taiwan, Hong Kong, mainland China and Japan, many of which have become quintessential destinations for visiting tourists. Eslite Spectrum, a subsidiary created in 2010, encompasses a wider range of services, which includes F&B, performing arts and retail on top of its diverse library of books.
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“They are a match made-in-heaven for The Starhill’s plan to create KL’s ultimate premium social destination for all to celebrate literature, the arts, fashion, design, music, food and creative events,” Yeoh added.
Focus will be placed on showcasing the dynamic and vibrant energy of the creative exchange between Malaysia and Taiwan in terms of retail experience, offerings and hospitality.
“Malaysia is an exciting country, with its own characteristic design aesthetics and cultural creativity, and we look forward to integrating the multi-ethnic and cross-cultural characteristics of Southeast Asia, and inspiring exciting diversified creativity in our store,” said Wu.
Eslite Spectrum is targeted to open its doors in The Starhill by 2022. Stay tuned for more updates.
