The bookstore will overlook REXKL's main hall (All photos: REXKL)
REXKL is ushering BookXcess’s newest flagship store into its halls. The bookstore, which spans the second floor overlooking REXKL’s main stage, will feature its signature maze-like, floor to ceiling bookcases as well as plenty of reading areas for the public.
Readers can also gather over a cup of coffee at the open-air seating arrangements, furnished with greenery, that faces Jalan Sultan.
BookXcess is part of a series of new components incorporated into REXKL’s second rejuvenation phase, which will open up another 10,000 sqft to welcome more F&B and retail entrepreneurs.
“BookXcess only occupies around 6,000 sq ft,” says Shin Tseng, the CEO and co-founder of REXKL. “The rest will be a mixture of F&B and a few retail concepts.”
One of the key partners involved in the latter is the founder of Mano Plus, a prominent lifestyle store that curates a variety of contemporary products for sale.
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“REXKL is programmed to be a launchpad for many independent businesses and playground for established brands, providing an exciting marketplace experience to the existing community and visitors,” says Shin.
The restored landmark, which was once an iconic cinema, was turned into a food and retail hub and creative space after the co-founders took it over in late 2018. Its venture builder marketplace, a food hall called The Back Ground, was where many F&B businesses were launched.
By leveraging on REXKL’s existing F&B license and kitchen infrastructure, entrepreneurs face lower barriers of entry to the market, with the ability to scale and grow alongside like-minded F&B veterans in a supportive environment. The location is prime, and in-house marketing, menu styling, R&D and ecommerce services are available to assist start-ups.
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“Along with the Downtown KL Collective (a working title by Think City to group together movers and shakers in the area), REXKL is providing an outlet for creative expression — in various forms from culture to entrepreneurship — that further stimulates the city, acting as a catalyst in this context,” explains Shin.
Currently, REXKL is welcoming investors to invest in their venture to incubate aspiring businesses in the F&B and retail industry. The proceeds raised will be used to fund its expansion.
“By investing into REXKL, the impact gets trickled down to the community within and outside of REXKL, creating an ripple effect that stimulates the economy and creative capital in downtown KL.”
Stay tuned for the opening date. For more information, see here.
