Apple so far has opened five retail stores throughout Southeast Asia with three of them located in Singapore while another two are in Bangkok, Thailand. For years, there have been rumours that the company may open an Apple Store in Kuala Lumpur too and based on a recent report, it could finally happen next year.
According to sources speaking to Vasantha Ganesan, the Associate Editor of The Edge, Lendlease who is the co-developer of The Exchange TRX at Jalan Tun Razak in Kuala Lumpur is currently in the advanced stage of negotiations with Apple. The Australian-based global construction and real estate company have apparently been trying to convince Apple to set up its first-ever Malaysian retail store at the upcoming retail and lifestyle area for the past two years.
The report further stated that representatives from Apple may have been in Kuala Lumpur last month to discuss the matter. At the time this article was published, the report had yet to appear on The Edge’s website and is only available in the print as well as the digital edition of The Edge Malaysia for the week of 12 to 18 April 2021.
Expected to be opened in phases until 2025, the Exchange TRX is said to feature more than 500 retailers covering lifestyle, entertainment, and dining. On its rooftop, there will also be a 10-acre park which apparently will become the first major park in Kuala Lumpur for more than 20 years.
While it is understandable that local Apple fans out there would likely be excited by this report, it is quite clear that nothing has been set in stone at the moment as far as the first Apple Store in Malaysia is concerned.
Nevertheless, we are now reaching out to Apple and Lendlease for further comments regarding this, so stay tuned.
[UPDATE – 10:20 PM] Apple has declined to comment on this story.
(Source: The Edge. Additional image: The Exchange TRX / Facebook. )
