MARKETING Magazine Asia

The LINC KL, the capital city’s latest retail destination opened its doors in late November last year.

The mall features murals and creative installations by various artists, both local and overseas.

Strong home-grown brands and newly launched local brands are featured more prominently. Talented local entrepreneurs are given space to display their works.

Welcoming the media and its valued guests to a preview and tour of this new retail destination, Mr Tan Yew Jin, Chairman of The Linc Development Sdn Bhd, highlighted that central to the design of this building, are decades-old trees which have been preserved.

“One of the challenges given to the design team when we first started this project, is that the trees would stay. The team has done an amazing job, by incorporating the existing trees into the overall mall design.”

Mr Tan added, “One of the distinctive features is the tree at the central part of the building, which lends a sense of joy and inspiration to our natural surroundings. We hope that our visitors and customers will enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.”

Amalgamating art into the architecture, a giant guardian owl mural sits above one of the trees.

Twenty-six-year-old Malaysian artist Amarul Abdullah, who painted this mural, has another acrylic painting entitled Tropical Floral at Level 1, which is aimed to provide a sense of relaxation to those viewing it.

Besides Amarul, other local talents featured are Lim Anuar, Charles Chee, Choo Sew Ling and Stephanie Ng.

There are also works by foreign talents such as Yip Yew Chong from Singapore; Wee Ra and Min Yin Thant from Myanmar. A creative lighting installation, Luna Lana, complements the rainbow staircase which has furniture installed.

Visitors can just sit to chat with friends or do work along the length of this staircase.

Tan continues, “We hope that the creative works by this talented pool of artisans will encourage the development of arts, originality and multicultural experiences at The LINC KL.”

Tan unveiled an origami art installation comprising colourful paper doves made by its Property Division staff, a project spearheaded by the Head of its Design & Planning Department.

Other than promoting the arts, The LINC KL is also a place which supports strong home-grown brands such as Ben’s Independent Grocer (B.I.G.), BritishIndia and Ben’s.

Complementing the F&B offering, Spice Garden, an award-winning Indian restaurant and Wrappe, a local healthy food outlet, are some of the other local retailers found here.

Trinity Kids, an award-winning playschool, nursery and preschool has also found a home in the city centre at The LINC KL.

Bean Brothers, a popular hidden gem in the suburban PJ area, was brought into the city centre and sits at the main entrance of The LINC KL – a bold move by both the retailer and the landlord. Gauging from the growing patronage, Bean Brothers will make its mark in the city centre.

In its aim to promote the local retailers, new brands are born here at The LINC KL.

Some of the new brands launched into the marketplace include Hauntu by Breakout which offers immersive theatrical experiences; Pasu Crafted for creative greeneries; Bo – an All Day Dining outlet; and Harriston Chocolatier’s first signature outlet.

Other new home-grown brands to watch out for at The LINC KL in the coming month are De.Wan (a restaurant by Chef Wan); and Passion Fit (a boutique gymnasium).

Sushi Hara, an Omakase restaurant; and Shu Xiang Lou Hotpot & Sichuan Cuisine, will also be opening soon.

Visitors will also see displays of bespoke furniture pieces by two talented Malaysian Furniture Designers, Rahim and Nik.

Batik-inspired apparel by Kapten Batik, a popular online retail business for the young and trendy sits above the creatively interesting Rainbow staircase at level 2. Bendang Artisan, another award-winning local handmade ceramic ware outlet, located at level 2, is another tenant worth a visit.

In line with its concept, The LINC KL’s support on sustainability captured the attention of Frangipani Bulk, an online retailer that offers zero waste products. They opened their first “brick and mortar” outlet at Level 1 opposite B.I.G.

Continuing with its efforts to focus on communities, The LINC KL has also teamed up with PurpoSE Malaysia to create a Sunday Market from 11am to 6pm at the centre courtyard on its ground floor.