Going niche to drum up mall business

Owners of strata-titled malls adopting theme to appeal to certain groups, such as creatives

Siblings Julian and Lisa Theng, co-owners of EagleWings Group, the largest tenant at King Albert Park Residences Mall. EagleWings is leading the mall's revamp to be a family-friendly destination, and the Thengs hope to make the once-popular mall vibr
Mr Kevin Cheung, also known as DJ Token, at Choice Cuts Goods + Coffee, a cafe at Katong Point that also sells vinyl records and other products. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
Siblings Julian and Lisa Theng, co-owners of EagleWings Group, the largest tenant at King Albert Park Residences Mall. EagleWings is leading the mall's revamp to be a family-friendly destination, and the Thengs hope to make the once-popular mall vibr
Ms Lyn Ng, who creates jewellery from wood, working at The Maker Girls Studio in Katong Point. The studio also hosts woodworking workshops. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
Siblings Julian and Lisa Theng, co-owners of EagleWings Group, the largest tenant at King Albert Park Residences Mall. EagleWings is leading the mall's revamp to be a family-friendly destination, and the Thengs hope to make the once-popular mall vibr
Banksy Art Gallery at Katong Point. The mall’s theme is “experiential retailers”, and it targets creatives and start-ups. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
Siblings Julian and Lisa Theng, co-owners of EagleWings Group, the largest tenant at King Albert Park Residences Mall. EagleWings is leading the mall's revamp to be a family-friendly destination, and the Thengs hope to make the once-popular mall vibr
Siblings Julian and Lisa Theng, co-owners of EagleWings Group, the largest tenant at King Albert Park Residences Mall. EagleWings is leading the mall’s revamp to be a family-friendly destination, and the Thengs hope to make the once-popular mall vibrant again. ST PHOTO: JASMINE CHOONG
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The future of strata-titled malls is fast taking shape: out go rows of old-school mom-and-pop shops selling textiles, shoes, clothes and provisions; in come gleaming art galleries, bustling co-working spaces and even boutique cinemas.

This bright new retailing world is emerging as they look at strategies to survive in a challenging environment where buyers are shunning bricks-and-mortar outlets in favour of online sites.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on December 03, 2018, with the headline Going niche to drum up mall business. Subscribe