Keppel Corporation Ltd.

04/20/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/19/2021 20:31

i12 Katong announces new brand positioning, latest mall features and tenant mix ahead of Q4 2021 reopening

i12 Katong, a retail mall under Keppel Land, today announced its updated brand positioning, latest mall features, as well as a curated mix of new and returning retail tenants that will form an all-encompassing exciting lifestyle experience that shoppers can look forward to. The 210,000-square foot mall in the Eastern region of Singapore closed its doors in early 2020 for major asset enhancement works to transform i12 Katong into a future-ready retail hub that will shape the increasingly 'phygital' connected world. The mall is set to reopen in Q4 2021.

Inspiring personal connections with the Katong way of life

Situated within the heart of Katong, i12 Katong had serviced the surrounding community with its specialty stores, entertainment and dining outlets, supermarkets, recreation facilities and services over the years. The refreshed i12 Katong, which fronts the intersection of East Coast Road and Joo Chiat Road, will offer bespoke experiences and services for shoppers who desire a seamless and personalised retail experience, as well as inspire personal connections with the Katong way of life. As part of the refreshed concept, i12 Katong will see the addition of dynamic new retail tenants, a modernised interior and upgraded amenities.

Offering more than just retail, the refreshed i12 Katong will provide visitors with a social platform for discovery and connection while they explore the mall's newly revamped spaces. The mall will have an environment that imbues a sense of familiarity, relaxation and moments of delight across six levels of holistic experiential offerings. Beyond conventional shopping, i12 Katong aims to serve as the hub for the local community - from spending quality time with family over a meal, having valuable 'me time' within the holistic wellness spaces, to simply offering rest stops for those exploring the eclectic Katong neighbourhood with friends.

Mr Keith Low, Head of Retail, Keppel Land, said, 'At Keppel Land, our vision is to be a leader in redefining urban spaces for a sustainable future. In line with this, i12 Katong will be a showcase of new retail concepts developed through a design thinking process which will add new dimensions beyond the conventional role of malls and alleviate physical space constraints. This is key in our strategy as we continue to participate in the transformation of retail in Singapore as well as in our other key markets of China and Vietnam.

'Against the backdrop of the evolving retail landscape, we took a consumer-centric approach in the design of i12 Katong and are excited to be introducing new multi-experiential retail concepts which will offer bespoke experiences as well as promote vibrancy and community engagement. At the same time, as we transform i12 Katong into a future-ready retail hub, we are further collaborating with our tenants to develop more innovative and personalised approaches to engage customers and curate memorable moments. We are confident that the reimagined i12 Katong will capture the charm and character of the area and take centre stage in the vibrant neighbourhood.'

Transforming the future of retail

Enhancement works to the mall include the expansion and relocation of the main atrium from level 2 to level 1, upgrading of public areas and amenities such as the addition of escalators and lifts, charging stations for electronic devices, as well as enhancement of the glass façade.

In addition to the upgraded spaces, the renovated interior of i12 Katong will include features to support the reinvention of retail concepts and offer solutions to address challenges faced in the traditional retail space such as those brought on by digital disruptions, the growing trend of personalisation and multi-channel marketing. For example, digital technology such as LED screens will provide enriching storytelling and creative content targeted at families. In addition, energy efficient designs, technologies and environmentally sustainable management systems, such as electric vehicle charging points at the carpark, will be incorporated at i12 Katong, where feasible.

The mall will also introduce three new specially curated zones and platforms for social engagement to foster a sense of community. These zones include Fashion Lifestyle, Home and Living, as well as Family Entertainment. More information on these three zones will be shared at a later date.

Besides the updated amenities and technology introduced to enhance the overall shopper experience, the new retail concept of i12 Katong will also enhance mall circulation. This includes the optimisation of floor layout and atrium space, offering tenants a range of shop spaces of different sizes and configurations to best present their offerings. Coupled with enhanced shop fronts, the new retail concept of i12 Katong aims to provide shoppers with an inviting space to shop, dine and gather.

Presently, i12 Katong is approximately 50% pre-leased, attesting to the attractiveness and resilience of the mall's new brand positioning and features amid market uncertainties. Anchor tenants, such as CS Fresh, Golden Village, United World Preschool and Wine Connection were previously in i12 Katong and will be returning, together with a contemporary mix of new tenants such as Climb Asia, Guzman Y Gomez,Kindermusik With Love Studios, Malaysia Boleh, PS Café, Signature KOI, We are Sultans and Scoop Wholefoods.

Commenting on the reopening of i12 Katong, Mr Andy Tan, Director in the Climb Asia Group, said, 'Climb Asia is the industry pioneer in Singapore and has always set out to push the boundaries that define the climbing industry. In i12 Katong, we envision a new climbing destination catered to families and climbers of all ages. Along with our existing concepts, we are planning to introduce new climbing elements in this facility and we look forward to seeing new and existing customers at i12 Katong!'

Mr Denesh Kumar, Director of Operations at Cold Storage Singapore, said, 'We are excited to be part of the new i12 Katong and to be introducing another popular CS Fresh store in Singapore. We look forward to providing the Katong community with access to fresh produce we are known for, together with a range of quality international products such as our international wine selection. Customers can expect a hassle-free shopping experience through our improved and spacious layout and all new self-checkout counters, and we look forward to serving them very soon.'

Ms Clara Cheo, CEO of Golden Village, said, 'GV is excited to return to Katong and will do so in a big way. We pride ourselves on being recognised as one of the best cinemas in the East with spacious legroom and unparalleled ambience and have thrilled Katong residents with not only blockbusters, but also our very popular Gold Class. We're happy to announce that Gold Class will be a key feature of the offerings at the new GV Katong, where patrons can watch a movie in luxury and be pampered with all the finer details that they have come to expect of a Gold Class experience. Beyond that, the new GV Katong will be the first GV cinema to offer a new integrated concept, where people can watch a movie and also enjoy a whole host of other lifestyle activities.'

New logo

In addition to the mall's enhancement works, i12 Katong will debut a new logo which is constructed using a set of four parallel lines. These lines represent the personal connections that i12 Katong aspires to build among people through its services, amenities, community and the Katong way of life. The lines draw focus to its brand name, i12, and communicate a stronger visual connection to its location, Katong, while adding importance on provenance. The new logo also reflects changes to the letter 'I' from uppercase to lowercase 'i', providing better brand clarity and recognition of the mall's official name.

i12 Katong is expected to obtain its Temporary Occupation Permit in Q4 2021. More information about the mall's reopening date will be announced at a later stage.

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About i12 Katong

Located at the intersection of East Coast Road and Joo Chiat Road, i12 Katong is positioned as the lifestyle and F&B hub in the Eastern-part of Singapore. The revamped shopping mall comprises six levels of retail and lifestyle shops and two basement levels of car park. With approximately 180 specialty, F&B and retail stores, i12 Katong offers shoppers and diners an unrivalled and eclectic mix of retail, dining and entertainment options. For more information, visit https://i12katong.com.sg/.

About Keppel Land

Keppel Land is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Keppel Corporation, a Singapore flagship multinational company, which provides solutions for sustainable urbanisation, focusing on energy & environment, urban development, connectivity and asset management.

Keppel Land delivers innovative and multi-faceted urban space solutions that enrich people and communities. Its sterling portfolio includes award-winning residential developments, investment-grade commercial properties and integrated townships. It is geographically diversified in Asia, with China, Singapore and Vietnam as its key markets, while it continues to scale up in other markets such as India and Indonesia.