Based on statistics from the DoSM, the trade and circulation sector has recorded annual sales of RM1.3t, says minister

by AUFA MARDHIAH / pic by MUHD AMIN NAHARUL

LOTUS’S Stores (M) Sdn Bhd (Lotus’s Malaysia) yesterday announced the completion of its rebranding of 62 former Tesco stores and its adoption of technology platforms to deliver goods to consumers.

The official national launch was officiated by the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi at Lotus’s Ampang.

He said the contribution of the wholesale and retail sectors is very significant to the country’s recovery with 17% contributions to the GDP and generated two million jobs for Malaysians.

“I was informed that to date, Lotus’s operations are operated by more than 9,000 local employees and this number is expected to continue to increase with the opening of more branches.

“Based on statistics from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM), the trade and circulation sector has recorded annual sales of RM1.3 trillion, a growth of 4% in 2021 compared to the previous year,” he added.

Of the total, the retail sub-sector recorded a sales growth of 3.5% to RM48.5 billion.

“To boost the growth of this sector, the government, through the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), has outlined policies to promote value-added and highly skilled economic activities driven by advanced technology,” he said.

Nanta Linggi also noted that the government is planning to implement a programme to encourage the large-scale retail sector to invest in digitalisation aimed at further increasing the added value and efficiency of this sector.

“Lotus’s Malaysia is now one of the major players in the country’s retail sector with 64 branches throughout Malaysia. I hope the brand shift will benefit consumers, as well as continue to contribute to the national economy,” he added.

Lotus’s Malaysia also introduced its new online platform yesterday, combining both its loyalty programme and e-commerce platform into a single application, to provide consumers with a “phygital” experience in shopping.

Its president Kenneth Chuah said the company envisions to provide convenience and a more personalised shopping experience to its customers.

“Hence, the new app that combines both MyLotus’s loyalty programme and Lotus’s online platform will allow customers to shop with us online and instantaneously collect points and redeem rewards.

“With the advancement in information technology, we will be better equipped with data to understand our customers’ needs and customise promotions and rewards to individuals within the same household for a more personalised shopping experience,” he said.

Through its #KitakanJiran initiative, Lotus’s Malaysia is aspired to be the most sustainable retailer. Previously, the company has been at the frontline in aiding many vulnerable groups with supplying food and essential items to the bottom 40% families and individuals across the country including those impacted by the recent flood.

Furthermore, Lotus’s Malaysia has tied its second Power Purchase Agreement with NEFIN Group to instal solar PV panels on 12 more of its stores and one of its distribution centres in Simpang Pulai, Perak in efforts to bring its facilities to run on clean energy.

The company is expected to reduce its carbon emission by approximately 14,461 tonnes annually through these installations by August 2022.

Lotus’s first made its Malaysian debut in February 2021 with the rebranding of three former Tesco stores.

Earlier this year, the company had introduced two more stores namely in Pulai Hartamas in Ipoh, Perak and Bandar Puteri Jaya in Sungai Petani, Kedah.

In total, Lotus’s has 64 operating stores across Peninsular Malaysia.

Currently, Lotus’s Malaysia’s Scan & Shop app facilitates customers to scan their items and at the same enabling them to track their spending and manage their budgets.

Dedicated lanes for Scan & Shop are also provided for a fast checkout and shortening queuing time. Additionally, customers can enjoy cashless self-service checkout counters at 28 of Lotus’s stores.