42 million (RM 128.5 million), marking a 2.6 per cent growth from Q2 2022. Pre-tax profit stood at $ 31 million (RM97.2 million).  According to Suria KLCC’s executive director and chief executive officer, Andrew Brien, the results reflect the resilience and adeptness of the company in uncertain times, as sales in December 2022 surpassed pre-pandemic levels by 9.5 per cent. “This success can be attributed to ongoing strategic efforts in refreshing the retail mix,  enhancing offerings, and complementing them with effective marketing campaigns,” he told Inside Retail. The story so far Brien added that this year, Suria KLCC added 20 new tenants, maintaining a 96 per cent occupancy rate.  The management team ensures tenant compatibility with each mall’s identity through rigorous curation, blending both global and local brands to cater to their clientele’s varied needs. This approach, built upon over 15 years of research, merges traditional and digital shopping experiences to continually attract and engage visitors. For example, Suria KLCC is known as an “experiential shopping destination” located beneath the iconic twin towers and adjacent to the 50-acre KLCC Park. The mall focuses on customer exclusivity and providing curated moments, and will see an array of new F&B options and retail stores open  soon, including Bacha Coffee, The Oriental Park, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Lush, Marimekko & Camper and Moody Tiger. Suria KLCC’s executive director and chief executive officer, Andrew Brien Brand partnerships Partnerships with retailers and other entities have also built trust in the brand’s offerings. Collaborations have added value to the shopping experience through special redemption opportunities. Brand partnerships like Louis Vuitton’s Time Capsule and the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra enhanced special events like ‘Picnic in the Park’, making them unique and memorable. New tenants, like TGI Friday, offer diverse tastes, Tien by Putien supports Muslim-friendly dining, Padi House brings local F&B variety, and Ralph Lauren elevates the fashion offerings for premium clientele. In essence, collaborations and strategic tenant selections this quarter reinforced the mall’s commitment to a diverse and upscaled shopping experience. Isetan has commenced a total renovation that will unfold in stages over a span of 24 months. Every aspect of the store will be reimagined. Additionally, the redevelopment will introduce a Japanese fusion cuisine restaurant.  Brien said this addition promises a captivating assortment of delicacies, ranging from sushi and yakiniku to Shabu Shabu and teppanyaki, elevating the overall mall experience.  “TGV Cinemas, one of our anchor tenants, has slated a renovation later this year including the introduction of their latest premium offer. This strategic move underscores their commitment to providing cutting-edge facilities and advanced  technology,” he said. Sustainability and ESG Over 6,600 solar panels installed on Suria KLCC’s 9,000sqm rooftop continue to generate an average of 300,000 kWh of electricity annually, helping the mall supply some 30 per cent of its common area power.  To optimise energy efficiency, the mall mandates the incorporation of LED lighting for all fit-out requirements. Collaborative efforts with tenants like Kinokuniya, Melvita, Havaianas, and Uniqlo have yielded impactful recycling programmes. “These initiatives encompass collecting beauty empties, clothing, footwear, and even  reducing book prices to facilitate the clearance of outdated stock. Such actions resoundingly echo our mutual commitment to waste reduction and responsible inventory management,” Brien added. Looking back As Brien looks back on the first half of 2023, several key takeaways and lessons stand out for him. “We need to continue to innovate in line with both our customer expectations, derived from our deep data driven customer understanding and the available global retail partners. ‘Always Something New’ is not just a tagline, it is a mantra that drives our business,” he stressed. Brien believes brick-and-mortar stores will remain integral as evidenced globally as they provide a tangible space for customers to engage with products and brands in an authentic and immersive manner. “While established brands continue to be a reliable choice, the horizon is broadening for novel players with unique concepts This underlines the importance of a dynamic tenant mix and a collaborative tenant  relationship strategy to foster a flourishing retail ecosystem,” he concluded.