EkoCheras Mall : Why Foot Traffic is Fading! Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

[@HappyForever_888]

Still provide good shopping experience where you can stay few days at Airbnb on top of this mall . There is duplex units available for short rent and there is a skybridge connecting the 2 tower condominium above where you can have a bird view all the skyscraper in KL. Night view can be superb where you can see sparkling skyline and SKVE highway. The cost for 1 or 2 night airbnb stay will not be too expensive and within a budget range. You can take short nap for few hours and go down for shopping and a meals or walk. It can be a pleasant experience for those from outstation or couple /family or friends looking to spend their weekends here. Anyway, this is a community mall and I think they can still survived as long as they can attract quality F&B or have cinema or bowling center.

[@burongkakak]

I think it only opened in 2017/2018 not 2010, the building just finish building around 2017-2018, my ex boss bought a unit of office there in 2018. Ample parking space, but still a lot of idiots park by the road side, causing jam.

[@chestercheng.realestate]

Thanks for the correction!

[@burongkakak]

@@chestercheng.realestate np

[@amirism91]

cos they dont to pay parking lorhhh

[@burongkakak]

@amirism91 ya man, same like Scott Garden, morning okr jam due to those idiots, dbkl no tow away

[@patradingjournal]

Stay near Ampang myself, wouldn't say I am a regular but every 1-2 month will step foot in Ekocheras mall because my friend has a condo nearby, and sometimes we would makan there after our weekly basketball session. To me, the reason is a combination of being overtly ambitious as a mall, dated lighting & reno, and poor structure. Right opposite we have Leisuremall, which is a staple neighbourhood mall in Connaught area that already has the "homey" vibe and we all prefer familiarity when it comes to neighbourhood mall to get our eating/simple grocery shopping done, so I guess the initial idea of EkoCheras mall is to be something more than that, at least a mid scale mall but they failed to deliver on the premium vibe, and the maze like structure ( for example getting to the eateries / grocer village side can be a bit annoying if you are new here and you happen to be at the main mall ) doesn't help to say the least. All that being said, it's still a good spot for last minute movie tickets ( especially after leisuremall closed the cinema during covid ), a quick run to grocer village when it's not swamped by mainlanders recently rushing into ekocheras condo above, I don't think ekocheras mall will ever die to be honest because it's still connected to MRT and have their condo residents as constant foot traffic, plus on the lesser foot traffic upper floors, if you walk around it's either facial beauty related shop for the ladies, dentists, barbershop, and also the anchor shops like Mr DIY like you have mentioned, which I think will always survive so long they are able to retain return customers. If I really have to project, eventually EkoCheras Mall, barring any drastic changes in management or their approach, will become another Cheras Sungei Wang if that makes sense. Granted it for sure would not be as disordered as Sungei Wang, but there will come a point where they will have to consolidated floors into certain "theme" to better streamline the mall presentation and structure, along with their rental trenches I believe. For example, top floor just beneath Cinema reserve for louder hobbyist event/shops, since you already have a "high class" chinese resto there that would expect and make noise. The beauty salons, padicure manicure, dentists or even clinic, vet, pharmacy can all move to the same floor, reserve a floor for techies with their IT stores, and the main floor can be your main eateries + pubs and bars,

[@chestercheng.realestate]

Thanks for the detailed insight!

[@hukesama8389]

Ekocheras also had a bad rep in the beginning with complaints about cheap construction work, citing the exposed brick walls and ceilings, 'unfinished' car park and occasionally floodings/leaks from heavy rain. They later 'fixed' the exposed ceiling by painting it in black. For some reason at one point before covid, the mall would be jam packed on weekend nights with patrons coming in solely for dinner. The queue into both basement and upper floor carpark would spill out to the main road due to the full parking.

[@kwwong2310]

The mall parking is jam pack only when there is a big event at Oriental Star Restaurant, either a wedding dinner or annual dinner

[@jshamid]

Hope DBKL and other majlis approve for more new malls in future blindly.

[@burongkakak]

@@jshamid how come pulak

[@richardbranson363]

This mall is only good to meet Cheras friends.

[@edwindyap1616]

Now sure when was the video being taken, but there were many shops been opened now

[@chestercheng.realestate]

The video recorded around November 2024

[@tallibethau7713]

Yup Chester, you're right, it's definitely a community mall. I stay nearby and often go there. It's quite lively on weekends, which I didn't expect at first. For me, it's more of a functional mall where I can get stuff I need from Village Grocer, Mr. DIY, Kaison and Daiso. Love catching a movie here cos it's so relaxing without the hustle in more popular malls. Won't window shop here for sure cos not much to see. I usually just grab and go. Convenient because it's nearby with ample parking for the small community so I don't have to go to further malls and go 5 rounds but still no parking. Although it's usually pretty quiet, I would say it's far from dead. I think I would go there even more if the F&B isn't so disappointing. Only a select few taste acceptable. Nothing that will make you wanna go back just for it.

[@chestercheng.realestate]

I agree that the food options could be better. Maybe they need to get some new food tenants to draw in more customers.

[@calvienchan]

ahhh…finally have time to watch all ur videos in CNY holiday. People used to say…buy mixed development condo…so in future can have high value and convenience. But it seems now not the case. its a risky bet. if the malls are not doing well…might devalue ur property. whats ur thoughts?😊

[@chestercheng.realestate]

Thanks for watching I personally don't think the value will drop but rather stagnant

[@kelmen02]

"first time stepping foot" there, and u already gave a verdict. let's start this as a "first impression", do more works, then only roll onto "verdict".

[@chestercheng.realestate]

This is like any product reviews by done anyone in social media, so it's based on the reviewer's own opinion. It's not meant to be a educational video or a documentary.

[@goldfries]

Worked in Cheras for a whole year and I can tell you that this mall (yes I visit this mall quite frequently) - I've never seen this mall crowded. Simple reason is you have to understand that right across the street is Cheras Leisure Mall, which often has more people. And yes I've visit this mall after work hours, lunch hours and even weekend for lunch. The crowd over the weekend is a lot higher, and you have to see which section. The section where it's closer to the gym / arcade tend to see more humans ( the one at 6:13 ) Also you have to see the traffic, if it's rush hour and the traffic congestion looks bad (rainy day) then you can expect more people in the mall, especially the restaurants.

[@chestercheng.realestate]

Thanks for sharing you experience with us

[@chengmunwai]

I also wonder why the lighting inside the mall is rather dim.

[@gregroystonbihud1258]

can u do a review about pearl point mall or klang parade mall?

[@kitarvin770]

My views of EkoCheras as a resident living nearby: -The Management is emulating the Sunway Group's development model but still lacking in terms of innovative ideas. The entire plot of land only consists of a mall, hotel, office block, serviced suites, and condo. You got to offer some different or unique selling proposition for instance, invite a specialists centre or private educational institute to set up branch within the area. - Due to over development, the Management needs to collaborate with DBKL to resolve the flash flooding and clogged drain issues on the roadside whenever heavy rain occurs. - The Management needs to carry out promotion of the mall in Chinese and Malay as well rather than just utilising the English language as the main medium of marketing. - The Management could have partition the mall's shop lot units into smaller size so that nearby Cheras based small scale businesses may have the chance to open up their stores. - Organise permanent weekend bazaar in the mall that includes vendors from different business lines instead of only inviting people from the fashion, arts & crafts, F & B sectors.

[@turbojim555]

Bro, EkoCheras Mall opened for business since 2018 November. I was working in one of the shops as a HOD....

[@chestercheng.realestate]

Thanks for the information update

[@shirleytan8042]

From the early days, I did find the mall to be rather dim and uninviting. The layout does not have a grand atmosphere, but more like a less serious mall. Reminds me of the old malls' layout. Might only get the residents from the attached condo. The management is also not creating enough traffic flow. Soon after Eko Cheras mall opened, Sunway Velocity opened with better brighter layout and attractive appearance. Sunway Velocity surely have a better foor traffic.

[@AnnoDomini100]

This mall is better than the Tropicana Gardens @ IOI Damansara mall coz they have more shops and F&B. You should come here at nite as the pubs and bars are packed with patrons.

[@chestercheng.realestate]

Tropicana Gardens video will be ready after CNY

[@dzulpower5405]

I worked near to this mall but if I have to picked between Eko Cheras and Leisure Mall, I picked Leisure Mall slightly higher because it's provide better fnb choices and the facility is quite decent. Few things I dislike about Eko Cheras mall is they used a very bad lighting options because I noticed they used those small bulbs. It make most space around the mall very dim. Second is their fnb choices are not that great and I think their fnb options are more inclined towards those residents, not for visitors.

[@chestercheng.realestate]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, I'll definitely check out Leisure Mall next.

[@ahmadrafizi]

This mall is actually perfect for those who want to avoid the nearby busy and crowded Cheras Leisure Mall. It had a slow start of course mainly due to covid but over the years there have been more and more retail lots being taken up especially the FnB spots at LG Floor. I stay nearby and come here at least once a month for village grocer and also a decent selection of Japanese restaurants. The GSC cinema is quite good as well although my first choice is still the TGV at the completely dead Cheras Sentral 🤣On weekends the parking can be a bit packed if there is a function at the event hall but the actual mall is still relatively calm and I prefer it that way.

[@nicholasong2760]

Finally! My dreams come thru. Next is Cheras Leisure mall.

[@chestercheng.realestate]

I'll try to do that soon

[@RayDavies123]

It is good to get a non biased view and I can not fault the points you made. In defense of EkoCheras mall there has been very few shops that has closed down and the empty shop lots have always been empty. The low foot fall is not accurate and this mall does get very busy. There are amazing kid facilities and there used to be a "go cart" track on the ground floor. We thought it closed down but no, they moved into a much bigger space and will be open soon giving parents even more options with kids. Unlike modern malls there are plenty of seating areas available with benches everywhere which is very nice. The cinema is excellent with good parking options. Night life is good with many bars on the ground floor with good food options. There is no lack of F&B options either. There is a new high quality massage center on the ground floor as well and they are expanding. There is also a sauna shop now that is very interesting. As far as I know the gym is a 24 hour gym as well but I not a hundred percent sure about that. This is a great mall for clothes shopping as well. They also have various events on the outside between the mall and Jalan Cheras such as the Thai food festival and others. This mall competes with Leisure mall that has a different feel to it. Leisure mall recently upgraded the food court and that made a big difference to foot fall. If there is a criticism then the food court in EkoCheras is not great at all and the reason is simple. The food on offer is not good. However, that is an easy fix and all they have to do is copy Leisure mall and as you pointed out fix the lighting! Overall this is a really nice mall and it is not dying at all. :-)

[@chestercheng.realestate]

Thanks for sharing your positive view of the mall!

[@mz6228]

now most malaysian been workholic and keep money to travel oversea… quite different of the mall that i been attended at Bangkok & Jakarta.. eventhou they got many nearby mall at city center, the crowd really satisfied.. even on weekdays a lot tourist, local around.. in KL only suria KLCC and Pavi a lot of crowd.. 🤔

[@akinobu8808]

Mid Valley super busy everyday.

[@mz6228]

@ mid valley busy due to the secret space of cheapest foodcourt.. and also a place you can choose of less charge moneychanger..

[@razif92]

midvalley? super duper busy lorh

[@morpheusmorph13]

@@mz6228 lol Jakarta alone has the same or even more people around 30 million than the whole of Malaysia what do you expect? Malaysia has built so many malls and developed Sohostyle apartments just like ekochers, where with service apartments on top and malls below, to attract buyers. But it went the wrong way. There are already too many malls

[@mz6228]

@@morpheusmorph13 its not about more people, million or trillion… you can see how many Malaysian people at workplace, far more rather than going to shopping mall… due to a lot hardwork to get money… and all their saving money to buy car, travel oversea…

[@edwindyap1616]

Ground floor Skyok Kart already opened at the time of the video upload. Next to it the empty space is now Toy World.

[@chestercheng.realestate]

Interesting! That's great to hear they're adding more tenants.

[@azraieruslim]

If you are veturing outside KL for dead malls, why not look at South City Plaza, very close proximity to Mines.

[@chestercheng.realestate]

Will take a peep there soon

[@famsweeming]

South city plaza is not for shopping that place many electronic parts distributor warehouse or store they sell in bulks if u going to buy one or two item they wont bother you

[@siewkee6093]

Most malls are just neighborhood malls serving the locals near by. There wont be many outsiders coming in since all malls are more or less the same. I think most malls operators did not even foresee the big competition and impact of online shopping. If you could give free suggestions or ideas on how to improve the mall's environment, l think you would be welcomed by the management😅😅

[@HONG38]

havent really been there yet

[@KevinKKSin]

Been there once long time ago but don't really like the vibes it brought...

[@Tube152525]

This mall needs more quality tenants, only H&M (not sure how long will they remain), Village Grocer and Brewhouse are the significant ones here. Too many outlet stores does not bode well for it.

[@chestercheng.realestate]

It definitely needs some more F&B tenants to attract people.

[@turbojim555]

The owner is a Express Way concessionaire, all they know is managing toll highways. And they have another mega project in Iskandar Johor, so you can figure out that they will put more effort in that project instead of EkoCheras Mall. Poor management and ego kills this mall.

[@kctan7827]

Is just a neighbourhood mall, nothing to be expected.

[@sammylohwanheng5315]

There are better options & and happening malls in KL about 3km away...

[@benlau2045]

I don't think this mall is a dead mall, it is just not comparable to Pavillion and 1U obviously. But its fine. EKOCheras kind of served its purpose. However, it can still benefit from more patrons in food as I think for now food options are sorely lacking a bit. No food court/familymart or that kind makes this mall a hard push to be a fully successful mall. Also as well, the empty spaces once again can serve as a sport centre/ or pickleball/badminton court...you get the idea. It won't jeopardize the mall at all as it was not designed to be a premium mall in 1st place. Overall......not a dead mall, but it is slow to grow just like Pavillion Bkt Jalil. It is very far from the likes of 1Shamelin or Glo Damansara or The Encorp Strand. I appreciate this mall is here (other than its shitty construction work) and not crowded badly unlike u know la....

[@chestercheng.realestate]

It's not a dead mall, But does looks like it's slowly dying or declining based on my visit there. That's my opinion. But again if the mall management can change something to boost traffic I think they have a good chance to improve

[@albertteng1191]

Low ceiling, very narrow hallways, and very dark theme scares away people. Very claustrophobic

[@ShiFuOng-c7k]

Columns all over the places on carparking and retails floors. Can't compare to Velocity mall

[@MichaelMeng-w9z]

of course. must know who is the developer for this ekocheras mall.

[@HappyForever_888]

Too near to Sunway Velocity and TRX ....

[@pym75]

Dun think the demographics can support it. cheaper rental, parking will help abit. Shd leverage on the MRT. Midvalley was like that. Parking cheap and more and more ppl park there, it become habit, popular, then they raise parking price. Mall business is about getting attention of the people around their area to patron it and the business operating there is viable.

[@goldbergkoo5680]

looking like they are just going to diminish day by day.....

[@chestercheng.realestate]

That's my opinion too

[@ahan300]

Need to attract footfall like having bowling alley, decent fast food like Mcd and KFC and ordinary supermarket like NSK or Hero...certainly not fancy2 premium grocers. Must also have bookstore & electrical shop chain. Good and balanced tenant mix is essential. Dont bring in too many redundant and useless tenant like arcade or chinese fine dining,.like u eat there every single meal time ahhh???

[@chestercheng.realestate]

I agree, a good tenant mix is important to attract foot traffic.

[@kokwahtan8577]

At least much better than LULUPORT! 😂

[@ltjkelvin8919]

Dying mall? Obviously you need to do more research.

[@chestercheng.realestate]

Looks like dying to me during the visit

[@limyewchuan4822]

Hey dude, know your song well before you start singing!

[@chestercheng.realestate]

What are you referring to?