Leading American sportswear brand Columbia has made a significant entrance into Malaysia with the opening of two flagship stores in Suria KLCC and Pavilion Bukit Jalil. In collaboration with GMG, a prominent conglomerate in the Middle East, Columbia’s expansion into the Malaysian market marks a significant milestone for both brands as they extend Columbia’s global reach through strategic collaboration.
The Suria KLCC store, covering a spacious retail space spanning over 1,700 square feet, and the Pavilion Bukit Jalil store, spanning more than 1,100 square feet, promise a comprehensive shopping experience for customers. These stores showcase Columbia’s diverse offerings, including apparel, footwear, accessories, bags, and gear. Additionally, Columbia plans to open its third store at Mid Valley Megamall in November 2023, further enhancing its presence in the country.
Carl Masterman, President – Sports, GMG says, “We are thrilled to announce the opening of Columbia’s new stores in Malaysia. This appointment is a testament of the strong partnership that GMG has built with Columbia in the GCC region over the past two decades, and we are excited to extend this partnership to the SEA region as well – allowing us to have exclusive distribution and retail operation rights in both markets. The debut in Malaysia is a continuation of Columbia’s journey in the region that begun in Singapore earlier in July. We look forward to igniting the inner adventurer of the urban active community in Malaysia, and to journey with them wherever their escapades take them.”
With the new Asian headquarters established in Malaysia, GMG is strategically positioned to capitalise on the burgeoning sports retail industry in Asia. The company has set ambitious goals, aiming to open 100 new stores by 2025 to support its Southeast Asia expansion plans. Since entering the SEA market in 2020, GMG has successfully opened over 31 stores across Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, including the latest Columbia store at Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore, earlier this year.
Passionate about the Outdoors: Discover Columbia’s Innovation
Columbia, a trailblazer in outdoor gear and technologies since 1938, is dedicated to innovation and excellence. The Suria KLCC and Pavilion Bukit Jalil stores showcases Columbia’s extensive range of premium outdoor essentials, featuring signature technologies such as OMNI-TECH, OUTDRY & OUTDRY EXTREME, OMNI-WICK, OMNI-SHADE SUN DEFLECTOR, OMNI-SHIELD, and OMNI-HEAT HELIX. These products, crafted with utmost precision and rigorously tested, ensure maximum comfort for outdoor enthusiasts, keeping them cool, dry, warm, and protected as they explore diverse terrains.
A highlight of Columbia’s Fall/Winter 2023 collection is the latest Facet™ 75 Alpha OutDry™ hiking footwear. Engineered to excel in all outdoor terrains, the Facet™ 75 Alpha OutDry™ offers unparalleled grip and confident underfoot, featuring OutDry™ waterproof construction and Adapt Trax™ technology. With a comfortable knit collar and plush cushioning, this lightweight, waterproof-breathable hiker with trail-running DNA is available for men (in Cypress/Black & Black/Cloud Grey colors) and women (in Black/Red Coral & Deep Madeira/Beetroot colors) at a recommended retail price of RM 699.00.
Columbia Suria KLCC is located at Level 3, Lot 314, while Columbia Pavilion Bukit Jalil is situated at Level 4, Lot 4.71.00.