Ikano Centres, a subsidiary of Ikano Retail, is strengthening its food and beverage (F&B) offerings with the introduction of two new dining concepts — IPC Gourmet Hall at IPC Shopping Centre and Toppen Foodland at Toppen Shopping Centre. Both are scheduled to open in December 2026, reinforcing the group’s strategy to enhance mall traffic and customer engagement through curated dining experiences.
At IPC Shopping Centre in Petaling Jaya, the IPC Gourmet Hall will occupy approximately 43,000 sq ft and house 39 outlets. Designed as a curated, open-concept dining space, it will feature diverse cuisines alongside greenery-themed interiors and flexible seating arrangements, catering to both communal and private dining preferences. Construction is set to begin in April 2026.
Meanwhile, in Johor Bahru, Toppen Foodland will span 35,000 sq ft with 32 outlets, including restaurants and grab-and-go kiosks. Positioned as a vibrant, fast-casual dining hub, the concept adopts an industrial-inspired design and aims to attract a broad consumer base. This development builds on earlier enhancements at Toppen, including the introduction of Jaya Grocer in 2025.
The rollout reflects Ikano Centres’ broader strategy of integrating F&B as a key driver of footfall and dwell time. By creating centralised dining hubs within malls, the group aims to transform its retail spaces into social destinations rather than purely transactional environments. Both concepts are intended to act as gathering points, encouraging repeat visits and longer customer stays.
Central to this ecosystem is the continued role of IKEA as a primary anchor tenant, supporting consistent traffic flow and cross-shopping across retail and dining segments. Ikano Centres’ regional portfolio also includes MyTOWN Shopping Centre and developments in Batu Kawan and Bangkok.
Managing director Adrian Mirea noted that the initiative aligns with the group’s vision of building vibrant, community-focused destinations that go beyond conventional retail. The latest additions form part of its ongoing asset enhancement pipeline, aimed at strengthening long-term value and tenant performance.
The key takeaway is that F&B is no longer just a supporting component in malls — it has become a central strategy for driving footfall and increasing customer dwell time. Ikano Centres is deliberately investing in curated dining environments to create social “meeting places,” showing how experiential retail is replacing traditional shopping-focused models.
I also learned that anchor tenants like IKEA remain crucial, not just for retail draw but for supporting an entire ecosystem of tenants, including F&B. The integration of lifestyle, dining, and retail elements reflects a broader shift in how shopping centres position themselves to stay relevant in a competitive market.
Malaysia