Nocturnale

I love shopping for computer gadgets and electronics. Low Yat Plaza, the de facto gathering place for geeks, is where I splurge my cash on new mouse, keyboards, speaker system, LCD monitors and other state-of-the-art contraptions. 

Low Yat the Magnificent

But tarrying in so-called IT malls like Low Yat Plaza (LYP) can be overwhelming at times. Crowds are suffocating and the shoppers traffic especially on weekends is enormous. I used to enjoy walking in and exploring from stores to stores, ogling at the various display of the latest computer products, comparing prices as I do so. It was fun, knowing that you have a world of options before you. 

The whole of experience is very tiring, it goes without saying. There are easily hundreds of shops now at LYP, what with the opening of a new level adding yet another huge shopping dimension for voracious computer shoppers. I think it is simply too strenuous to browse the entire mall without impairing the joy of, say, shopping for your very first desktop system. 

The Rise of the Walmart of Computer and Electronics

That is where an IT megastore comes in. When ALL IT HYPERMART, the first Malaysian IT megastore opens its door at the top level of LYP, I did not know what to expect. My first thought was, I remembered, that it must be just another one of your regular computer store but with a bigger retail space. I walked in the first time and has returned regularly since. In fact, my trip to LYP these days is spent largely inside this megastore. 

The thing I like about megastores is that they are ‘one-stop’. They have everything from headphones to laptop coolers. The range of computer products on display is impressive and it’s like you are in a huge Borders bookstore but instead of looking at books, you get to shop for all kinds of computer gadgets, all within the safe and convenient confine of an expanse of spacious floor. The experience is not unlike walking into a SenQ or Best Denki electronics megastore and seeing the array of electronics in display.

They are Here to Stay

IT megastores has changed the way I shop for computer goods. Whenever I think computer shopping, I think ALL IT HYPERMART. Heck, I even applied for a membership and now hold a gleaming ALL IT emblazoned membership card in my wallet. 

The days of haggling with the long-haired, chain-smoking, just-outta-school sales reps deep within the veins of LYP catacombs of shops over a pack of DVD-Rs are virtually gone. I painfully remember the distress of having to look like I am ‘in-the-know’ to avoid being scalped by some unscrupulous computer retailers back in the days of Imbi Plaza. 

Clean, brightly lit and spacious IT megastores alter the equation. Now, I just walk in, grab the stuffs I fancy, line up at the cash registers, pop up my credit card, and snap! Done deal. No shady transaction, no sleazy encounter. 

The Goliath has Arrived

I was immeasurably delighted when I first found out that Challenger, the biggest IT retailer in Singapore is opening shop in Malaysia! For those uninitiated, Challenger is a ubiquitous brand in Singapore. Its name is synonymous with computer and electronics goods, much like Tesco or Giant is to grocery and general merchandising. 

Whenever I am in Singapore, I will surely pay Challenger a visit, usually at their megastore in Funan Digital Mall. I love patronizing Challenger because it carries a multifarious catalogue of computer and electronics items which are not available for sale in Malaysia.

I was even more elated when Challenger decided to set up its base in Mines Shopping Fair, a neighborhood shopping mall not 5 minutes from where I live.

According to its website, Challenger IT Megastore will have a floor space of approximately 30,000 sq ft, making it the largest IT Megastore in Malaysia. Impressive!

I decided to see it for myself. The above picture was shot at the entrance of the store in Mines yesterday. When I set foot on the store, the airiness and spaciousness of the setup was immediately apparent. The place is immense. 

As expected, there is a wide variety of consumer IT products in free and accessible display. There is a dedicated section for laptop/desktop computers, one for speakers, headphones/earphones, one for monitors, one for accessories like keyboards, mice, portable storage, wireless access points, wireless adapters, one for laptop bags, casings and sleeves etc. Uniformed floor walkers are omnipresent and ever ready to assist you with your purchase. Challenger is also an Apple reseller, which means you will be able to find your favourite iPods or iMacs at the store too.

The Challenger’s Edge

What distinguishes Challenger from ALL IT Hypermart in LYP, apart from the retail space, is the fact that you can roam freely in the store unrestrained. I hate it when I have to leave my backpack behind in locker compartment. Hassle no more. Challenger lets me loiter around freely. Also, ALL IT Hypermart is notorious for her credit card usage policy whereby customers are charged an additional 2% on top of their credit purchases. Challenger, you guessed it, waived the charges. Sweet, no more lugging along wads of cash notes.

I see myself frequenting this store on a regular basis in the future. I hope Challenger will be quick in implementing their customer loyalty program, which has been a hit with the Singaporeans these years where registered members are entitled to huge money-saving discounts on many quality computer products.

The way I see it, Challenger has got a great potential here in Malaysia where people are becoming more affluent and educated and where big open space retail concept is gaining momentum. With ALL IT Hypermart breathing behind the back, I am sure Challenger will be getting more competitive in their goods prices. This will only benefit the consumers like me more.

IT enthusiasts, if you happen to be driving around the Cheras/Kajang/Sungai Besi/Putrajaya/Cyberjaya/Serdang area, pop into Mines Shopping Fair and head to the top most floor. Challanger will challenge and redefine your IT shopping experience.

Challenger IT Megastore
L4-16 (4th Floor) Mines Shopping Fair, Jalan Dulang, Mines Resort City, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor. Tel: +60389469000 Email: sales@challenger.my