CEBU, Philippines - The newest mall in Metro Cebu called “J Mall” located at the integrated development “J Centre” in Madaue City, kicks off dry-run operation and vows to officially open its full commercial business by November this year.
Today, its anchor store, SM Hypermart will have its formal opening serving the northern customers in the metropolis, other shops like Watsons, will also have its soft opening today.
Developed by newly established EverJust Realty Development Corporation, J Centre is posting 70 percent occupancy rate for its total 60,000 square meters to 70,000 square meters leasable area.
The management successfully turned over spaces to its tenants, while other boutiques and restaurants are also now on its soft-opening and dry-run operation, said mall consultant Karla Kintanar in an interview yesterday.
Jerry Uy, the company’s corporate secretary said the three-story mall is expected to provide variety of shops, restaurant and service centers in the dynamic retail industry in Cebu.
According to Kintanar, the mall management had already starting off negotiations with the Mandaue City government to pave the way for transportation access going to the mall, without sacrificing the traffic concerns.
Tenants that already have contracts with the mall management include Guess, Mossimo, Accessorize, Diva, an international bakeshop chain, among others.
Although it is positioned as “high-end” shopping and leisure destination, Uy said a good mixed of shops that offer affordable products and services that attract the huge middle-class market.
The “J Centre” is a mixed-use development consisting of mall, hotel, served apartments and call centers that provide world-class service, among others.
EverJust Realty Development Corporation is the real estate arm of Prufood International Corporation, led by exporter Justin Uy.
The creation of Uy’s real estate development arm—the EverJust Realty and Development Corporation, would pursue the capitalist’s bigger dream to develop his available land-bank in Cebu.
Uy believes that the sustained tourism growth and BPO companies’ expansion here are just two of the main drivers that further fuel Cebu’s economic growth.
The retail sector, on the other hand, is one of the frontline beneficiaries of the vibrant economy in the province.
He added that part of the long term plan, is to enter in the development of a hospital that will cater to the medical tourism market.
Uy is one of the most successful Cebuano processed food exporters in the country through the Prufood International, which exports the dried mango, and other processed food products to other countries. (FREEMAN)