Guardian on massive retail push in Malaysia

According to an article on Bernama, Guardian Malaysia, as part of its aggressive expansion plan, aims to open 25 to 30 stores next year.Besides this, the company also plans to refurbish 70 stores, as well as, close 15 existing stores, which are less performing, to strengthen its hold in the domestic health and beauty retail market. Currently the brand has 30% market share in the health and beauty segment and 430 stores.In a statement to Bernama, CEO, Peter J Dove said that as the current retail market is tough and demand is soft. The company has also conducted a new research to cater to the shoppers' demand, and gauge their responses.He added that the company plans on adopting the e-commerce platform, next year, to reach out to a wider audience. He, however, did not disclose the amount of money the company plans to invest into this sector.According to Dove, the new stores would incorporate shopper-friendly features including a "Make me up" corner, which focuses on addressing the needs of shoppers, highlight the latest cosmetics products and trend, as well as, offer a semi-private area for product trials.In the past, as a part of its brand campaign, the company has given  away a house in its Win-a-House contest. The house was worth RM498,000 as part of its 49th anniversary and Malaysia’s National Day.