Taobao launches first home experience centre in Malaysia

China e-marketplace Taobao has partnered Malaysian home design platform Atap.co to launch its first home experience centre at The Square, Petaling Jaya. The 4500 sq ft centre will allow Malaysian shoppers to see, touch and feel products from Taobao’s home and living channel Jiyoujia before making purchases online, according to the press release.The centre also aims to help shoppers make informed decisions on larger purchases and find home inspirations. At the centre, customers can browse any Jiyoujia products and hover their mobile phones to scan the QR codes attached on the products for more information.In a statement to A+M, Mickey Xiong, country director of Tmall and Taobao World for Southeast Asia and Hong Kong markets said Malaysia has always been an “important market” for the company and based on its market insights, Taobao sees “strong demand” for high quality and well-designed home and living products. The company also understood consumers’ needs to see and feel bigger ticket items in person before making purchases online. As such, Xiong said it was important for Taobao to expand its operations to better cater to the dynamic and diversified needs of Malaysian consumers with innovative and digitally-enabled services.She added that the new store is geared towards offering a seamless online-offline shopping experience, complete with personalised and customised home and living services to local shoppers. To browse the products, consumers can do so by scanning the QR codes attached for more information as well as to make purchases. Consultants are also on site to answer queries, offer help on making purchases online and provide expert advice for home decor ideas.Xiong added that its top priority is to provide fresh experiences to more shoppers in Malaysia, and aims to constantly update the furniture and products to keep the experience fresh and in season for consumers. The store, managed by Atap.co, offers in-home delivery and installation services fulfilled by certified professional vendors and installers at a nominal charge. In addition, Malaysian customers can purchase local warranty by Atap.co. According to founder of Atap.co Sim Moh Sheng, its consultants will also be on-site to answer queries and offer expert advice on home décor ideas and renovation.The Taobao Home Experience Centre is furnished by Atap.co with local tastes and preferences in mind, with two of the most popular merchants on Jiyoujia, Hancock Home and, Coconordic, who are known for their mid-to-high-end modern and minimal living style. In conjunction with the launch, Taobao has unveiled the a mid-year sale campaign, where discounts will be offered to Malaysian customers shopping at Jiyoujia from 29 May to 2 June, and 16-18 June.