Link wins 3 ‘Shopping Mall Awards 2012-13’ prizes

Organised by Hong Kong Economic Times in collaboration with U Magazine, Sky Post, Property Times, Mall King and Qooua.com, “Love to Vote - Shopping Mall Awards 2012-13” was held on 31 January 2013, three of The Link REIT’s ("The Link") shopping centres were recognised with “Love to Vote - Shopping Mall Awards 2012-2013”. Stanley Plaza was awarded “The Best Sightseeing Shopping Centre”, Lok Fu Plaza was recognized with “The Best Shopping Centre for University Students to Gathering” and Tai Yuen Shopping Centre won for “The Extraordinary Shopping Centre”. These awards are recognition of The Link’s commitment in revitalizing shopping malls, enhancing shopping experience and marketing efforts.

Stanley Plaza- “The Best Sightseeing Shopping Centre”

Located in the waterfront Southern District, Stanley Plaza reopened in 2011 and was repositioned as a "Tourism and leisure” destination for foreign tourists and local Hong Kong families seeking a good weekend getaway. The Link has focused on the needs of these two target customers by modelling Stanley Plaza as a centre of art and culture, a provider of international cuisine, and as a pets-friendly shopping experience. In line with its repositioning, Stanley Plaza introduced products to better serve the daily needs of those living in the area, attracted international restaurants and merchants with unique, characteristically Hong Kong concepts. Stanley Plaza has put great effort into attracting customers from outside the local district by organising a number of unique and international events such as “Paws by the Sea”, “Time Out Wine Walk” and the “Stanley International Dragon Boat Championship”. The stellar “World of Food and Music” (WOFAM) held in cooperation with the Hong Kong Tourism Board was the finale for the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Month.

Lok Fu Plaza – a popular gathering shopping centre for university students

Situated atop the Lok Fu MTR station and served by a convenient transportation network, Lok Fu Plaza enjoys a prime location near several housing estates, two universities and a number of secondary schools. After renovations, Lok Fu Plaza enhanced its trade mix by introducing various kinds of youth elements such as fashion, accessories, sportswear and equipment, lifestyle and AV products, and a wide range of specialty restaurants and cafés that cater to the tastes of the youth market. Lok Fu Plaza further appeals to the younger set by organising diverse promotions such as concerts by Show Luo, Lollipop F and Ustar Canvass and holding a monthly lucky draw. Lok Fu Plaza’s events enjoy widespread popularity and are very successful in attracting students from nearby secondary schools and the two local universities.

Tai Yuen Shopping Centre –“The Extraordinary Shopping Centre”

Tai Yuen Market located inside Tai Yuen Shopping Centre was the first fresh market to embark on an Asset Enhancement Initiatives project. An innovative design and modern business model were introduced to strengthen and reposition Tai Yuen Market as an attractive fresh market and to enhance the environment and tenant mix. Tai Yuen Market breaks the image of the traditional market by using an open layout to create a more comfortable shopping environment. In addition, Tai Yuen Shopping Centre has broadened the range of food and products for sale in the market by offering traditional Hong Kong food and imported food. “Master Chef Kitchen” and Octopus Facilities were also introduced to provide a one-stop shopping experience for the community and to attract younger customers.

Head of Marketing of The Link Management Limited, Ms Hilda Wong, said “We have been trying to enhance the shopping experience and revitalizing shopping malls, repositioning the mall and organize a series of strategic promotions base on individual characteristics and demands of target customers. The award is a recognition of The Link’s commitment and effort, we will continue to strive for excellence.”