The Gardens finally opened its doors yesterday in a rather quiet fashion. I expected to hear the beating of the drums for the lion dance as I saw a lorry there in the morning or even firecrackers but there was not even a peep, at least from where I was. I finally got a chance to check it out today and scooted over to take a look.

27-09-07_1335

It’s still half-open and in some sections half-constructed, especially where the main entrance is. Everywhere you turn, you see cleaning workers frantically still scrubbing away at the polished tiles and wood finishings probably to get in done in time for the weekend crowd. Their staff look rather impressive with muted uniforms and white gloves, just like a luxury hotel! The two main anchor tenants here are the famous Robinsons and Isetan, both at opposite ends of the mall.

My first impression was that it strongly resembled Vivocity in Singapore, for some reason or another! Perhaps the designer was inspired by them?!The place does speak of luxury though with its highly polished floors, comfortable couches in strategic locations, swanky looking cafes and of course, the big brand names.

27-09-07_1329

27-09-07_1337

I nipped very quickly into Robinsons but somehow, it didn’t seem like it had much at all. Perhaps there was just something about the layout or my expectations that it would be like the one in Singapore with all its interesting brands we don’t usually get here. Instead, all I saw was just another anchor tenant with the same brands, albeit a different layout.

 

27-09-07_1331

Isetan, on the other hand, looked pretty good especially the Cosmetic Floor with its Isetan Beauty Garden which I’ll blog about later!

One thing I liked about The Gardens was their interactive touch-screen shopping directory board. Feeling lost or looking for a particular store? A few touches would take you where you want to go. What a nice refreshing change from those black directories I always had to use in the old wing of Midvalley!

27-09-07_1336

It’s still very new and still half-finished so I’m not sure how it’ll look once it’s fully done up by the end of the year. The floors are impressive, the brand names impressive and the half-finished food court area really interesting. However, I left feeling like they were just trying a little too hard to keep up with the luxury Joneses of The Pavillion, Starhill or One Utama’s new wing.