Bay Street to house 25 retail outlets

by Franco Aloisio

Bay Street, which is set to open its doors in November 2000, will house around 25 quality retail operators, Bay Street's marketing managing Chris Grech told The Malta Business Weekly.

Of the 25 outlets, 16 have already been leased to operators. Another six to nine from another 24 operators will be chosen in the coming weeks. Mr Grech explained that Bay Street was very careful when selecting the

outlets.

"We wanted commitment and quality. I believe that the operators we have chosen do believe in customer care and satisfaction. Moreover, all of them sell brands which are internationally known and respected. Bay Street will also be the ultimate retail destination," Mr Grech said.

Among the international brands to be found in Bay Street is the American lingerie operator Over the Skin and the sports shops Athletes Foot and Arena. City Co. Ltd, which specialises in leather products, will also be housed in Bay Street.

One of the major attractions of Bay Street, in St George's Bay, will be the Formula One Racing shop, which will be the largest in Europe and will be selling F1 merchandise products.

Other outlets in Bay Street will be Allcom (the retail arm of Maltacom), Marks and Spencer, Swinger, toy shop Pedigree, Eurosport, MEXX, Chaucer's Bookshop, Benetton Playlife, Gas Jeans, Frank's Perfumery, and the Share Shop. The latter shop will sell company shares and stocks.

"All the shops will compliment each other, and customers will have a wide selection of quality brands. However, we insisted that the shops offer affordable prices," he said. The 25 shops will be in the groundfloor and bridgefloor of Bay Street, and will provide a great shopping experience, said Mr Grech. He said retailing will constitute 25 per cent of Bay Street's business.

The rest of Bay Street will consist of a hands-on science discovery centre, a family entertainment centre, theme bars, an artisan market, restaurants and a language school with accommodation.

Bay Street will be offering all day entertainment and activities will be organised all round the week.