1. Gurney Plaza

Gurney Plaza Penang is one of the latest shopping havens in Penang. Located along Gurney Drive, it fronts the sea and combines the extra sensation of shopping and relaxation. Most of the major shopping outlets can be found here. Contact tel : 04-228 1111 Fax : 04-228 6666

2. Kompleks Bukit Jambul.

Located at the fast-developing Bukit Jambul area, this RM350 million complex is the largest in the northern region. It features 414 shops, hypermarket Cosmart, an ice-skating rink, food court, a high-tech amusement centre, six cineplexes and a 40-lane bowling alley.

3. One-Stop Midlands Park Centre.

With 350 retail lots, shoppers can expect to meet all their needs under one roof at the centre in Burmah Road. Watsons, Voir, Reject Shop, Dave's Deli, Sushi King, Lea Fashion and MOG are among the retailers at Midlands. Attractions here include a bowling alley, roof-top water theme park and an international food court.

4. Island Plaza >>>

The mall at Tanjong Tokong is the first comprehensive shopping centre serving the tourist belt in Penang Island. With anchor tenant Super Tanjong taking up 145,000 sq ft, Island Plaza is a preferred destination for shopping, dining and entertainment with a controlled mix of local, regional and international retailers.

5. Sunshine Square >>>

This ambitious project by Suiwah Supermarket Sdn Bhd is the largest supermarket and departmental store to be operated by the group here. Located at the junction of Jalan Mahsuri and Jalan Mayang Pasir in the bustling Bayan Baru township, the complex boasts of a bowling alley, two ultra-modern cineplexes, a hawkers' complex and a children's entertainment centre.

6. Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (Komtar)

The major shopping giants in this 65-storey building (above) in Penang Road include Super Komtar Departmental Store and Japanese supermarket Yaohan Departmental Store.

Retail shops featuring clothes are also found on the second and third floors at Phase One and Two. Komtar was once the shopping haven for Penangites as shoppers could purchase almost anything under the sun.

7. Gama Supermarket and Department Stores.

This newly-renovated supermarket which is part of the Sogo Group at Jalan Datuk Keramat has been a leading retail outlet for the last 29 years. It not only provides quality merchandise at fair prices but also excellent service to customers.

8. The Garage

A commendable heritage conservation and renewal effort well within walking distance from the main tourist belt in the upper Penang Road enclave. The building structure was a real garage, in which British Leyland vehicles like the Austin, the Morris and the Jaguar were once showcased and serviced. Worth a trip in itself is the beautifully restored art décor exterior façade and the exquisitely refurbished air-conditioned interiors that strive to preserve an old-streets-of-Georgetown feel, complete with "five-foot" pedestrian walkway and mock double-leaf windows. Over 30 shops, galleries and restaurants form an eclectic tenant mix catering to the fussiest need.

The Mainland : -

Makro Cash and Carry Distribution (M) Sdn Bhd

One of the group's four stores nationwide is located in Seberang Jaya and this RM40 million outlet has a total of 48,000 registered members. Makro cardholders can purchase grocery, clothings and electrical goods from the outlet at value prices.

Carrefour

Another supermarket located in Seberang Jaya that sells a variety of items ranging from grocery to clothing and electrical goods.

Megamall Pinang

This is situated in Prai.

OTHER SHOPPING AREAS:

Penang's other main shopping district is confined to rather a small area and one must go to specific places for certain goods.

1. Penang Road.

Here, shoppers will be able to get bargains at the Penang Road Bazaar and the surrounding shops. Items ranging from foodstuff, clothes, imitation leather goods and watches for reasonable prices can be bought here.

2. Campbell Street

It is one of the oldest shopping streets. Even with competition from modern shopping complexes and malls, the area is still one of the popular shopping spots for locals and foreigners. Campbell Street was also chosen by the state government to hold the annual Shopping Carnival.

3. Pasar Malam (night markets).

Well-known as the travelling night market, the pasar malam essentially is a place where housewives can buy the necessities and at the same time enjoy the fun-fair atmosphere. It offers an assortment of merchandise and normally starts at 6.30pm and ends at 11pm. For details on the location, one must refer to the local newspapers.

• Batu Ferringhi night market

4. Flea Market

This popular flea market at Lorong Kulit (next to the City Stadium) was formerly at Rope Walk where one can obtain second-hand goods at bargain prices. Items found here range from electrical goods, watches and shoes.

Source: The Star