Mall of Asia draws 1M on opening day

The 386,000-square meter Mall of Asia – the SM Group’s largest and most ambitious project to date – attracted nearly one million people on its grand opening last Sunday, May 22.

Mall of Asia operations manager Steven Tan said pedestrian traffic during opening day was bigger than the average weekend traffic of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong and SM North Edsa in Quezon City combined.

Mall of Asia, SM Prime Holdings Inc.’s 25th shopping mall, is located at the 60-hectare SM Central Business Park, overlooking the Manila Bay.

Tan said first day sales were brisk not just for the mall’s main anchors, SM Department Store and SM Hypermarket, but also for the other tenants. "The turnover was fast for most of the restaurants and other dining establishments. Some of the restaurants recorded their highest sales ever on that day."

"The Mall of Asia will redefine the concept of malling. It is more than just a shopping center. It will be a destination experience," he added.

Tan said there will be daily laser light shows while the fireworks display will be held every Friday and Saturday for the rest of the year.

Designed by American firm Arquitectonica, the Mall of Asia is a four-building super structure linked by elevated walkways.