The newest SM Mall in Cebu is scheduled to open on October 25, 2024.
This is the 87th SM Mall nationwide, and the fourth on the island, following SM City Cebu, SM Consolacion, and SM Seaside. SM Prime Holdings has acquired and redeveloped JCentre Mall, which closed operations in 2023.
SM JMall is relatively smaller compared to its other branches, but SM Supermalls President Steven Tan said in an interview with The Freeman that they curated its tenants to offer special concepts. (2024)
Tan hopes that SM JMall can boost “brick and mortar” retail concepts, as online shopping platforms become more prevalent.
They aim to use experiential shopping strategies to help malls coexist with modern shopping and boost human interactions, something that can’t be replicated online.
WHAT TO EXPECT
According to an article on CDN Digital, SM JMall will use a blend of modern architecture and Japan-inspired elements for its design. (2024)
It will be introduced as a multifaceted destination that goes beyond shopping, with several dining options, interactive entertainment facilities, and top-notch service.
One of its special dining offerings is an Izakaya Terrace–a food strip serving traditional and contemporary Japanese cuisine in an al fresco setting. This will likely be situated in the outdoor aisles at the back of the mall, which offers a skyrise view of Mandaue City.
The food hall will showcase both Cebuano and international cuisine, like Asian comfort food and western dishes. It will have a nest-inspired design to give it a more photogenic look.
There will also be several recreational areas like a rock-climbing activity, several escape rooms, a trampoline house, game simulators, a virtual golf course, and a skating rink.
There is a dedicated wellness space as well for customers who want to sit down and relax.
JMall will have two Director’s Club Cinemas, providing a premium viewing experience with reclining seats, high-end projectors, and Dolby Atmos Sound Systems. This includes complimentary popcorn and drinks for guests.
Each level of the mall is dedicated to a specific experience for customers. The Lower Ground Level, for example, will have stores for small purchases like quick snacks and essential services.
The Upper Ground Level, on the other hand, will feature modern fashion brands and innovative dining options.
The 2nd Level will cater more to athletes and sports enthusiasts, with stores for athleisure and casual clothing. They also curated a set of Japanese restaurants to transition from shopping to dining.
Finally, the top floor will be catered to entertainment offerings, with several amusement areas such as arcades, cinemas, and relaxation spots.
Commonly called JMall, JCentre was previously under Ever Just Realty Development, owned by Cebuano businessman Justin Uy, commonly called the “Mango King”.
His company Profood International Corporation (PIC) is responsible for the mass production and distribution of dried mangoes, which is a staple Cebuano delicacy that is also a popular export product.
Uy and his brothers are also the owners of the JPark Island Resort & Waterpark in Lapu-Lapu and the JTower Residences in Mandaue.
Situated on a 12-hectare lot along AS Fortuna, JCentre was one of the main shopping centers in Mandaue, with more than 50 retail stores, a cinema, and an arcade. The food court was also a popular hangout spot for affordable snacks and beverages.
Its biggest tenant was reportedly the SM Hypermarket.
The roof deck also had the Skywater Park, a fun recreational area with swimming pools and water slides. Unfortunately, it ceased operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an interview with Sunstar Cebu, Uy confirmed that its retail businesses had the lowest return on investment. (2023) The buyout is part of the company’s strategy to remain relevant after the pandemic.
As for the other SM Malls, Tan confirmed that while there won’t be any new malls constructed, SM Prime Holdings will continue conducting redevelopment projects, especially with the ongoing redevelopment of SM City Cebu.
This includes the outdoor parking space and the newly unveiled food court on the top floor. The redevelopment project is scheduled to be completed by 2025.
REFERENCES:
Dagooc, Ehda M. 2024. “SM City JMall to open in October.” The Freeman.
https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-business/2024/08/27/2380890/sm-city-jmall-open-october.
SM Malls Press Release. 2024. “Cebu’s newest premier lifestyle destination, SM J Mall, opens soon!” CDN Digital.
https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/598575/cebus-newest-premier-lifestyle-destination-sm-j-mall-opens-soon.
Cacho, Katlene. 2023. “SM buys JCentre Mall.” Sunstar Cebu.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/business/sm-buys-jcentre-mall.