Lotus’s Officially Takes Over Tesco Stores Today, All You Need To Know

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Back in February 2021, Malaysians were shocked when news broke that Tesco Malaysia was leaving the country. In its place comes Lotus’s Malaysia after Tesco Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd sold its businesses in Thailand and Malaysia to Thailand’s Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group.

Today, Lotuss Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd launched its first flagship store in Kepong in the mall formerly known as Kepong Village Mall in Bandar Menjalara. If you’re an avid fan of Tesco’s products and shopping experience, here’s everything you need to know about Lotus’s Malaysia.

READ MORE: Bye Bye Tesco Malaysia, Retailer Changes Name to Lotus’s

What is Lotus’s actually?

© Provided by The Rakyat Post
Lotus’s Malaysia officially launched on 31st March 2021. (Credit: TRP)

Lotus’s is a retail chain that originated in Thailand by CP Group and now has expanded to Malaysia through acquisition of Tesco Malaysia since December 2020.

With this acquisition, Lotus’s assumes Tesco’s existing operations which include 8,600 employees across one head office, two distribution centres, and 62 stores throughout Peninsular Malaysia. The entire rebranding process is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.

Bonus point here is that Lotus’s has Malaysia’s most extensive online grocery home shopping network with over 100 delivery trucks and operations in Penang, Johor Bahru, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, and Ipoh.

They’re also partnering with Lazada, Shopee, HappyFresh and foodpanda for Malaysians to shop on their preferred online platforms.

What’s up with the name “Lotus’s”?

© Provided by The Rakyat Post
Lotus’s Malaysia’s first flagship store at Kepong. (Credit: TRP)

It is pronounced “Lotus” not “Lotuses”.

Lotus’s Malaysia President Kenneth Chuah explained that the ‘s’ is supposed to be silent and it actually represents the company’s “SMART values” which is defined as:

• S is for Simple: “We simplify the experience for our customers.”
• M is for Motivated: “We try to always be one step ahead in anticipating our customer’s needs.”
• A is for Agile: “We act and adapt fast to changing needs and trends”
• R is for Responsible: “We are always professional and ethical in everything that we do”
• T is for Transformative: “We innovate to help our customers to enjoy better lives”

The apostrophe seen in the name and logo is actually a GPS location drop pin, which is frankly a pretty clever way to tell people “come here for all your needs and wants.”

New name, new stuff

Lotus’s inclusion into the CP Group also means greater variation in the offerings of sister company, CP Food’s ready-to-eat meals.

There’s 7 new – and honestly delicious – varieties such as CP Korean Fried Chicken, CP Spicy Drummet, CP Tomyum Jumbo Popcorn, CP Tomyum Shrimp Wonton, CP Marinated Chicken Black Pepper, CP Marinated Chicken BBQ and CP Korean Popcorn.

© Provided by The Rakyat Post
Naelofar’s modest fashionwear is now sold at select Lotus’s stores. (Credit: TRP)

But the biggest new surprise is actually the entrance of modest fashionwear brand Naelofar into Lotus’s. Yep, this is the first time the super popular brand led by founder and celebrity Noor Neelofa Mohd Noor is sold at a hypermarket chain.

Lotus’s says that more Naelofar products will be coming to their shelves closer to the Raya celebrations at selected stores.

Very cool. Now, what’s going to happen to my favourite Tesco products???

Well, we have somewhat good news for you.

Kenneth explains that not much will change, actually. All the Tesco products that are produced locally will simply be rebranded to Lotus’s with new packaging. The rebranding of Tesco Own Brand range to Lotus’s Own Brand includes products such as the tempura nuggets, fried chicken, UHT milk, cat food, kitchen towels and many more.

© Provided by The Rakyat Post
Locally made Tesco Own Brand range will be rebranded to Lotus’s Own Brand. (Credit: TRP)

© Provided by The Rakyat Post
Still taste’s as good as ever. (Credit: TRP)

However, you might see the same products with both Tesco and Lotus’s names side by side for a while as they clear out the old stock.

As for the superfine Tesco stuff imported from the UK, Kenneth says that Lotus’s will be partnering with Tesco to continue bringing them to Malaysia.

TRP understands that the talks are still ongoing but this would likely mean that this includes Tesco biscuits, condiments, spices and coffee.

© Provided by The Rakyat Post
Don’t worry, you’ll still be seeing some Tesco products on the shelves. (Credit: TRP)

Tesco Clubcard members can also breathe  sigh of relief as your rewards points will be converted to Lotus’s with no change. The new loyalty programme will allow customers the flexibility to choose and convert points to saving vouchers at their convenience while maintaining all existing collected points.

Now that your burning questions have been answered, look out for Lotus’s second and third flagship stores launching in Penang and Johor in May. Stay tuned to TRP for more updates!

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