Where to Shop in JB for Your Retail Fix: Must-Visit Malls and Hidden Gems

JB Malls to Visit

1. City Square JB / Komtar JBCC: Retail Therapy Right Next to Customs

These adjacent malls are well-loved landmarks in JB, boasting unparalleled convenience thanks to their location right after the JB immigration customs.

City Square JB presents a broad array of mid-range shops that cater to diverse tastes, whilst Komtar JBCC offers a more refined selection of upscale and branded retailers.

What to Buy from Here

City Square is well-regarded for its diverse range of fashion outlets, providing options for various styles and budgets. Beyond fashion, you can find entertainment options such as a cinema alongside various restaurants and eateries. Keep an eye out for the festive fairs often held in the atrium, offering unique and seasonal finds.

Meanwhile, Komtar JBCC features a curated selection of well-known brands, including the likes of Victoria’s Secret, Kiehl’s, Pandora, and Charles & Keith, making it ideal for those seeking specific international labels.

Address and Opening Hours

City Square JB:

106 - 108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook,  80000 Johor Bahru, Johor

Open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Komtar JBCC:

City Centre, Ibrahim International Business, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, 80888 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

2. KSL City Mall: All-in-One Shopaholic Haven

Just a short drive from the JB customs, KSL City Mall is a large and bustling destination offering an extensive range of shops and services. With its sheer scale, you could easily spend an entire day exploring its many offerings.

What to Buy from Here

KSL City Mall is a great place to find budget-friendly stores like Yubiso and Daiso, where you can pick up a variety of household items and quirky finds at reasonable prices. Many also head here for affordable beauty services, such as gel manicures and eyelash extensions.

Furthermore, there’s a Tesco hypermarket in this mall, making it convenient to stock up on groceries. For a break from shopping, feast on its wide array of dining options to suit every palate.

Address and Opening Hours

KSL City | 33, Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor

Open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

3. AEON Mall Tebrau City: A Must-Visit for Families

As one of the largest malls in JB, AEON Mall Tebrau City provides a comprehensive shopping experience, particularly appealing to families.

You will discover a wide range of international and local brands here, complemented by extensive amenities to cater to all your needs throughout your visit.

What to Buy from Here

At AEON Mall Tebrau City, you can find popular brands like H&M, Uniqlo, and Padini, offering the latest fashion trends. Under[1]  the same roof, you’ll find a well-stocked AEON supermarket where you can pick up fresh groceries, daily essentials, and a variety of Japanese and Korean food products.

The mall also features a cinema for entertainment and a diverse food court with numerous culinary options. It also frequently hosts engaging events like holiday fairs and pop-up stores, providing even more opportunities for unique purchases.

Address and Opening Hours

No 1, Jalan Desa Tebrau Taman Desa Tebrau 81100 Johor Bahru Johor

Open 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Sun to Thu), 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM (Fri to Sat and Eve of Public Holiday)

4. The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey: A Luxurious Shopping Paradise 

This expansive mall stands as the largest integrated shopping mall in JB modelled after its Kuala Lumpur counterpart. It provides a luxurious and opulent shopping experience, with its sheer size and emphasis on branded goods attracting discerning shoppers.

The overall ambience is reminiscent of upscale shopping districts, offering a premium retail environment. For added convenience, take advantage of the shuttle bus service from JB Customs to the mall.

What to Buy from Here

Anchoring the mall is a prominent three-storey Sogo department store offering a wide range of products. On top of that, it boasts an extensive selection of high-end branded retailers, including stores like Naelofar Concept Store, NARS, Clinique, and a LEGO-certified store.

Address and Opening Hours

1, Persiaran Southkey 1, Southkey, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia

Open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Hidden Shopping Spots in JB

If you’re wondering which places to go in JB to venture beyond the usual malls, here are some lesser-known gems to uncover some unique finds:

Taman Mount Austin: The Foodie’s Happy Place

Mount Austin may sound like a hiking destination, but it’s really a lively district known for its shopping and dining scene.This vibrant area is known for its trendy boutiques, offering unique fashion apparel, accessories, and lifestyle goods, often with a local design flair.

However, what really steals the show is the food scene. Café lovers will enjoy places like People & Places Café for Melbourne-style brunch, The Atlas Maison for French-Japanese fusion, and Just Want Coffee, The Factory 30 for quality brews in a cool, industrial space.

Add in bubble tea spots like Xing Fu Tang and dessert cafés like Molten Chocolate Café, and you’ve got a perfect day out.

Address

Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

B5 Johor Street Market: For Your Inner Eccentric

B5 is an echo of this area’s old name, Batu 5 (5th Mile), evoking a sense of nostalgia in this place. The market emulates the concept behind Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne, where shopping bazaars, food trucks, and arts and cultural exhibitions converge.

Amidst a bustling local atmosphere, you'll find yourself amidst units built into heritage shophouses, actual KTM train carriages, and even old buses, providing a truly distinctive backdrop to your shopping.

During festive seasons, B5 Johor Street Market becomes home to lively performances and food markets, such as the Magika Raya bazaar during Ramadan. Expect childhood favourites like satay, keropok lekor, and takoyaki at events like these.

If you love a good local pop-up or independent store, this is the place for you to discover affordable clothing, accessories, and various knick-knacks. Be sure to explore the ‘Box Park’ section of the market, which is crafted from old shipping containers that tell a story of this area’s past.

Address and Opening Hours

Jalan Tampoi, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, 81200

Open daily from 11.30 AM to 12:00 AM

RedChilli Vintage: Pre-Loved Clothes with an Edge

If you appreciate retro and pre-loved items, RedChilli Vintage is a must visit. This vintage shop offers a curated collection of clothing, accessories, and unique pieces that go beyond typical thrift store finds.

Step into its distinctive purple and blue-lit interior adorned with quirky trinkets and browse through racks brimming with stylish workwear, well-preserved denim, and coveted vintage band tees.

You might even stumble upon designer treasures from the likes of Ralph Lauren, Vivienne Westwood, Billionaire Boys Club, CDG, and Balenciaga. With a quality unique piece like that, your wardrobe will definitely be getting a glow-up.

Alternatively, if you’re more into the Y2K street style, you can get your fix with graphic tees, cargo pants, and distressed denim here.

Address and Opening Hours

15C Jalan Dhoby, Off Jalan Pahang, Johor Bahru

Open daily from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Shopping Smart in JB with CIMB Credit Cards

JB stands out as a fantastic shopping destination for its diversity of options to suit every taste and budget. So, to make your shopping spree even more enjoyable, having a seamless payment method is key.

Consider the CIMB Visa Infinite card, one of the best credit cards for travel and cross-border excursions. With this CIMB credit card, you can enjoy unlimited cashback on all your eligible foreign currency spend, alongside a wealth of CIMB deals and discounts across dining, retail, and lifestyle outlets in both Singapore and Malaysia – all with no annual fee. Terms and conditions apply. 

So, as you plan your JB shopping adventure for 2025, consider making your CIMB Visa Infinite your go-to card for all your overseas spending. Your getaway awaits!

Disclaimer: Business opening hours are accurate at the time of writing but may be subject to changes. The businesses mentioned are (i) not undertaken or endorsed by the Bank, and the Bank makes no warranty or representation as to the quality, merchantability or fitness for purpose of the featured business’ goods and services; and (ii) not related and/or affiliated with the Bank, and the Bank shall not bear any liability in connection with the mentioned business’ goods and services.