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MIRF Proven Formula to Drive the Retail and Franchise Sector
The fifth edition of MRCA’s Malaysia International Retail and Franchise Exhibition (MIRF) has been postponed to 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It will be held from July 22 to 24 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
he organising chairman, T Raymond Woo said, “The Retail market is getting more interesting as new brands are emerging and there are strong indications to want to export Malaysian franchise brands overseas. We see positive participation from new brands, especially from new F&B Concepts and we are still getting lots of new enquiries.”
“MIRF is the proven formula to drive the Retail and Franchise sector. We want to tell business owners to use this platform to explore not only franchising but partnerships, licensing and joint ventures. It is the place for business collaborations, networking and endless opportunities,” he stated at the press conference held at Quill Mall, Kuala Lumpur, a supporting partner of the exhibition.
MIRF has been acknowledged in the Malaysia Book of Records as the largest retail and franchise exhibition.
He added that despite the current trying times for the Malaysian market and the surrounding markets due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it was important for all parties to remain positive, move forward and provide opportunities in the market for retail growth.
Using the same theme as last year,
“Franchise Forward”, MIRF 2021 is expected to have 568 booths and kiosks, a growth of more than 100 booths and kiosks from 2019. The exhibition will occupy Halls 1 to 4.
“MIRF is confident of the growth due to support and collaborations from various retail sectors. We have better partnerships with our Malaysia Bumiputra Designers Association led by Bon Zainal and also Rasta Rashid.
“We also have more international participation from overseas with emerging parties from Japan and Turkey. Needless to say, we are
encouraged to see more startups and birth of entrepreneurs coming on board,” said Raymond Woo.
MIRF 2021 would also feature premier booths at the entrance for exhibitors as well as premier sponsors and supporters, including the Hatchery which will have 100 booths reserved for start-ups, he said.
“There will also be new add-ons for exhibitors such as corporate suites designed to provide more privacy and Business matching areas for discussions or special meetings as well as.
MRCA president Datuk Seri Garry
Chua in his address also encouraged start-ups to participate in the exhibition, especially those providing services, have a successful online business or good product but who may not have the right channel, distribution network or strong retail presence.
“We want business owners to use this platform to explore not only franchising but also partnerships, licensing and joint ventures,” he said, adding that the ultimate aim was to drive forward and develop the retail sector.
He added that Malaysia has huge potential in the tourism industry as the country has a range of world-class attractions such as entertainment spots as well as the seaside resorts.
“MRCA will do our part to enable MIRF to attract more tourists and in creating more business,” he said.
Dato’ Dr Jennifer Low, Executive Director of Quill Group and also one of the MRCA President Advisors, said, “The Quill Group is always willing to support the retail industry. As for Quill Mall, its direction is always to stay relevant to the retailers and to put retailers’ interest first.”
Among the brands that have signed up for the exhibition are Ayamas, O’Brien’s, Lavender, Hermu International, Gong Cha, Kong Fo Cha and JVV F&B with support from Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation.
MIRF is supported by Bronze Sponsor TM One, as well as Perbadanan Nasional Berhad, Matrade, the Malaysian Bumiputra Designer Association, Quill Group, and international supporting partner Turconsul from Turkey.
