Branching out and diversifying, ‘The Mall’ way

Makeup and skincare products have seen a boom in Bangladesh in the last few years. With the customer base expanding, product varieties have also increased, and so have the number of online pages and shops selling them. 

However, not all of these shops are trusted sources of original products, although many claim to be. The impact of such non-branded and counterfeit products can have serious implications for the human skin. And although there are regulations regarding counterfeit cosmetic items, the counterfeits still find a way onto the store shelves. 

In today's saturated cloud market of original and counterfeit goods, trusted online stores have become hard to find. Yet one of the most popular websites called 'The Mall' has been striving to provide the best and authentic skincare items since 2014 - imported directly from the drugstores and high-end companies abroad.

The popularity of The Mall is evident. "Whenever I need to buy branded makeup and skincare items, The Mall is my go-to shop as the products they sell are one hundred percent authentic products at a reasonable price. While shopping at The Mall, I don't have to worry about the authenticity of the products," said Shehrin Haque, a regular shopper at The Mall.

In talks with The Business Standard, Robiul Islam, The Mall's operation manager, took us on a tour inside The Mall. 

"We have both a drugstore and high-end products. Some of our best-selling brands are Makeup Revolution, W7, Neutrogena, MAC, etc," Robiul told The Business Standard.

Like any other business, The Mall was also hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. "At first we were hit hard by Covid-19 as people were scared of ordering online but we assured our customers that we take all necessary precautions while delivering the orders," Robiul said.

There were no orders for the first few months of the pandemic. But the customers slowly started placing orders at The Mall's site once they saw that the shop takes all precautionary measures and never lets the deliverymen go near their doorsteps.

Describing the process, Robiul said, "We also encouraged contactless payment and as a result of our precautionary measures that helped regain customer's trust, the business turned around in a few months. Now, the pandemic impact is still there – but it's around 10 to 20 percent, which is a lot lower than it initially was."

During The Mall's six years of journey, they have captured a diverse customer base with a diverse category of products for people of all ages, sexes and skin types. Now, they are trying to go global with their operations; starting with Nepal. 

"We are definitely trying to diversify The Mall even more. We have already introduced a baby category in our product lineup. We also want to introduce more products alongside makeup, skincare and toiletries. And most importantly, we want to go beyond the borders with initial plans to enter the Nepalese market," Robiul told the correspondent.

With 2020 nearing its end, The Mall has arranged a huge year-end sale called "Sale Storm" with discounts up to 89 percent, and the prices start from as low as Tk99. 

So how is the sale going with the second wave of Covid-19 approaching? 

Robiul said, "Sale storm is doing great despite the pandemic. We make the most sales during two sales a year - Black Friday and Sale Storm. Irrespective of the pandemic, the responses have been great. I dare say, maybe even better than the previous years as most people are still unwilling to go out and shop."

The Mall's year-end sale will last till December 31 and customers have a chance to win free gifts and avail free delivery inside Dhaka with purchases over Tk999. 

The Mall Sale Storm

Winter essentials

The Body Shop products have a flat 15% off. The Body Shop Juicy Pear Softening Body Butter and the Rich Plum Softening Body Butter are now available at Tk1190. The Body Shop Born Lippy Pot Lip Balms cost Tk350 and Tk382.5. 

The Nivea Cocoa Butter 48h Body Cream With Deep Moisture Serum now costs Tk899 where as the Dove Nourishing Body Care Pampering with Shea Butter & Vanilla Body Lotion For Dry Skin costs Tk558.

Hair care

The OGX Purifying + Charcoal Detox and the OGX Clarify & Shine + Apple Cider Vinegar shampoo and conditioner cost Tk1050. Garnier shampoos such as the Ultimate Blends The Sleek Restorer Hair and The Weightless Nourisher Shampoo are now being sold at Tk750.

Perfume

Elizabeth Arden Provocative Woman Eau De Parfum Spray costs Tk999. Perfume sets such as the Chloe Perfume De Roses Miniature Gift Set For Women cost Tk4330. If you do not like perfumes, you can choose The Bath and Body Works Fragrance Mists which cost Tk1162.5. 

Make-up

Make-up Revolution products have upto 46% off. Their Glitter Eyeliners cost Tk360, where as palettes like the Precious Stone Eyeshadow Palette – Emerald and Pro Nath Natalia Riwice Limited Edition Eyeshadow Palette cost Tk750 and Tk 862.5 respectively.

Revlon Colorstay 24H Foundations For Normal / Dry Skin cost Tk950. The sale also includes brands like YSL; the Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils - No Need To Sleep is now available at Tk2150. 

If you visit their website: www.themallbd.com, you would be able to see many more items on sale.