Solar panels part of Lahore’s shopping mall

Business group opting for green technology, optimistic about cutting costs

LAHORE: The retail and shopping culture in Lahore will experience a new trend in the coming months.

The Nishat Group’s Nishat Emporium, which is expected to open in May 2016, will not just house retail brands and cater to the growing shopping needs of consumers, it will also feature solar panels that would serve as back-up power for the Rs22-billion complex.



The management commissioned a German company to install the panels, while incentivising retailers through competitive electricity tariffs, effectively trimming the cost of doing business.

“The [saturated market] situation in Europe is compelling existing retailers to look for new markets and Pakistan could be their possible destination,” Kim Culley, the centre’s manager, said. “We are also in talks with British High Commissioner to convince retailers to invest in Pakistan,” Kim added.

Such malls are expected to enhance government coffers in the shape of taxes.

“The government has actually earned close to Rs80 million due to our efforts,” said Head of Leasing Nishat Emporium Ahmad Khan.

Regarding the shopping complex, Culley said efforts have been made to provide a good experience to shoppers.



The structure will offer features similar to those offered in other mega malls in Lahore, Karachi or Islamabad like food-court, a cinema house, children recreation centre, a hypermarket and off course retail shops for local and global brands.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 10^th, 2016.

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