In the ever-changing retail scene, where brands often come and go, The Plaza shopping centre in Sliema has continued to stand out for its resilience, attracting thousands of eager shoppers into its multi-storeyed complex each week. Lasting 30 years is certainly no small accomplishment, especially with the rise of online shopping tempting us with its quick-click convenience. So how does a physical space like The Plaza keep its allure when shopping from your couch seems so easy?

“Online shopping has its place, certainly,” explains Chantal Oliveira, Marketing Manager at The Plaza. “But at The Plaza, we've always believed there’s a unique value to providing an immersive and memorable in-person shopping experience that cannot be replicated online. We achieve this through offering exclusive events and activities, diverse dining and entertainment, and a vast variety of luxury and high-end brand shopping options. At The Plaza, we’re about more than just transactions, we offer a true experience.”

Even today, as it reaches such a remarkable milestone, the Plaza isn’t content to rest on its laurels. New, exciting tenants are coming on board, she shares, drawn by the mall’s commitment to a long-term vision driven by customer-centricity, brand consistency, community involvement, and, above all else, quality. 

Key among its new attractions is the recent opening of LUCY World. Spanning 300 square metres, this isn't your typical make-up store. It is positioning itself as a sanctuary of self-care and retail therapy. Currently, it stocks a collection of over 70 renowned yet affordable brands. From skincare and haircare to makeup, jewellery, and accessories, it is acting as a one-stop-shop within the self-care and retail therapy space.

“LUCY World is a refreshing addition to The Plaza. What sets it apart in Malta is not just the products it offers, but the holistic beauty services it encompasses, which include manicures, pedicures, nail extensions, gel overlays, facial treatments, and professional makeup application,” shares Ms Oliveira. “LUCY World have also integrated a cosy café within the space. It's a thoughtful touch, allowing customers to unwind, maybe even as their partners enjoy a treatment or explore the store.” 

The store is set to further enrich The Plaza experience by hosting diverse workshops, classes, and even birthday parties for little Lucy’s in the making. All in all, Ms Oliveira adds, LUCY World “aligns perfectly” with the mall’s commitment to offering a comprehensive and memorable destination that goes beyond traditional retail, creating a holistic environment where visitors can shop, relax, and indulge in self-care. Building on this wellness journey even further, The Plaza's introduction of its F45 gym is another testament to its forward-thinking approach. This cutting-edge fitness facility offers high-intensity group workouts that align with modern fitness trends.

Moving beyond the realm of health, beauty, and cosmetics, The Plaza has also introduced two new culinary establishments that promise to tantalise taste buds: Tiffin Diner and Rey: Bistro Latino. These two distinct eateries offer unique flavours and concepts, catering to a wide range of preferences.

Tiffin Diner channels the soul of American food, presenting a fusion that reinterprets classic favourites. Think sliders and sloppy joes, but always with a creative, flavourful twist. While the dedicated kids' menu emphasises Tiffin's commitment to being a welcoming family-first diner, where visitors of all ages can come together over great comfort food.

Meanwhile, Rey: Bistro Latino offers something entirely different. Here, the rich tapestry of Latin flavours comes to life, from juicy burgers to authentic arepas and empanadas, promising an explosion of taste with every bite. 

“The Plaza's food hall brings the tastes and flavours of the world together in one vibrant space, and Tiffin Diner and Rey: Bistro Latino are a welcome addition that provide even more culinary diversity to the area,” notes Ms Oliveira. “Whether you're seeking the exotic allure of Hawaiian cuisine, the bold flavours of Peruvian dishes, the culinary delights of Italy, or the excitement of global fusion, our food hall promises a memorable culinary journey that caters to a wide spectrum of preferences, ensuring more exciting dishes and flavours to explore with each visit.”

In the competitive arena of Malta's shopping malls, The Plaza has been a frontrunner, turning to innovation to ensure its standout status. A case in point is its new esports centre. Here, gamers can book a spot, choose from powerful PCs or the latest PS5 consoles, be it for a solo session or to battle it out with other gamers over a friendly or competitive tournament. The PS5 pods even come complete with expansive screens and comfortable sofas. 

Esports Plaza is focussed on community. It's a venue where kids can celebrate birthdays, companies can engage in a different kind of team-building experience, and friends can bond over shared adventures where they can take their pick from a whole range of fan-favourite gaming titles.

“Esports has seen a meteoric rise in appeal,” Ms Oliveira observes. “Our esports centre showcases our commitment to being ahead of the curve. By offering a vibrant hub for gamers and enthusiasts, we're not only expanding our audience but reiterating our ethos that The Plaza is a space that celebrates and caters to the multifaceted interests of all its visitors. We’re looking forward to seeing how Esports Plaza evolves into a true gaming hub on the island.”

With all these recent changes and announcements, 2023 has already been a busy year for The Plaza. But the popular shopping centre is set to continue innovating and evolving its offerings and experiences going forward. 

A significant part of this journey involves upgrading and maintaining its physical spaces. At The Plaza, Ms Oliveira attests, there's an understanding that staying current means staying attuned to the tastes and needs of its visitors. Hence, constant upgrades are more than just cosmetic, but are about enhancing the overall mall experience.

Moreover, sustainability is a crucial part of these changes. With initiatives like adopting alternative energy, integrating eco-friendly tools, and maximising energy efficiency, The Plaza is not just aiming for an enhanced retail journey, she adds, but also taking meaningful strides towards a sustainable future.

“The future of The Plaza is one of continuous innovation, attracting new tenants, immersive experiences, culinary diversity, sustainability, and a commitment to our customers’ well-being. Our vision is to be more than just a destination—it's about creating a dynamic and ever-evolving space that caters to people’s interests, enriches their experiences, and leaves them eager to return for more of The Plaza Lifestyle,” Ms Oliveira concludes.