Retelling Retail with Datuk Wira (Dr) Haji Ameer Ali Mydin, Mydin Mohamed Holdings Berhad Managing Director

ThisRetail2U Over Coffee session, held on 8 November, was slightly different from the rest organised in 2019 in that we were taken on a walking tour of Mydin headquarters in Subang Jaya, Selangor personally by Datuk Wira Ameer Ali.

He passionately shared with us his hypermarket chain operations at the home of one of Malaysia’s largest retail and wholesale hypermarket chain. Later through his presentation in one of the rooms, he traced Mydin’s early beginnings in a small wooden shop in Kota Bharu, Kelantan in 1957.

Started by Datuk Wira Ameer Ali’s late father, Mydin has since expanded nationwide with 74 stores. It has gone online as well, collaborating successfully with platforms such as Shopee.

Relaying his experience of what it took to thrive in the challenging retail world, Datuk Wira Ameer Ali played some video clips, including those from the movies made by the talented late P Ramlee, to show how he drew inspirational lessons from them.

Honesty and integrity are key values held high by him and are thus instilled into his staff force. As a leader, he encourages them to take responsibility but make them realise how important each of them is in the company.

Some other things you didn’t know about Mydin

• One of its core strengths is selling Muslimah products. Thus, for those planning for their umrah, it’s advisable to pay a visit to Mydin first.
• It practices fixed price on its wholesale floor.
• It does delivery within five to 10 km.
• The company was a recipient of the Asia Halal Brands Award 2019 under the Heritage Brands category for Best Hypermarket.

During the question and answer session, Datuk Wira Ameer Ali was asked about the growing online presence in the marketplace. He cites the variety of stock Mydin carries and its product pricing as having helped the company survive the competition.

A final word of advice from Datuk Wira Ameer Ali: Never underestimate your competitor.

If you don’t want to miss out the many precious gems from such retail leaders or any interesting sharing, we encourage you to sign up for the Retail2U Over Coffee sessions organised by MRA Youth Wing in 2020!