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18 Million Visitors Can’t Be Wrong - The Grove Blueprint for EVCC™ Pedas RSA

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Image Credit : The Grove , LA


When it comes to transforming a retail location into a must-visit destination, few places rival The Grove LA. Since opening in 2002, this open-air lifestyle destination has become a cultural icon — drawing over 18 million visitors annually, surpassing even Disneyland’s yearly footfall.


As Malaysia’s EVCC™ Pedas RSA prepares to redefine the EV Hub PLUS Expressway experience, The Grove offers a proven blueprint for success.



The Grove LA : More Than a Mall


Developed by Rick Caruso, The Grove was conceived as a “Main Street for Los Angeles,” inspired by the pedestrian charm of cities like Boston, Charleston, and New York. Spanning 575,000 square feet, it seamlessly blends retail, dining, and entertainment in a design that encourages people to linger, explore, and return.


Key hallmarks include:

  • European-inspired walkways and lush landscaping for a walkable, welcoming feel.

  • A central park plaza featuring a WET-designed dancing fountain, choreographed to music every hour.

  • A vintage-style electric trolley, built from a 1950s Boston streetcar frame, linking visitors to the historic Original Farmers Market next door.


Anchored in History


The Grove’s location next to the Original Farmers Market, operating since 1934, roots it in authenticity. The market features over 100 permanent food stalls offering global cuisines — a powerful draw for locals and tourists alike. This integration of heritage and modern design is part of what makes The Grove feel both timeless and current.



Seasonal Magic and Event Culture


Every holiday season, The Grove transforms into a festive wonderland with:


  • A 100+ foot Christmas tree — one of LA’s tallest.

  • Artificial “snowfall” in the California winter.

  • Seasonal concerts, celebrity appearances, and community events.


Beyond the holidays, its event calendar remains active year-round, hosting outdoor movie nights, farmers markets, and live music — making it a place people visit regularly, not occasionally.



Retail Meets Experience


The Grove’s tenant mix is curated to balance global brands like Apple and Nordstrom with boutique retailers and rotating pop-up concepts. Its “Glass Box” pop-up space has hosted trendsetters like Skims, Everlane, and Glow Recipe, ensuring freshness in the retail experience.


Entertainment is another major pillar:

  • A 14-screen AMC cinema offers luxury seating and gourmet concessions.

  • Outdoor spaces host fashion shows, product launches, and cultural events.


The result? A space where commerce, culture, and community meet.


Why The Grove Works


  1. It’s a destination first, a retail center second — people come for the experience, not just the purchase.

  2. Design invites exploration — open-air, walkable, and human-scaled.

  3. Events keep it dynamic — there’s always something new to experience.

  4. Strong local connections — ties to the Farmers Market give it roots and authenticity.



Applying the Blueprint to EVCC™ Pedas RSA


Malaysia’s EVCC™ Pedas RSA is more than a place to refuel or recharge — it’s being built as a lifestyle roadside development that blends ESG principles with visitor-focused design.


Here’s how The Grove’s lessons translate:

  • Destination appeal – Like The Grove, EVCC™ Pedas RSA will feature a curated mix of F&B brands, retail, and services to encourage longer stays.

  • Community integration – Dual access from the PLUS Expressway and local roads allows it to serve both travelers and nearby residents.

  • Sustainability leadership – Achieving Platinum Rated GreenRE status through rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient systems, and natural lighting — making ESG a design driver.

  • Mobility innovation – As an EV Hub PLUS Expressway, it will feature ultra-fast 350 kW EV chargers alongside conventional fueling, serving every type of road user.



Redefining Roadside Development


If The Grove can draw millions to shop, dine, and simply be, EVCC™ Pedas RSA can inspire the same kind of loyalty in Malaysia’s roadside context. It’s not just about charging your EV — it’s about creating a destination worth the journey.



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