Damansara Jaya - Commerce

Commerce

The main commercial development in Damansara Jaya, was the Atria which consisted of freehold land measuring 22,161.02 square meters in area together with a 4 levels shopping complex annexed with 2 carpark buildings of 3 levels. Atria, which had been originally planned to house a cinema, commenced life in the mid-1980s as the Kimisawa and Printemps departmental stores. Between 1984 and 1985, traffic jams were common in Damansara Jaya, mostly during weekends when both Japanese and French stores had sales promotions. They were seen as the "must visit" shopping complexes in Petaling jaya, the "less attractive" alternatives being the likes of Asia Jaya, Thrifty Supermarket or Jaya Shopping Complex. The Piccadilly Disco located within the Atria used to be a popular hang-out for teenagers and college students. The disco was famed for its afternoon tea dances and received as much attention for the frequent police raids on the outlet. The discothèque with its main entrance at the side of the building has been replaced by other businesses and since 2008, a language centre. The economic recession in 1988 saw the eventual closing down of these three establishments. Having exited from their brief South East Asian business venture during the 1980s into Malaysia (and Singapore too), Printemps remains as a premier department store in Paris while in Japan, Kimisawa since 2000 has been part of the larger Aeon Group.

Emerging from the downturn, the Lion Group took over ownership of the complex, whereupon the former Kimisawa location became Parkson Grand and Printemps became the Atria Shopping Centre. In the early 2000s, Atria was taken over by Lien Hoe Corporation and the Parkson supermarket was taken over, initially by Tops and later, in 2005, by Giant. Later Parkson Grand ceased operations and moved to 1 Utama. The decision by the new owners that more space is required for redevelopment meant that many long established tenants of mini-shoplots (such as Sweet Florist) on the ground floor near the supermarket had to re-locate. In September 2007 Sweet Florist re-opened on the Ground Floor of Atria, near the information counter.

By 2005, it was very evident that the Atria was very far from the league of the newer and larger complexes nearby such as 1 Utama, Ikano Power Centre and The Curve. The main anchor tenant on Level 3, the Popular Bookstore decided to terminate its presence at the Atria. Popular Bookstore had by then established its flagship store at the newly opened Ikano Power Centre and in addition a smaller branch at 1-Utama. The Level 3 location vacated by the Popular Bookstore was soon occupied by the Big Bookshop. Later, the Big Bookshop also operated a permanent book warehouse at the First Floor space formerly occupied by the Parkson Grand department store. By 2011, the Big Bookshop had vacated Level 3 and consolidated store operations together with the book warehouse on the First Floor.

Nevertheless, the Atria continued to be a popular destination among the residents of Damansara Jaya; the main attractions probably being the convenience in access and the general ease in obtaining a parking space. During most weekends, the Atria thus remained an attractive choice in comparison to having to endure the traffic jams and parking inconveniences of the nearby larger complexes at Bandar Utama and at Mutiara Damansara. It is not unprobable that since December 2007, the Tropicana City Mall in adjacent Damansara Utama has provided significant competition to the Atria's business.

In March 2007, Lien Hoe sold the Atria at RM75,000,000 to OSK Property Holdings Berhad. Nevertheless, ground floor stores were still open for business, with the bustling ground floor centre courtyard are still occupied by traders selling items such as books and clothes.

As for shoplots, Damansara Jaya residents can choose between the 4-storey shops surrounding The Atria or the older 2-storey Mewah shops, i.e. those behind the KDU. More upmarket establishments such as banks (Maybank, RHB Bank and Public Bank), restaurants, pharmacies and clubs are found at the former whereas more traditional businesses such as coffee shops, sundry shops and hardware shops are located at the latter.

Haircare services are provided by various saloons located at the external Atria or Mewah shops or within the Atria Complex. Tyre shops are located at Jalan SS22/25, Jalan SS22/23 and Jalan SS22/21. Car repair and car air-conditioning shops can be found at both the Mewah and Atria shops area. Popular betting shops such as Toto, Magnum and Damacai also operate at Damansara Jaya.