Garden city: A shopping mall in the Taipei Dome complex, Garden City is set to begin trial operations for its final and largest area, Monet Garden, as announced by operator Far Eastern SOGO Department Stores on Tuesday.

According to Focus Taiwan, Far Eastern SOGO's President for Business Operations, Wu Su-yin, stated that Monet Garden, designated as Area B, spans approximately 30,000 ping (99,180 square meters) and will host over 560 brands. Notably, 200 of these brands will be opening their first stores in Taiwan. The expansion aims to position Garden City as a formidable rival to Taipei 101, a renowned shopping landmark in Taipei.

Wu emphasized Garden City's aspiration to become a new landmark shopping center in the capital city. The unveiling of Monet Garden comes after more than 1,200 days of preparatory work. Three other sections-Garden of Lights (Area A), Garden Corridor (Area C), and The Rim (Area D)-have already been opened, with Area A featuring a large cinema complex.

Targeting young and urban consumers, Garden City offers a diverse array of brands, including luxury goods, beauty and cosmetics, sports merchandise, family-oriented products, smart home appliances, and dining options. The mall's basement boasts Taiwan's largest beauty, cosmetics, and perfume shopping zone with more than 50 brands. It also features what is described as Taiwan's first eight-meter-tall perfume fountain, providing consumers with an immersive fragrance experience.

Far Eastern SOGO highlighted Garden City's extensive dining options, with 11,000 ping of floor space dedicated to 150 restaurant brands. On the B2 level of Monet Garden, over 80 restaurant brands will be situated in a 3,000-ping area, including the Japanese supermarket chain LOPIA, scheduled to open in the fourth quarter.

The seventh floor of Monet Garden will introduce 11 international restaurants, including six making their Taiwan debuts, such as Japanese hotpot restaurant IPPIKI and Vietnamese restaurant Maison Viet. Additionally, the eighth floor will feature 11 Michelin-starred or Bib Gourmand restaurants, including Taiwanese restaurant Fu Yuan and The Grill by A Cut, creating a notable restaurant cluster.

Wu noted that Garden City aims to integrate the surrounding cultural and creative park with events such as sporting competitions and concerts at the Taipei Dome, crafting a multifunctional shopping mall that seamlessly blends shopping, dining, and leisure activities. However, Wu acknowledged that the shopping center's location within the Taipei Dome complex presents challenges, as it must adhere to regulations for large shopping malls while accommodating the stadium's significant crowds and ensuring public security compliance.