Weekend trips to JB are back in full force. You’re probably one of many who queues up at immigration. Or, if you’ve read our guide to applying for E-gate to Malaysia from Singapore, one of a select few who can breeze through in minutes to hit up KSL City Mall and the Grecian-inspired convenience store just opposite.
That would be Avery-Day, a kobini (Japanese term for convenience store) that specialises in Japanese goods, on top of the basic cup noodles and potato chips. 7-Eleven enthusiasts might be converted to Avery-Day–ists, as this convenience store is an upgrade from your regular convenience store – featuring an alfresco dining deck on its 2nd floor and plenty of photo ops.
Image credit: Avery-Day via Google Maps
The entrance of Avery-Day is covered in hues of blue and white, along with concrete steps and beach brollies. Inspired by the white bricks of Santorini in Greece, the convenience store applies a modern touch by including neon signs and fairy lights to its decor.
On the 1st floor, there are shelves upon shelves of snacks like cup noodles, potato chips, biscuits, and even ready-to-eat meals. Avery-Day also has a hot food bar selling sweet potato fries and buffalo wings, amongst other fried goodies for a sinful treat.
Image credit: Oh Qian Yi
Apart from the average F&B, Avery-Day is a distributor of Japanese snack brands. Here, you’ll find drinks like the Nonde Oishii Vanilla Soft and Suntory fruit teas, as well as unique ice cream bars rarely found in typical convenience stores.
Image credit: 小虫WeiXiang via Google Maps
From the cashier, take a left to the Avery-Day’s bakery partner – Grab & Go by vburg. The glass display houses pretty cakes, bread, and mouth-watering pastries. Cue a chorus of oohs and aahs. We were just as surprised to find a bakery within a convenience store. It’s perfect for curing sugar cravings.
Image adapted from: @vivixcwei via Instagram
Now, with food and drinks in hand, head towards the 2nd floor via the staircase on the right after making payment at the cashier. If you time your visit right, you might even get rays of sunshine for a lit pic.
Paw-rents, local or visiting, can safely bring their pups upstairs and enjoy their nosh of choice.
Image adapted from: @nurulthaqifah8, @corgi__latte via Instagram
The 2nd floor is an alfresco dining deck sporting the classic Santorini white and blue. Dotted with tables and chairs, the rooftop area is where patrons can chill and munch on their newly-acquired snacks.
In the event that the weather starts acting up and sending showers of rain, there are 2 options to avoid getting wet – open the beach brollies situated by the railing of the deck; or take refuge in the indoor seating area next to the washroom.
Right down to the washroom, Avery-Day is full of IG-worthy spots.
Image adapted from: @myctpie & @jianwennl via Instagram
Yup, they even have their own washroom – decorated in the same blue and white palette. I can personally testify to its cleanliness as well. Before you bounce off to another location, gather up the gang and pose for a cute mirror groupfie.
The spiral staircase proves to be a photospot too, besides being the alternate way to the 2nd floor.
Image credit: @omei_7 via Instagram
Avery-Day’s aesthetic is serving major cafe vibes. Needless to say, I made my colleague take some photos for me to amp up my IG feed. After spending some time here, we had to remind ourselves that we were still in a convenience store.
Located conveniently just across the street from KSL City Mall, or a 10-minute drive from JB customs, this convenience store is a place you can bookmark for when you need a spot to chill at post-retail therapy.
Address: No. 2, Jalan Rusa 6, Taman Abad 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 9am-12am, Daily
Contact: +60 16-250 1266
Add these to your JB itinerary too:
Cover image adapted from: Avery-Day & 小虫WeiXiang via Google Maps
Photography by Alvin Wong.
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