Ben's Independent Grocer, better known as B.I.G., is heading north. The premium supermarket chain, run by TFP Retail (the group behind Village Grocer and The Food Merchant), signed an agreement with Island 88 in June 2026 to open its first outlet in Penang and the northern region at the Tanjung Tokong mall, with the opening targeted for November 2026.
It will be B.I.G.'s seventh store in Malaysia since the brand started in 2011, following five in Kuala Lumpur and one in Johor Bahru. The store will take up about 29,558 sq ft on Island 88's Lower Ground Floor and become a new anchor for the redeveloped mall.
Shoppers who know the KL outlets will recognise the 'Eat. Drink. Shop.' approach: curated imported groceries, fresh produce and premium food. Themed sections announced for Penang include Barn Butchery, Bay Seafood, B.Organic and Malaya Kitchen. Island 88's management has described the arrival as a significant step towards making the mall a lifestyle destination for Tanjung Tokong, while TFP Retail executive director Ivan Tan said the store would also create jobs and economic activity in the area.
The exact opening date and trading hours had not been announced at the time of writing, so watch the brand's and Island 88's channels in November. Island 88 sits at the junction of Jalan Tanjong Tokong and Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang, and several Rapid Penang routes stop right outside.
Highlights
- First B.I.G. in Penang and northern Malaysia
- About 29,558 sq ft on the Lower Ground Floor
- Barn Butchery, Bay Seafood, B.Organic and Malaya Kitchen sections
Not yet confirmed by the organiser: exact opening date, store hours, price range. We'll update this page when details are published.
How to get there
Ben's Independent Grocer, Island 88, Lower Ground Floor, Island 88, 118 Jalan Tanjong Tokong, 10470 Tanjong Tokong, Pulau Pinang. Rapid Penang 101, 102, 103 and 104 stop along Jalan Tanjong Tokong in front of the mall Open in Google Maps or open in Waze.
More new opening in Penang · What's on in Tanjung Tokong & Tanjung Bungah
Information from Buletin Mutiara: B.I.G. set to expand footprint in Penang at Island 88, Penang Hyperlocal: B.I.G. to open its first outlet in Penang at Island 88, Penang Travel Tips: Island 88 address. Last verified .
Details change — confirm with the organiser before you go. Spotted an error? Tell us.
