{
  "id": 5254084,
  "title": "2AM opens first Malaysian store, eyes Japan as it bets on 3D-printed shoes over fashion labels",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/2am-opens-first-malaysian-store-eyes-japan-as-it-bets-on-3d-printed",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-03T04:56:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/life/2026/09/03/2am-opens-first-malaysian-store-eyes-japan-as-it-bets-on-3d-printed-shoes-over-fashion-labels/233754"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR, September 3 — Fashion-forward tech company 2AM has launched its first dedicated store in Malaysia at IOI City Mall, signaling its debut in the local retail landscape with ambitions to expand into Japan. Leveraging 3D-printing technology, 2AM distinguishes itself as a technology-driven brand within the fashion industry, challenging traditional notions of footwear design and production. \"Consumers today are increasingly interested not only in how a product looks, but also in how it is made, what technology sits behind it, and what possibilities that technology can create,\" remarked the Malaysian team. By employing 3D printing, 2AM gains flexibility in crafting unique shoe forms, structures, and functionalities, while also embracing recyclable materials and minimizing material waste compared to conventional shoe manufacturing. Targeting a predominantly male audience aged 22 to 55 with higher disposable income, the brand caters to consumers who value distinct experiences. To align with this positioning, the inaugural Malaysian store is set within IOI City Mall, a premier shopping destination in Malaysia. Departing from traditional retail layouts, the store adopts a curated style, showcasing a limited range of shoes presented as curated art pieces. The opening ceremony, held on August 28, featured appearances by celebrities and influential figures, offering attendees a firsthand look at 2AM's technological innovations and fashion-forward offerings. Following the success of its inaugural store, 2AM is set to expand with a second location at Sunway Pyramid on September 15. Additionally, the brand aims to establish a presence at major shopping centers across Malaysia, including Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, The Exchange TRX, Mid Valley, 1 Utama, and KLCC, while maintaining a selective approach to new locations to ensure alignment with its brand identity. Beyond Malaysia, 2AM envisions expanding its footprint into Southeast Asia, with Japan as its eventual target destination. Over the next three to five years, the brand aims to solidify its position as a pioneer in 3D-printed footwear and fashion, while actively fostering collaborations with local brands, creatives, and the broader fashion and art communities in Malaysia.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 — Tech-fashion footwear brand 2AM has opened its first standalone store in Malaysia at...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Japan Times",
        "title": "Hongkong Land eyes billion-dollar property deals in Japan",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/hongkong-land-eyes-billion-dollar-property-deals-in-japan",
        "published": "2026-09-03T09:25:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}