You’ve definitely stepped into an MR.DIY at some point, whether is to grab a lightbulb, pick up cheap stationery, or fix a kitchen mishap for less than RM10. It’s one of those stores you can find almost anywhere.
But then, perhaps you have seen something new at Mid Valley Megamall or Johor Bahru’s Southkey Mall: a massive, glimmering version called MR.DIY PLUS. Bigger, brighter, and fancier. You might have even thought: Is this a new brand, or just a bigger MR.DIY?
What Exactly is MR.DIY PLUS?
MR.DIY PLUS isn’t a new chain , but it’s MR.DIY’s flagship lifestyle concept. It designed to give you a mall-worthy shopping experience while still keeping prices low. Think of it as the “megastore edition” of MR.DIY, built for family weekends rather than quick errands.
From Humble Hardware to Household Name
The story of MR.DIY is one of Malaysia’s biggest retail success stories.
It all started in 2005 with a small hardware shop in Kuala Lumpur. The formula was simple, which is everyday essentials at rock-bottom prices. From hammers to hair clips, it sold everything under one roof, and did it cheaper than anyone else.
By the early 2010s, MR.DIY stores were sprouting up in nearly every town, mall, and neighborhood. The yellow-and-black signage became a familiar sight, as well as a symbol of affordability and convenience.
Fast-forward to today, MR.DIY operates over 1,200 stores in Malaysia and thousands more across Southeast Asia, making it one of the region’s biggest retail chains.
And as Malaysians became more urban, more mall-centric in their lifestyles, MR.DIY decided it was time for its own evolution.
How MR.DIY PLUS Started?
In November 2022, MR.DIY launched its first MR.DIY PLUS outlet at Mid Valley Southkey, Johor Bahru. It was unlike anything the brand had ever done before.
Spanning over 30,000 square feet, this flagship combined three MR.DIY Group brands:
🛠 MR.DIY
🧸 MR.TOY
💸 MR.DOLLAR
all under one roof.
The result is a shopping experience that is part department store, part theme park, and still proudly MR.DIY at its heart. As the tagline says, “Bigger. Better. More Choices.”
How is MR.DIY PLUS Different From “Regular” MR.DIY?
Here’s a quick side-by-side breakdown of what makes MR.DIY and MR.DIY PLUS distinct:
| Category | MR.DIY | MR.DIY PLUS |
|---|---|---|
| Core Concept | Value retail chain for everyday essentials | Flagship megastore uniting MR.DIY, MR.TOY & MR.DOLLAR |
| Store Size | 10,000 to 20,000 sq. ft. | 30,000 to 40,000+ sq. ft. |
| Location Type | Neighborhoods, shoplots, small-town malls | Premium malls (Mid Valley Southkey JB, Mid Valley KL) |
| Product Range | ~18,000 SKUs | ~30,000 SKUs (includes toys, snacks, RM2 to RM5 items) |
| Price Positioning | Budget-first | Same prices, but broader product mix |
| Ambience | Functional, simple | Bright, modern, lifestyle-themed |
| Experience | Quick and practical | Leisurely, family-oriented “mall day out” |
| Brand Mix | MR.DIY only | MR.DIY + MR.TOY + MR.DOLLAR combined |
| Target Shoppers | Value hunters and everyday shoppers | Urban families, young professionals, tourists |
| Digital Features | MR.DIY app promotions | Digital screens, immersive zones, app tie-ins |
| Loyalty Program | MR.DIY app membership | Same app ecosystem, enhanced events & activations |
How Did MR.DIY PLUS Get Here?
To understand MR.DIY PLUS, here is a look at the bigger timeline:
- 2005: The first MR.DIY opens in Kuala Lumpur, a modest hardware and household goods shop.
- 2010-2015: The expansion boom; MR.DIY now becomes the one-stop store for cheap home fixes.
- 2016-2020: The brand diversified into new categories and countries, introducing MR.TOY and MR.DOLLAR.
- 2020: MR.DIY lists on Bursa Malaysia to raise funds for innovation and larger store formats.
- 2022: The birth of MR.DIY PLUS, a mega concept bringing all three brands together for the first time.
Today, the brand has two MR.DIY PLUS outlets, namely in Johor Bahru and another at Mid Valley Megamall Kuala Lumpur, which opened its door in 2024. More are planned for Penang and Sabah in the coming years.
What Makes MR.DIY PLUS Special
Walking into MR.DIY PLUS feels a little different.
You still see the familiar yellow branding, but it’s surrounded by digital panels, thematic displays, and wider walkways. The space is airier, the music more upbeat, and the aisles are arranged in lifestyle “zones” instead of product category.
🏠 Home & Living Zone
Cushions, décor, kitchen organizers, lighting. All styled in a way that actually gives you ideas.
🧸 MR.TOY Zone
Dedicated kids’ play area with brightly colored aisles. It feels more like a toy wonderland than a store section.
💸 MR.DOLLAR Zone
Rows of snacks, drinks, and novelty items priced at RM2 or RM5, perfect for impulse buying.
💡 Digital Experience
Large interactive screens showcase promos and tips, while MR.DIY app QR codes let you collect digital coupons or participate in lucky draws.
It’s not just a store anymore, it’s an experience. The vibe is closer to Don Don Donki or Daiso flagship outlets than your average MR.DIY.
Don’t get it twisted. The classic MR.DIY isn’t going anywhere!
In fact, it’s still the core of the brand’s empire. The smaller neighborhood stores keep MR.DIY’s promise alive: “Always Low Prices.”
They’re simple, quick, and practical.
You know exactly what you’re getting: no frills, no distractions, just row upon row of affordable tools, cleaning products, stationery, and home items.
The design hasn’t drastically changed, and it doesn’t need to. The magic of MR.DIY lies in its consistency: you can walk into any outlet in Malaysia and find what you need in under five minutes. It’s the kind of store that saves the day when your light bulb blows, your sink leaks, or your kid suddenly needs school supplies the next morning.
Is There A MR.DIY Membership?
Both MR.DIY and MR.DIY PLUS share the same MR.DIY App membership program, where you can:
- Earn points for every purchase.
- Access digital vouchers and flash deals.
- Redeem rewards or get instant discounts during member campaigns.
The app also doubles as a store locator and promo hub, so you’ll find both MR.DIY and MR.DIY PLUS promotions listed in one place.
However, MR.DIY PLUS often gets exclusive on-ground events like think family contests, influencer meetups, and product demos. Because of its size and mall setting, it serves as a hub for group-wide activations (including MR.TOY and MR.DOLLAR campaigns).
So if you’re after a deal, both formats reward you equally.
If you’re after an experience, MR.DIY PLUS gives you more to enjoy while you earn those points.
🔗 Tip for Shoppers
Download the MR.DIY App (available on iOS & Android) to:
- Earn loyalty points for every purchase
- Access members-only promotions
- Locate nearby MR.DIY and MR.DIY PLUS outlets
- Receive early alerts for Mega Sale and PLUS-exclusive events
Why Did MR.DIY Create The PLUS Concept?
It’s not really about the size, but part of its expansion strategy to tap into broader customer base.
The retail landscape in Malaysia is changing fast. Malls are no longer just shopping destinations; they’re leisure spots for families. Brands like Watsons Pink, Guardian Flagship, and AEON MaxValu Prime are already blending retail with experience.
MR.DIY saw that shift and built PLUS to stay ahead of it.
The goal: to evolve from being seen as a “discount hardware store” to becoming a modern lifestyle retailer which affordable, but aspirational enough for weekend outings.
It’s also about brand synergy. MR.DIY Group now operates three brands:
- MR.DIY – core retail (home, tools, essentials).
- MR.DOLLAR – fixed-price snacks & household items.
- MR.TOY – kids’ and family entertainment.
By merging them under MR.DIY PLUS, the company gets higher footfall, cross-selling opportunities, and a single destination for families to shop together.
Do Things Cost More at MR.DIY PLUS?
Here’s the good news, no.
The pricing structure at MR.DIY PLUS is the same as regular MR.DIY stores. The difference is in the assortment and ambience, not the prices.
You might, however, find:
- More variety in certain categories (e.g., home décor, toys, premium organizers).
- Exclusive collabs or new product launches tested at PLUS outlets first.
- Seasonal zones (e.g., Raya décor, school season corner) with larger selections than a standard MR.DIY can carry.
So if you’re shopping purely to restock basic items, the regular MR.DIY near your home will do just fine.
But if you want to explore and get inspired while you shop, MR.DIY PLUS is where it’s at.
How To Make The Most Out Of MR.DIY?
| Your Shopping Goal | Go To |
|---|---|
| Fixing home items, school supplies, or quick DIY needs | MR.DIY |
| Buying snacks, party goods, or small toys | MR.DIY PLUS (MR.DOLLAR Zone) |
| Weekend family outing | MR.DIY PLUS |
| Tight on time and just want to grab-and-go | MR.DIY |
| Looking for new home décor or storage inspiration | MR.DIY PLUS |
| Chasing discounts via app promos | Both are same reward system |
Final Verdict
MR.DIY remains the everyday hero: small, fast, affordable, and always there when you need it, while MR.DIY PLUS is the evolution of that hero: bigger, brighter, and built for families who love to explore while they shop.
Both share the same DNA, which contain low prices, wide variety, and unbeatable convenience, but PLUS adds a new dimension: experience.
So the next time you walk past that giant MR.DIY PLUS sign glowing inside a mall, don’t just think “another hardware store.” Step in, take a stroll, and you’ll see how Malaysia’s favorite budget brand has quietly turned into one of its most exciting retail experiences.