[citation needed] When CK Tang bought the land, it was situated opposite a Chinese cemetery, which, according to cultural conventions, was perceived to bring bad luck.

His appointment led to changes in operating policies, such as allowing the store to remain open on Sundays and introducing marketing strategies to enhance consumer choice.

[6] The building form was influenced by traditional Chinese culture and architecture, modeled after the Palaces in the Forbidden City.

Other features like the distinctive ‘artichoke leaf’ or ‘xie-shan’ roof, designed to repel rain as well as allow wind circulation within the structure.

The ridges of the roofs are aligned with figures of miniature mythical creatures which is a symbolism of formidableness in Chinese culture, along with the stone statues of lions up-front.

Prior to its 2012 transformation, TANGS occupied 15,000 m2 (160,000 sq ft) and boasted five selling floors, designed by New York-based Hambrecht Terrell International, noted for its work with Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy's.

Tangs' first attempt at expanding to Malaysia was in 1993, when it signed a contract with Taiping Consodilated to open a 160,000 square feet (15,000 m2) outlet at Starhill Mall, Kuala Lumpur by mid-1995.