Written by Jo Yee
When gear costs more than the food on your plate nowadays, it’s hard to strike a score between making ends meet while having a ‘trendy’ wardrobe. But thankfully, old is the new ‘new’ as we see a growing appetite for DIY styling (while saving on some of that moolah) that’s an essential factor that plays into the reason why bundle stores are popping up at almost every corner in town.
While there is a never ending stream of new bundle stores coming up, here are some of our best picks right in your neighbourhoods to satisfy that retail therapy itch while also, helping the planet out a little bit through recycling.
Jalan Jalan Japan
Jalan Jalan Japan has probably one of the most extensive collections of bundle items that are interestingly imported from, well clearly, Japan. Spanning over two floors and covering over a variety of items that ranges from clothing to just any form of collectible you can think of, going through Jalan Jalan Japan is akin to opening Pandora’s Box.
It’s hard to resist getting something as there is literally something for everyone, but those with sensitive noses beware as it might get slightly stuffy with the sheer volume of things stuffed into two packed floors. But dust bunnies aside, this bundle store will be a fun journey for all that have curiosities unsatiated (or just in need of new threads) and is willing to dig deep and for that next cop.
Address : Check out the full list of locations here
Operating hours : Mon – Sun (10 AM – 10PM)
OK GO Store
Perhaps one of the best curated (and hand-picked!) vintage clothing store in town, this quirky store is not exactly the biggest one but it definitely holds bits and pieces of treasure. Started by Shakira Idora and partner Zamir Alif, this kitschy store has a penchant for the vivid and the unique, as they single-handedly pick, wash, and market their mostly one-off pieces from their humble Instagram store.
The pathway to OK GO may be located in a slightly desolate mall, but fear not as the owners have left quirky bits of ‘clues’ to lead you to this quaint place that is sure to leave an impression on you with their incredibly reasonable prices for an array of quality vintage items. For more info on OK GO, click here to visit their Instagram page.
Address: RL 23, Level 2, The USJ 19 City Mall.
Operating Hours : 12PM – 8PM
CLOSED : Tuesday & Sunday
Family Bundle Baru Ampang
Competing in the arena of bringing massive truckloads of fresh finds to your neighbourhood is none other than Family Bundle Baru Ampang. Among racks and racks of organized chaos are vintage clothing staples – Hawaiian shirts, bomber jackets, flannels; you name it they have it (and lots of it).
Prices here are down right affordable and since there is a huge amount of certain apparels e.g. vintage blazers, you can be sure to have a good time sieving through the racks for that perfect one, which you will have high chance of. Be sure to allocate a good amount of time for your bundle-diving sesh and as with the other stores – bring your own bag to store your finds as if you can avoid the unnecessary usage of plastic bags, then do it! P.S. it also means you can decide how much to limit or how little to bring home without having to worry about their plastic bags bursting.
Address: 17, Jalan Wawasan 2/3, Bandar Baru Ampang, 68000 Kuala Lumpur, Selangor
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun (10 AM – 12 AM)
Jalan Raja Bot (JRB Vintage Market)
Kickin’ up the experience a notch would definitely be a trip to Jalan Raja Bot or the JRB Vintage Market here within the heart of KL. With hundreds of competitive sellers hustling you to get a new pair of Doc Martens or to buy another “I Love KL” shirt that you don’t need, this night market that is full of character will definitely give you thrills and excitement if being dangerously close to passing vehicles wouldn’t cut it. The incredible variety and amount of goods may be quite daunting, but what is life without living on the edge sometimes, eh?
Parking and navigating the area may be a bit tricky as a huge part of this open-air market is located amongst a busy area filled with bustling vehicles and pedestrians. One way to overcome the parking situation is to park at hotel parking lots located within the vicinity or taking a Grab to this area. The maze-like layout of the market might also make you lose your bearings if you are new to the area so do bring a friend or family member along while you go on this urbane night adventure!
Address : No 48 Jalan Raja Bot, Chow Kit, KL, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Operating Hours : Fri & Sat (9 PM – 4 AM)
Bless Shop
If you want to shop and also give back good juju to society, look no further than the Bless Shop. What started in 1999 as an aim shared by a small group of big-hearted women who wanted to reach out to the community became BLESS, a ministry started by SIBKL to help the less fortunate communities. BLESS Shop specifically raises money to fund projects under them such as:-
- Kenosis Homes for Drug Rehabilitation
- Crossroads Ministry – Rainbow Home for Troubled Women
- Feeding 1000 Myanmar refugee children to give them one solid meal daily
- Giving Myanmar refugee children education support through books and stationery
- Maintaining Orang Asli outreach programmes.
Often looking quite unassuming from the outside, beautiful things ranging from clothes to small furniture and even jewellery can be found at the BLESS Shop.The price for goods start at a very low price of RM3 and all proceeds contribute to the charitable works that BLESS is involved in.
Address: Check for the full lists of locations here
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun (10 AM – 10 PM)
Bandoru Store
Catching the eyes of many passing by Federal Highway, is the iconic-looking Bandoru store with it’s simplistic yet eye-catching red and white store front. With a concept egging in vintage as “better than new”, Bandoru repackages vintage pre-loved goods into a whole new shopping experience for the fellow urbanite.
With supplies coming directly from Japan, each piece is meticulously examined by their workers, says owner Wafi Shari. The store also has a special “Rare and Vintage” corner catered to the most unique finds that you can’t find anywhere else in the store. Aside from rare, vintage goods, celebrities are also invited to showcase their personal picks from the store at the Celebrity Picks area, giving you a slice of their taste in vintage shopping.
Address : Selangor PT7, Federal Highway Batu 3, 40150 Shah Alam.
Operating Hours : Mon – Sun (10 AM – 10 PM)
JBR Bundle
One of the OGs in the scene, JBR has long been servicing thrifters with amazing finds from across the world, taking stock from Europe, Japan, Australia, Korea, and the US. Lucky finders may stumble upon some vintage Carhartt shirts and pants, as well as the random retro Nike ACG gear, to workwear staples from the likes of Dickies and Ben Davies. A fairly extensive collection, and all you gotta do is just take the time to go and dive into its inventory.
The bundle store doesn’t only just stock apparel, as their inventory also comprises of furniture, homewares, appliances and toys. Visitors needn’t look so far either, as outlets cover almost all corners of the Klang Valley, and then some.
With the economy crushing our souls, the way to survival is definitely an adaptive sensibility towards most things in life such as coming up with new and innovative ways to sustain new, urban lifestyles. Fashion doesn’t always have to cut deep into our already bare pockets if we can practice creative and imaginative ways in our daily lifestyle. With a steadily growing trend of bundle stores not backing down, we can see its relevance to society, particularly the youths, more than ever as it is supplying a need – affordable alternatives fashion and perhaps, a better appreciation of of self-identity through fashion.
For a full store list and opening times, click here.
