If you’re unfamiliar with thrift shopping, we’ve got you covered. It’s basically shopping for second-hand products at places known as bundle stores, and there are some excellent items to be found – shoes, electronics, kitchenware, and clothes, of course. For those who’ve never shopped thrift, you may think it’s a bunch of old and unwanted clothes sitting around, but on the contrary…
Some of these bundle stores take the time to curate products too, so if you know where to look, you’ll find, for example, rare vintage items you couldn’t find anywhere else. People have been known to find some designer bargains too!
So, if you want to try your luck, here are some of the best places to shop for pre-loved goodies around Malaysia.
1. Family Bundle, Klang Valley
Family Bundle has 15 locations around the Klang Valley, and besides selling pre-loved clothing for adults, they also have a cafe and (gasp) a grocery store at selected outlets. Shopping here is easy because the team has arranged clothes based on style, so you won’t be lost looking for what you want.
With products as low as RM5, you won’t leave empty-handed. You can shop for their items online if you don’t fancy heading out.
2. JBR Bundle
With 10 outlets sprawled across the Klang Valley, JBR Bundle is perfect for those looking for winter items. We were told their outlet in Banting specifically has plenty of good winter clothing selection. While it may be a trip for some, it’s definitely worth the mileage if you need some affordable buys.
Besides winter clothes, JBR Bundle also has shoes, kids’ clothing, bags, toys, home appliances, books, and even bedding up for grabs.
3. Baden Baden Bundle, Klang Valley
Known mainly to thrift buyers for their menswear, Baden Baden Bundle also has ladies’ clothing, children’s items, shoes, accessories, and most recently, they have added jackets to their long list of items for sale.
One of Zafigo’s contributors managed to purchase a pretty decent long coat for just RM12 and received many compliments for it while on her travels. The pre-loved items at this thrift store chain are definitely of good quality, and we should think so as they have been in the business for over 25 years.
4. Jalan Jalan Japan, Subang Jaya
Since its opening in OneCity in Subang Jaya, Jalan Jalan Japan has received quite the attention. All their pre-loved products are sourced from BOOK OFF in Japan, which happens to be another famous thrift store that sells anything and everything.
Despite what you may think of bundle outlets, Jalan Jalan Japan, strives to give its customers the best in-store experience and crazy low prices! Perfect for shopaholics that want to keep the Earth in mind when on a spending frenzy.
5. Bandoru
One of the first and biggest Japanese pre-loved stores to hit Malaysia, Bandoru has been offering premium pre-loved products since 2016. What sets Bandoru apart from Jalan Jalan Japan is their celebrity picks on rare and vintage items.
A little more pricey than your average thrift outlet, Bandoru remains a favourite with stores all over Klang Valley, and in Ipoh, Seremban, and Johor Bahru.
6. Cash Converters
Cash Converters have been around since 2001, and not only do they sell pre-loved goodies, but you can also trade in your unwanted things for cash. While they have toys, watches, musical instruments, and other lifestyle products, Cash Converters is renowned for its second-hand electronic goods.
7. REFASH, Bukit Bintang
Since 2015, REFASH has processed over 2.5 million pieces of clothing. Inspired by his wife’s many unused clothes, the founder of REFASH, Aloysius Sng wanted to create value in those unwanted clothing pieces and, at the same time, change the way people shop for second-hand fashion.
Not only can you purchase pristine second-hand items at their Sungei Wang outlet in Kuala Lumpur, but you can also sell yours that are no longer of use. You can snag yourself an entire outfit for as low as RM19, and at the same time, you’re doing your part in being sustainable.
8. OKGO Store, Subang Jaya
Founded by a local couple, Shakira and Zamir, OKGO Store quickly made its mark on the local fashion scene with its carefully-curated streetwear pieces. Sourced from countries like Japan, Canada, and the United States, the items here are often sold-out and truly one of a kind find. You’ll find that once an announcement for a new drop has been made on their social media, many will flock to the store in Subang Jaya, Selangor.
Keeping sustainability in mind, OKGO Store up-cycles old clothes that have been sitting on the shelves for over two months by putting them on further markdown or donating them.
9. 2nd Street, Selangor
Looking for premium second-hand items in Selangor? 2nd Street in Subang Jaya and Bandar Utama has got you sorted. You can find fashion pieces from brands like Bathing Ape, Stussy, Supreme, Coach, Michael Kors, and more — all at affordable prices!
With so many low-priced items available here, you may find yourself wanting to spend about half a day hunting for unique pieces.
10. Pedu Bundle, Johor Bahru
Specialising in pre-loved shoes, Pedu Bundle in Johor Bahru attracts sneaker-lovers countrywide in search of a ‘new’ pair of kicks. With sought after brands like Nike and Vans available, this thrift outlet ensures that all footwear sold is of the best quality. So, while the shoes may not be considered cheap, they’re still at bargain prices compared to retail prices.
Sizes are limited, but if you’re in luck, they may have the shoes you want in the right size and your favourite design! Prices for their pre-loved shoes can go as low as RM130.
11. Looop, Kuala Lumpur
A recent addition to the TTDI community (since May 2022), this consignment-based thrift store is THE place for pre-loved items! Besides browsing through their collection, you can also put up your own pre-loved clothes for sale by consigning with Looop. Do look through their website for more details.
Started by three lovely ladies — Bay Doucet, Adani Bakhtiar, and Emma Khoo — Looop helps to rehome your precious pieces. You are encouraged to share your clothing’s life story here. It’s an essential part of Looop’s ethos, and browsing customers enjoy reading them on the clothing tags!
12. Kedai BLESS, KL & Selangor
Kedai BLESS is no stranger to the Petaling Jaya (PJ) neighbourhood, with multiple outlets in the area and one in Mid Valley Megamall. This social enterprise donates its net profits to selected causes that support folks from low-income communities. So, know that when you shop here, besides helping the planet by buying second-hand, you’re also contributing to a good cause.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on 29 April 2022 and has been updated to include more locations
