For several years, thrift shopping has served as an enjoyable shared experience for Generation Z and Millennials, providing a budget-friendly means for individuals to bond over a significant aspect of culture—fashion—while maintaining environmental awareness.
That being said, thrifting has lately become less popular within mainstream culture.
Perhaps it’s due to the scarcity of decent thrift stores. Perhaps it’s because they rarely carry your size. Or possibly it’s because they’re spread out so much that visiting each one becomes quite inconvenient.
If you’ve had any of these concerns about thrift stores, worry not, as I have listed five aspects to consider.
packed
With thrift shops providing carefully selected choices for both indie enthusiasts and TikTok style aficionados. These offerings could reignite your passion for treasure hunting at thrift stores.
1. Taman Paramount
Commonly referred to as the go-to spot for trendy fashion enthusiasts, Taman Paramount boasts a variety of thrift shops offering meticulously selected pieces. No matter whether your closet is filled with beanies and torn denim or floral frocks and cute kitten heels, you’ll likely discover items that match your style.
Don’t have a car? No worries! The second-hand stores here line up along the same strip mall, interspersed with several coffee shops and restaurants, allowing you to keep yourself fueled and lively throughout your shopping spree.
Stores to look for:
FIFTH
,
udou
,
Del’cs Retail
,
Spiral Store
Nearby train stations:
Taman Paramount (KJL)
Bus lines:
PJ04, 780, T790 (
RapidKL
)
2. SS18
For seasoned thrifers, this unassuming place in Subang needs no introduction. In recent times, an increasing number of vintage shops have emerged along this stretch of storefronts, nestled among restaurants serving diverse culinary options and cozy cafes.
Many of these second-hand shops provide a carefully selected range of garments, featuring branded jackets along with vintage jeans or dress pants. As before, all these establishments can be found lined up on the same street.
Shimokita Space
and the bundle shop,
2nd Street
, approximately a 10-minute stroll away in nearby SS15.
Stores to look for:
again thrift store
,
OKGO Store
,
1981 Thrift Store
Also nearby:
Shimokita Space, located at 2nd Street within SS15
Nearby train stations:
SS15, SS18 (KJL)
Bus lines:
771, SJ01
3. Sungei Wang Plaza
Oh, Sungei Wang. This longstanding shopping center is now brimming with shops selling affordable counterfeit Balenciaga shirts and eyewear.
Someone who hasn’t explored the shops at Sungei Wang Plaza throughout the day might think that if there were treasures to be discovered, they would likely be dull and poor-quality. Nevertheless, regular visitors to Sungei Wang Plaza understand that amidst all the commotion, numerous stores continue to provide high-end items that can satisfy even the most discerning fashion enthusiasts.
Since all these shops are located inside the same mall, visiting each one in a single day should not be overly difficult. However, newcomers might find the mall confusing as it resembles a labyrinth. It’s advisable to do some preliminary homework or go along with someone who knows the place well. Additionally, the management will shortly introduce an official navigation tool, so stay tuned for that update.
Stores to look for:
Thrift & Trade
, 2nd Street,
Chaos Rare Clothing
,
REFASH
,
THRIFTED!
Nearby train stations:
Bukit Bintang, Imbi (Monorail, Mass Rapid Transit)
Bus lines:
400, 420, 421, 580
4. Setia Alam
Let’s now explore some lesser-known treasures. Despite having just two thrift shops presently, Setia Alam has witnessed an increase in foot traffic and shoppers from various regions over the past few years. This trend suggests potential expansion with additional outlets targeting younger audiences—such as more thrift stores—in the future!
This area boasts numerous clothing stores and boutiques catering to women and children, as well as charming cafes and restaurants.
If you’re seeking additional activities, there are several parks and trails nearby, such as the Shah Alam Community Forest Trail along with the Setia Utama Pocket Garden and Wetland.
Stores to look for:
Orked Vintage Thrift Store
,
Jikaaa Thrift Store
Bus lines:
SU13A
5. Amcorp Mall
We conclude our list with Amcorp Mall, an authentic historical landmark in the architectural landscape of Petaling Jaya. Located right in the center ofPJ, residents of theKlangValley might be familiar with its distinctive yellow exterior and weathered walls, often overlooking it as justanotheroneof many struggling shopping centers nationwide.
Even though some tourists may agree with that viewpoint, AmCorp’s modest stores offering vintage trinkets, classic collectibles, and specialized antiques provide more than mere satisfaction for material desires; they evoke nostalgia instead.
During weekends, tables are arranged on the ground floor of the mall for use by tiny merchants and temporary stalls offering items like baubles, trendy accessories, and homemade treats.
Even though AmCorp doesn’t have much in terms of genuine vintage or second-hand clothes, you can surely discover the ideal accessory, whether it’s a watch or unique jewelry, that will perfectly complement your outfit, regardless of what style you’re aiming for.
Stores to look for:
Weekend flea market,
Red30
,
Chia’s Cotton Chic
Nearby train stations:
Taman Jaya (KJL)
Bus lines:
PJ01, PJ02, T640, 750, 751
-
Explore more details on these thrift shops
here
.
-
Explore more insights on Malaysian startups from our previous articles.
here
.
Featured Image Credit: OKGO Store / ORKED Vintage Thrift Store
