PETALING JAYA: FEW people know that besides saving money, visiting second-hand or used furniture stores is like embarking on a treasure hunt.
Inside Kedai Kaki Lelong (KKL), a 1.2ha used furniture shop in Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, one would be overwhelmed by the sight of many items, ranging from mattresses, silverware, sofas, to ice-cream display freezers, toasters and shoe polish.
There are treasures here as KKL buys furniture from five-star hotels that often have their tables, chairs and beds custom-made by international designers.
KKL also sources goods from insurance claims, Customs and court auctions, and shuttered factories, offices and shops.
“We sell our items for less than 60 per cent of the original price. There are unique pieces because they are custom-made.
“Our customers include students, newlyweds, university hostels
and small hotel owners,” KKL chairman James Pond told the New Straits Times, adding that buying from second-hand stores was smart because of the low prices and good quality.
There are many who shun second-hand shops with the perception that used items are “junk”.
At KKL, furniture is refurbished and looks as good as new, while spoilt items are labelled “damaged” to avoid accidental sales.
“Many times, we had to refuse buying used goods as the quality was bad,” said KKL chief executive officer Susma Suresh.
“When big businesses close down, many small ones are opening and they come to places like ours to buy furniture,” Susma said.
PJ Junk Store, a second-hand store in SS2, Petaling Jaya, caters
to those renting out offices or apartments, and sells items in bulk.
“People need to understand how buying a good used item at lower prices is better than buying new items,” said store manager Jason Thoo.