The one thing Malaysians will never get tired of is a good deal.
But with rising prices everywhere, where can you go if you’re looking for some cheap winter clothes or an affordable fit?
Bundle stores!
Malaysia’s very own take on the thrift store or secondhand store, bundle stores are named after the giant bales or bundles that these clothes are usually imported in.
Clothing isn’t the only thing in bundle stores though, with shoes, accessories, and even toys and knick-knacks from a variety of places like Japan, Europe and the US.
Although most come in pretty rough condition, sometimes you can still find decent pieces or hidden gems! And as seasoned thrift-hunters say – searching is half of the fun!
Here are some of the largest and most interesting bundle stores you can find within the Klang Valley, along with a few tips:
Baden Baden Bundle
Centered around Gombak and Wangsa Maju, Baden Baden Bundle offers ten branches with a focus on secondhand clothing and even bundle/bale sales, with their latest branch at NSK Selayang just opening in May.
Looking for brand-new clothing instead? Check out our guide to the 5 Best Seoul Shopping Spots (for All Budgets)!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/badenbadenbundle/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badenbadenbundle/
Family Bundle
Boasting a whopping 17 branches in both the Klang Valley and Ipoh, Family Bundle stores tend to stick to well-lit, air-conditioned shoplots. This can make your bargain hunting comfier, albeit slightly pricier.
Website: https://familybundlemalaysia.com
Jalan Jalan Japan
Founded in 2016 and well-established in the local bundle store scene, Jalan Jalan Japan specializes in secondhand goods from Japan, which includes everything from clothing to toys and even cookware.
Some might even say too specialized, as they also carry a few ceremonial items that are only really used in Japan. Good for Japanophiles, I suppose!
Nothing beats going to the source though, especially if you’re a fan of Japanese pop culture. Head on over to our Ultimate Otaku’s Shopping Guide to Akihabara to get your anime and manga fix.
Website: https://www.jalanjalanjapan.com.my/
JBR Bundle
Concentrated in the southern Klang Valley, JBR Bundle offers a wide selection of traditional clothing, household goods and toys in their huge warehouse outlets.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbrbundle/?hl=en
2nd Street
The Malaysian arm of a Japanese secondhand retailer, 2nd Street can be found in shoplots, shopping malls and warehouses throughout the Klang Valley.
And if you find yourself around 2nd Street’s SS2 branch, you might want to check out the mouth-watering sausages and desserts at Butcher’s Table & Kedai Coklat PJ!
Website: https://www.2ndstreet.global/
Tips for Bundle Store Shopping
Dress lightly and loosely
Quite a few bundle stores are housed within huge warehouses that aren’t the most well-ventilated, so bring some loose comfy clothes to avoid sweating buckets.
Some areas of these stores might also be rather dusty or grimy, not to mention their merchandise. Wearing casual clothes you wouldn’t mind dirtying is usually a good idea.
Know what you’re looking for
To save yourself the trouble of scanning through a huge inventory of secondhand goodies (and hopefully save a few ringgit), it’s a good idea to know what you’re bundle diving for – whether it’s general categories like clothing or toys to something more specific like a pair of jeans or a down jacket.
Keep an open mind and
Sticking to a shopping list is fine and all, but stumbling across a great find you never planned for is half the fun when it comes to thrift shopping! So feel free to take a few detours here and there or dig a little deeper into that shelf or clothes rack.
Watch out for restock days
But say you don’t find what you want.
While it might be tempting to settle for a roughed-up piece from a famous brand, perhaps it’s best to wait.
Many bundle stores announce their restock days on their social media pages a few days in advance, so keep an eye out to maximize your chances of getting some goodies. Be prepared for large crowds and some jostling though!
Shopping secondhand at bundle stores isn’t the only way to reduce your carbon footprint. Avoiding the pitfalls of overtourism can help both Mother Nature and our fellow humans.
Links
Bundle Shops in Malaysia: Staying Chic, But At What Cost?
https://www.wikiimpact.com/bundle-shops-in-malaysia-staying-chic-but-at-what-cost/
