Thrift shopping has become a worldwide phenomenon, and is picking up steam right here in Malaysia too, according to an article written by The Iskandarian. While there has been a mini explosion of brick-and-mortar thrift stores throughout the country, some innovative entrepreneurs have put their own spin on the trend by opening online thrift stores instead. Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram have made it easier for Malaysian entrepreneurs to begin their own online thrift store businesses - and customers get to enjoy an easier virtual shopping experience too.
Now, you no longer have to travel down to your nearest physical thrift shop just to rifle through racks of preloved clothes. Thanks to the growing popularity of e-commerce, online thrift stores have become an easy way to order secondhand apparel and other items right to your doorstep.
Here are five of the best online thrift stores in Malaysia to find preloved clothing and more:
Revive is one of the newest players in Malaysia’s online thrift store scene, having only opened in July 2020. The store started out selling regular preloved clothes, but their business model has evolved to focus on upcycled custom apparel specifically. Upcycling has followed on the heels of thrifting as another sustainable way to reimagine secondhand clothing into new and creative alternatives. Secondhand and deadstock items from brands including Adidas, Lacoste, and Tommy Hilfiger are reworked by Revive founders Claudia and Anne into chic pieces inspired by popular media such as Scream Queens and Winx. Shipping and delivery is available across both East and West Malaysia.
Though there are online thrift stores that cater to every segment of the secondhand market, Luxury Vintage stands out for its exclusive focus on luxury labels including Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and more. The company was first established in 2006 and has grown to become one of Malaysia’s top outlets for new and mint condition secondhand luxury. Users can both buy and consign their own preloved luxury clothes, bags, and accessories using their online marketplace and the company’s experts assess each and every listed item for 100% authenticity. Delivery and shipping is available in East and West Malaysia, with personal pick-up service for sellers of certain brands or bag types.
Meiisa Wear is a popular online thrift store for young shoppers in Malaysia, with over 15,000 Instagram followers. The store lists selected vintage and preloved clothing on its Instagram page complete with images, size measurements, and the model’s height and weight. Users can purchase items through WhatsApp or their online shopping website, and items arrive clean and ready-to-wear. Delivery is available in both East and West Malaysia.
With over 54,000 Instagram followers, Nedira KL is one of the biggest online thrift stores for apparel in Malaysia. The store offers a wide variety of vintage and secondhand women’s clothing with a more modest aesthetic. Floral and feminine long sleeved blouses, collared tops, dresses, and skirts can be found on their online shop, in sizes ranging from XS to XL. Shipping is available across East and West Malaysia, with free shipping for purchases of seven items or more (no minimum spend required).
Bargain Basement was founded by Datin Joanne Wong in 2016 as a way to declutter her home of pre-loved goods while raising money for a charitable cause. The company takes in free donations from members of the public, which are then sold in their offline and online thrift stores. Sales proceeds are donated to charities and social causes, with over 30 different recipients so far. Their online store includes preloved women’s clothing and accessories, baby and maternity products, books, and more, with delivery across both East and West Malaysia.
With online thrift stores gaining traction, brick-and-mortar thrift stores are making the shift to online shopping or offering international deliveries in order to keep up with the changing market. Why not start with our guide on selling second hand clothes online in and from Malaysia?