Little Big Spenders

Get acquainted with the boutique retailers that are spearheading the zero waste movement in the country.

- NIKITA NAWAWI

OKGO STORE (@OKGOSTORE)

Started out by the owners as a means to garner side income, Okgo Store has become one of the most fashionable curated thrift stores in the scene today. The Subang Jaya-based boutique is the brainchild of married couple and long-time thrifters Shakira Idora and Zamir Alif, and has been in operation since 2017. Hand-picked for their style and quality, the preloved items here can go up to RM350 apiece.

When did you start thrifting?

Shakira Idora: I started back in Melbourne during my study years circa 2012. I remember buying a pair of made-in-England Dr. Martens.

Zamir Alif: It was 2002, I think. The first item I ever bought was a T-shirt.

How do you source the clothing items for Okgo Store?

In the early days, we would go around town to different thrift stores to source the products. These days, we buy in bulk from our suppliers in Japan, United States and Canada. We also buy from resellers.

What do you do with items that don’t sell?

Items that have been in store for more than two months will be donated. Some of them can be upcycled by way of customisation; you could crop the pieces, make a tote bag out of them or acid wash or tie-dye the T-shirts.

What would you say is your greatest find?

Probably vintage Balenciaga, Dior and some band T-shirts. These were sold for around RM300. Some were found in the bulk that we purchased and others at the thrift stores outside Kuala Lumpur. When it comes to thrifting, it’s all about luck.

What are some of the misconceptions about Okgo Store and thrift shop culture in general that you often hear?