We aim to sell our customers good quality products at a fraction of the price, so that they too can improve their quality of life.
A mere five-minute walk from the offices of Expat Living, secondhand furniture store Hock Siong & Co is a gem for those in search of a bargain. We sit down with manager BRILLYN TOH to find out why her father set up the business and how it has become a hipster haven.
Who started Hock Siong and why?
It was set up by my father, Toh Chin Siong. From my grandparents’ time, we were already a family of karung guni (rag and bone men) that collected old newspapers, clothing and electrical appliances from landed properties and HDB flats. However, with the competition of brand new yet cheap items from China, the karung guni business was facing its sunset. In 1998, during the Asian Financial Crisis, my father’s business failed and he switched to buying used hotel furniture. From that time, we dealt in secondhand goods from the hotels such as furniture and kitchenware.
Other than our history of dealing with used items, we are in this business because we believe in recycling. The items from the hotels are good quality and usually still in good condition, and can therefore be reused or repurposed. We also believe in creating a better standard of living for our customers – some may not be able to afford brand new furniture of the same quality. At Hock Siong we aim to sell our customers good quality products at a fraction of the price so that they too can improve their quality of life.
How have you seen the business grow, both in terms of size and popularity?
Denne historien er fra July 2016-utgaven av EL Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July 2016-utgaven av EL Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Save your Spine at Work!
Sitting in an air-conditioned office has its benefits in steamy Singapore. But, long, sedentary days can play havoc on our necks and backs. Here, orthopaedic surgeon DR YILUN HUANG talks about spinal issues faced by office workers, and how to treat and prevent them.
Curry, Spice & Everything Nice
Craving a curry? Whether you're dreaming of a creamy korma or a biryani, the EL team went all in, indulging in everything from buttery parathas to tangy papdi chaat. We explored the best of Singapore's Indian dining scene, and trust us-these spots will spice up your life!
Is It Really Backed Up in the Cloud?
SARAH and BO PINEL of Tekkie Help break it to us that cloud storage is not a data backup. Here's why that's the case and how we can rectify the problem.
Finding Eco-Luxury In Fiji
Here's a destination that's often a little bit off the travel radar for people in our region - but definitely shouldn't be!
Perfect Pearly Whites!
Knowing you have white, sparkling teeth beneath your lips is a sure-fire way to make you smile with confidence. If you've noticed your teeth looking more yellow than \"hello\" lately, perhaps it's time for a visit to a dental clinic for a teeth-whitening session.
Festive Fashion Show!
As the year draws to a close, now's a good time to stock up on festive fashion. White Ginger has released a fab new line just in time for party season. Plus, it's hosting a fun multilabel fashion soiree so you can view the looks with tasty bites and a glass of vino in hand!
48 Hours in Patong
CHERRY LAI checks into the sparkling new M Social Hotel Phuket for a weekender full of food, fun and relaxation.
Ticket to Thailand
Are you physically here but mentally on a beach in Thailand? We've found destinations for two types of holiday-goers: one for someone looking for a place to chill, and another where you can also let loose!
Laying Out Memories Through Food
YASMIN, JESSICA and PEARL are the local co-founders of The Plattering Co. They share their favourite parts of doing business with each other and a few of their hobbies outside work hours.
A Musical Community
The new Pops Chorus and Orchestra at Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) has students, parents, staff and even the Master involved. SIMON BURBURY tells us more - including where you can catch their performances.
