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.
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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
Injury-free Skiing!
You've compared the various resorts' vital statistics, après ski options and historical snowfall data, and you're ready to hit the slopes this holidays! In this first of two articles, orthopaedic surgeon and ski-tragic DR DERRICK OH gives advice on how you can prevent skiing injuries.
Braces Vs Invisalign First!
Teeth straightening for kids can achieve more health benefits than just a great smile. Here, dentist DR ALEXIA KWAN talks about the pros and cons of the two main options: traditional braces and Invisalign First.
CAN OBESITY LEAD TO HEART ATTACKS?
Maintaining a healthy weight is more than just a matter of appearance - it's a vital aspect of heart health. DR MICHAEL ROSS MACDONALD, a senior consultant cardiologist at The Harley Street Heart & Vascular Centre, discusses how weight affects our heart and ways to manage it.
Achieving with Development Assessments
Every parent prioritises the wellbeing and optimal development of their child. Paediatric physiotherapist WAN YING TEH specialises in babies and children and tells us why a physiotherapy development assessment can help you achieve just this.
POWER WORKOUTS REDEFINED
It's easy to let fitness slide during the festivities, but keeping up your routine doesn't have to be a chore. These quick, high-burn workouts make it simple to stay active, boost your energy, and keep that waistline in check - no matter how packed your calendar gets!
TROPICAL TOWer
If you love a staycation option with strong eco credentials, try this lofty - and leafy - hotel in the heritage district of Tanjong Pagar.
A Boutique Resort in Malaysia
Inside a serene tropical sanctuary that combines contemporary design with nature.
A Guide to Lombok
As I floated on a surfboard, my instructor called out “go, chilli man!” to his friend carving along a breaking wave. He turned to me and said, “Have you tried the chillies here? They’re just like our island and our surfers: small but spicy.”
Thailand: City & Mountains
My two daughters are well into their teens, and in the blink of an eye they'll be heading off on holidays with groups of raucous friends rather than with their annoying parents.
Recipe CORNER
This holiday favourite combines the warmth of traditional spices with the rich textures of dried fruits. Enjoy with a cup of tea or a glass of mulled wine!
