Press Release
Central Friday May 25, 2007
A bazaar sold on a novel idea
By Y.P. SIVAM, ELAN PERUMAL and BAVANI Mmetro@thestar.com.myPhotos by CHUA KOK HWA
RETIRED teacher Judy Phoon was looking for a place to sell her hand-painted T-shirts and, at the same time, teach people how to do them. But, the task was not easy.
The rentals were high and the city flea markets were not specifically focused on art and craft works.
Popular: The art and craft weekend bazaar in Subang Parade attracts lots of people.
So, after a futile search, she decided on the one option left – open her very own bazaar that emphasised on art and craft that were affordable.
Today, Phoon's bazaar in Subang Parade is not only the cheapest in town, almost all her vendors hand-make everything they sell.
“The unique thing about our bazaar is that, apart from offering the craft for sale, we teach people, too,” said Phoon.
“Most of our vendors hold full-time jobs and the bazaar is a platform for them to showcase their hobbies and make money in the process,” she added.
Another interesting aspect is that the bazaar is not solely for profits.
“We're also here to do some good deeds in the process,” she said, adding that half the profits were channelled towards the maintenance of several orphanages.
Perhaps that is why Phoon's bazaar is still popular with the people, even after five years.
Some of the fascinating things one can find at the bazaar are bonsai plants, hand-made crystal trinkets and specially designed children's sandals.
A popular booth is 32-year-old Frankie Hew's. He sells crossbred rabbits.
Small is beautiful: Joe Low, 29, plants bonsai for decor purposes and sharing his hobby with others.
“They make cute gifts and are easy to maintain as well as affordable,” Hew said, adding that they were very popular with both children and adults.
Joe Loh, on the other hand, sells his bonsai plants, which he cultivates himself, while Emily Teoh's hand-made crystal earrings are quite popular, too.
There are about 50 vendors showcasing their wares at the bazaar located at the first floor.
The bazaar is open on weekends, from 11am to 9pm on Saturdays and 11am to 6pm on Sundays.
So, after a futile search, she decided on the one option left – open her very own bazaar that emphasised on art and craft that were affordable.
Today, Phoon's bazaar in Subang Parade is not only the cheapest in town, almost all her vendors hand-make everything they sell.
“The unique thing about our bazaar is that, apart from offering the craft for sale, we teach people, too,” said Phoon.
“Most of our vendors hold full-time jobs and the bazaar is a platform for them to showcase their hobbies and make money in the process,” she added.
Another interesting aspect is that the bazaar is not solely for profits.
“We're also here to do some good deeds in the process,” she said, adding that half the profits were channelled towards the maintenance of several orphanages.
Perhaps that is why Phoon's bazaar is still popular with the people, even after five years.
Some of the fascinating things one can find at the bazaar are bonsai plants, hand-made crystal trinkets and specially designed children's sandals.
A popular booth is 32-year-old Frankie Hew's. He sells crossbred rabbits.
Small is beautiful: Joe Low, 29, plants bonsai for decor purposes and sharing his hobby with others.
“They make cute gifts and are easy to maintain as well as affordable,” Hew said, adding that they were very popular with both children and adults.
Joe Loh, on the other hand, sells his bonsai plants, which he cultivates himself, while Emily Teoh's hand-made crystal earrings are quite popular, too.
There are about 50 vendors showcasing their wares at the bazaar located at the first floor.
The bazaar is open on weekends, from 11am to 9pm on Saturdays and 11am to 6pm on Sundays.
posted by Joe at 8:04 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home