As someone who loves thrift shopping, I’ve noticed a trend lately: Thrift businesses are no longer just about pre-loved or vintage clothes. They’re elevating the experience by combining it with something equally enjoyable—food.
It’s like getting the best of both worlds; a treasure hunt for unique finds paired with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee or sizzling burgers. One such business that has been carving its niche in this hybrid space is Shimokita Space.
Founded by 25-year-old Muhammad Fadzil Normahazan, more commonly known as Jay, this Subang Jaya gem has quickly become a hotspot for college students, fashion lovers, and food enthusiasts alike.
A Japanese inspiration
Jay’s journey began in Japan. After completing his SPM, he lived with his brother there and immersed himself in Japanese thrift culture.
“One of my friends introduced me to thrift stores in Japan, and it was completely new to me,” Jay shared.
Unlike the typical thrift shops he was familiar with in Malaysia, Japanese thrift stores were meticulously curated, often blending fashion with an artistic shopping experience.
His discovery of Shimokitazawa, a quaint Tokyo neighbourhood known for its thrift shops and live music venues, left an indelible mark on him.
“The moment I stepped out of the train station, I saw streets lined with thrift shops and cafes. It wasn’t crowded with tourists, and the atmosphere was unique and memorable,” Jay said. That experience would later inspire the name Shimokita Space.
Turning passion into reality
Shimokita Space officially opened its doors in April 2022, but its roots date back to 2018 when Jay began selling thrift items online.
The pandemic’s shift in consumer behaviour and the growing interest in sustainable fashion motivated him to take the leap and rent a space in SS15, Subang Jaya. With its vibrant student population and appreciation for fashion and good food, it was the perfect location.
He claimed to Vulcan Post that he started out with a modest budget of RM7,000 to transform an old unit using second-hand items for decoration.
From tables to furniture, every detail was handpicked and designed by the team. “Everything from the wall painting and flooring to the furniture and posters was done entirely by our team without hiring any contractors,” Jay explained.
It’s a cosy, Instagram-worthy space with thematic corners like an arcade, a classroom, and a bar-like dining area.
The dual experience
What sets Shimokita Space apart is its combination of a thrift store and a cafe. Jay’s love for food and fashion led him to create a space where customers could enjoy both.
“Most stores either focus only on dining or shopping, which can make customers feel rushed or unwelcome. I wanted to offer a space where people can order food and, while waiting, browse thrift items,” he shared.
Initially, customers came for the thrift items, but over time, the food gained its own fanbase. The smash burger, in particular, has become a crowd favourite.
“We’ve expanded our menu since opening. Previously, we only had one type of burger, but now we’re adding more items,” Jay said. Claiming that the sales of the burgers per month range from 3,000 to 4,000, it seems that the cafe is just as successful as the thrift store.
Curating fashion with purpose
Shimokita Space isn’t just about any thrift items; it’s about quality and trends as well. The team carefully selects pieces, ensuring they align with current fashion trends while still being of decent durability.
“We also work with local thrift shops through consignments, focusing on popular and well-known brands to ensure a curated selection,” Jay explained. Some items are even sourced directly from Japan, adding an authentic touch to the collection.
To cater to specific customer requests, Shimokita Space offers a personal shopping service called Kirim Barang Jepun, where almost anything from Japan can be sourced. “It’s our way of bringing a piece of Japan to Malaysia,” he added.
Overcoming challenges and building dreams
Running Shimokita Space hasn’t been without its hurdles. Balancing his studies with managing the business was particularly challenging.
“I deferred a few times because it seemed almost impossible to complete my internship while running everything here,” he admitted. But with the support of his team and sheer determination, he not only graduated but also built this business along.
The integration of a cafe and thrift store also posed its own set of challenges, especially in managing ventilation to prevent food aromas from affecting the shopping experience.
“We’ve made efforts to separate the thrift area from the dining space and improve ventilation. So far, most customers have been satisfied,” Jay noted.
With plans to open a new location and introduce fresh elements to the business, Jay is optimistic about the future.
“Our goal is to reach more people and give them an experience of what we offer. We’re also open to collaborations and exploring new opportunities,” he said.
Shimokita Space is more than just a thrift store or a cafe; it’s a space that invites you to linger, explore, and savour the experience.
You can learn more about Shimokita Space here.
Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.
Featured Image Credit: Shimokita Space
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