Curtain makers not reaping what they sew due to JB rivals

Fierce competition: Lim (right) supervising an employee at Hong Ming Store. — The Straits Times / Asia News Network

THE boss of soft furnishing company Hong Ming Store, Lim Kien Huat, has spent the past two years watching sales dwindle by 30%.

The number of walk-in customers at his six retail outlets has also thinned considerably, and he is blaming his competitors in Malaysia.

“Many customers go to Malaysian sellers because their prices tend to be cheaper,” said the 50-year-old, who specialises in furnishings such as curtains and blinds.

Lim is not the only curtain maker complaining about Malaysian competitors who have been increasingly targeting Singaporeans.

Some of them drive from across the Causeway to newly built estates in vans and motorcycles, hawking their goods from carparks. Others establish a firm presence online or by phone, and come only by appointment.

Business has been so lucrative that Singaporeans form the bulk of patrons for firms such as Johor Baru-based J&B Curtain and Miki Curtains & Furnishing.

“Compared to customers in JB, Singaporeans are more willing to spend to make their houses look nice,” said J&B Curtain co-owner Anthony Hui, 29, who takes appointments through the phone and website.

Prices go even lower with curtain makers who sell their goods from vehicles.

With no shopfront and rental overheads, mobile vendors can set prices that are 10% to 30% lower than those of Singapore shops.

“You can tell from their number plates that most of them are from Malaysia,” said Simon Neo, 53, owner of local furnishing store Neowin Collection.

Due to the competition, his sales have slid 15% to 20% in the past three years.

But there will be no curtain call for local firms, as some of them are planning to up the ante, raise the competition and stay afloat. — The Straits Times / Asia News Network