Fat Lady Grocery, a neighbourhood store, thrives on traditional trade

The Fat Lady Grocery is open for business from as early as 6am every Tuesday to Sunday. Photos: Nur Amirah Rasyiqah

At 2pm, Pasar Besar Cempaka in Jalan PJU 1/5, Petaling Jaya, was closed for the day. Metal shutters barred the rows of shops on the first floor and all were silent, save for one. A grocer was still cleaning up shop at the end of the aisle. Above him, a sign read “Fat Lady Grocery”.

“Since 1980, when our kids were still young, my wife and I ran the business together,” said Yap Kok Yong, 68, the shop owner, who was happy to share his story.