Hard at work: Liew (second from left), and Chew (right) spending their mornings helping customers with alterations. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/ The Star
GEORGE TOWN: As Chinese New Year approaches, the rush to buy new clothes is a familiar sight.
But at Rifle Range Flats, it is the seasoned traditional tailors who are revelling in the festive fervour, sewing made-to-measure festive clothes just like yesteryear.
Jenny Chew, 64, has been keeping her vintage sewing machine humming, catering to a surge in customers seeking new outfits or alterations for the upcoming celebrations.
“Business might not be as bustling as before, but I find myself opening the shop every day to meet the demand,” she said.
Her shop space is just 2x2m, complete with a fitting room tucked in a corner.
“At 18, I took up a sewing course and assisted my mother in her tailoring business,” she said.
“In 2003, I decided to rent this unit to start my own venture.
“The shift towards ready-made clothes has veered my focus to alterations, such as shortening, resizing and zip replacements.”
Chew proudly uses a 50-year-old sewing machine handed down to her.
Despite its slower pace, the manual operation, controlled by a flywheel handle and foot-operated treadle, offers her a level of precision she values.
Next door, 90-year-old Liew Wah continues to operate his tailoring business for the community.
Reflecting on the changes in fashion over his 40 years in business, he acknowledged the enduring tradition of creating new outfits for Chinese New Year, especially cherished by the older generation.
“People want unique and well-fitted clothes, especially for special occasions and festivals.
“I’m pleased to see such orders coming in even now,” he said.
Liew, residing at a flat unit nearby, said that despite his age, retirement is not on his mind as the job keeps him engaged.
“In the early 2000s, I served up to 20 customers daily from 9am to 6pm daily.
“But now, I only open from 9am to noon on certain days to provide a service in return for a modest income, as the monthly rent is just RM30. After work, I spend the day with my wife, 85, at home,” he said.
Boutique owner Lilian Lee, 54, draws on her success story from beauty pageants to guide customers in dressing up, particularly during Chinese New Year.
Displaying photos of her pageant achievements at the door, she extends a warm welcome to those seeking to look their best.
“With my experience, I advise customers on dressing up, especially during Chinese New Year.
“There are ways to look elegant, such as posture and ensuring a good fit of clothing,” she said.
Despite her success, Lee acknowledged the challenges faced by the clothing business in the area, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The surge in online shopping led to customers seeking alterations due to ill-fitting clothes bought without trying them on first.
“I’m grateful for my regular customers who continue to support me, including the middle-aged residents here who often visit,” she added.
The Rifle Range low-cost flats in Penang, established in 1969, stand as the oldest high-rise residential building in the state.
Comprising nine residential blocks and over 3,000 units, the flats were initially built for the urban poor. Today, the majority of residents are the elderly.
