KUCHING: The Kuching scene takes another step up with the birth of Play Trading Company (Play) at Level 2, tHe Spring Shopping Mall (tHe Spring), bringing a different slice of the collectible pie to the community.
UNIQUE PRODUCTS: Play trades in quality collectibles such as Middle Eastern artifacts, European collectibles and Japanese themed products, hoping to create awareness with regards to the appreciation of beauty and design in objects.
Established nine months ago, Play prides itself as a high mix low volume business, dealing mostly with collectibles ranging from fashion items such as exclusively-designed shirts to limited edition weapon replicas like the exclusive G.I. Joe swords.
“We mostly trade in quality collectibles comprising of movie replicas, Middle Eastern artifacts, European collectibles, Japanese-themed products, and even non-functional guns from the first and second world wars,” said Su.
“We are officially licensed to stock and sell these exclusive products, with most of our items imported from America, Taiwan and Europe – countries rich in culture from the early ages.
“Our aim is to bring the society forward with our merchandise, hoping to create awareness with regards to aesthetics and the appreciation of beauty and design in objects.”
This was in line with the limited edition concept originally conceived by his brother and fellow entrepreneur who owns the shop ‘Limited Edition’, also in tHe Spring.
“We are a relatively new business so there might be problems rising in special cases for different customers but we learn along the way and we try to be at our utmost care to ensure that we do not burden anyone unnecessarily,” commented the business owner.
“According to our observations, we note that the overseas markets view these items as collectibles but the local society perceives it differently. Some even find it taboo as they are afraid it symbolises violence, which is not necessarily the case.
“We are trying to correct that mentality here by educating customers who visit our shop. We do our bit to educate the society on the subjects of responsibility and maintenance and not merely just buying our products to show off to others.”
Su stresses that his merchandise are strictly collectibles and not weaponry.
“All our customers need to be 21 years of age in order to purchase one of these collectibles. We will work closely with the official authorities such as the police and the Customs department to ensure that no wrongdoing is done under our watch,” he highlighted.
“To deter customers from misusing these collectibles for violent purposes, we have a record of purchases together with our clients’ details and a photocopy of their identity cards so that we can trace them should any incidents occur.
“This is part of our customised control system approved by the authorities as we adhere strongly to our responsibilities not only to our customers but also to the society at large. This is why we keep close track of all our buyers.” To date, Su believes that there is much room for growth for his business as there was evident growing demand in the society.
“Most of our customers are young professionals in the middle- income area who have an appreciation towards our merchandise. We serve the niche that is growing among Kuchingites according to my observation.”
The company is currently in the process of searching for local tribal products to sell such as Iban and Orang Ulu collectibles to entice the foreign market but they have not yet met a local supplier that has lived up to their standards so far.
“Being the first of a kind, we are continuously learning the ropes of making this business a success,” Su concluded. “We hope that Kuchingites will fully appreciate that someday.”