The shop, more than four decades old, is owned by 71-year-old Lee Wan Sang.
“When I started my business in Klang, this building was not even constructed yet. I only had a small shop nearby,” he told FMT, explaining that he moved into the new premises only in 1990.
Lee said he initially had two businesses here – My Tailor and Johan Tailor, the former operated by his wife, Jee Sing Wah, 70, while he was in charge of the latter. Both shops were located on different floors.
Back then, Johan Tailor was rather popular in Klang, especially among parents who wanted tailor-made school uniforms for their children.
However, in July 2020, Lee decided to merge both businesses into a single entity under My Tailor.
The shop provides tailoring services for a variety of men’s attire. Apart from school uniforms, they sew corporate uniforms, shirts, pants, formal suits, and offer altering services as well.
They are also known for their “baju Melayu”. In the shop, there are several beautifully tailored ones with stunning embroidery that are on display.
Holding up one particular “baju Melayu”, Lee explained, “Our customers have always enjoyed ordering these for Hari Raya or weddings. In fact, we can even tailor them for young children.”
Lee said that all he requires is a photo of the design his customers want, and he will try his best to meet their requests. “I will also ensure that the finished product would not only look beautiful, but be comfortable to wear as well.”
After all, Lee believes that to be a good tailor, customer service is paramount. “We must pay attention to what customers are asking for and ensure that they are always satisfied.”
A tailor for more than 50 years
This is certainly valuable advice, given that Lee has extensive experience in the industry.
Recalling his journey, he shared, “I started as an apprentice in a tailor shop in Kuala Lumpur when I was only 16 years old. Back then, we didn’t have schools to learn the trade, and this was how we picked it up.”
After three years, he left to start his own business and according to him, the economy in the 1960s was booming. “So, I thought that tailoring would be a good way to make a living.”
Looking back, he explained that his business flourished from the 1980s to the mid-1990s. “There was still a demand for tailored clothes then.”
However, after 2000, he observed that more people preferred to buy ready-made clothes. “This took a toll on our business. Similarly, I believe that a lot of other tailors were also affected.”
“With more shopping malls these days, people rarely come by to my shop. I believe they prefer these malls as they can easily buy all they need at a single location,” he explained, adding that online shopping was also gaining popularity at the expense of his business.
With this change in trends, comes an interesting question – what lies next for this decades-old shop?
Lee paused for a moment and simply said, “I am uncertain about its future. I find a tailoring business like ours very similar to a firework – once it’s released, it shines brightly, and then the light fades out.”
“Yet, I still have customers who do not want me to close my shop, or they will have nowhere else to go. So, I have decided to carry on for as long as I can,” he said.
My Tailor
No 24, Second Floor
Plaza MPK
Jalan Pos Baru
41300 Klang
Selangor
Contact: 019-208 0713
Opening Hours: 12pm – 6pm (Closed on Sunday)