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If you frequent Holland Village, chances are that you’ve patronised, or at least walked past Khiam Teck. This charming old-school party supply store, nestled among a plethora of restaurants and cafes, has been a mainstay of the area for more than 80 years. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the shop is slated to shutter on 30 Jun 2024.
According to CNA Lifestyle, Khiam Teck’s impending closure comes with decreased footfall and demand over the years. The shop’s owner, Mr Ang Cheng Hai, divulged that they see about 10 customers a day “when [they’re] lucky”, a jarring contrast to their pre-pandemic numbers of about 100 customers daily.
This could be attributed to the prominence of e-commerce, which has caused popularity of brick-and-mortar shops like such to sadly wane.
Today, Mr Ang helms the store with his sister, Mdm Ang. The store was kickstarted by their late father, making them second-generation owners. As it is a family-owned establishment, ‘killer’ rent hasn’t been an issue for them. However, the extended family has come to the joint decision of shuttering the shop in light of dwindling business.
With old-timey floor tiles, dim fluorescent lighting and a dated signboard, the shop really does look frozen in time. In fact, it pre-dates World War II!
With its closure slated for end-Jun, Khiam Teck will join the ranks of several defunct heritage stores. The most notable of such would be Thambi Magazine Store, a similar Holland Village mainstay of more than 8 decades.
Seeing that many flocked down to the iconic newsstand in the days leading up to its closure on 5 May, I believe that the same could happen for Khiam Teck. Besides, wouldn’t it be fun to relive the 90s and the noughties with a little splurge on party supplies? On that note, you’re probably curious about what awaits you there; let’s get into it!
You’ll first be greeted by several racks of old-school greeting cards, wrapping paper and packets of foil balloons. You’ll be particularly impressed by the sheer range of colourful egg-shaped containers hung in netted bags and lined up in their glass counters.
Another eye-catcher would definitely be the variety of piñatas fashioned into different shapes, such as a birthday cake, fire engine and even a whole princess castle.
Step on in and you’ll find shelf upon shelf of knick-knacks and toys like plastic animals and even good ol’ five stones and marbles.
If you had made your visit a few days ago, you would’ve seen old-school card games with the likes of Old Maid, Snap and Donkey among traditional cardboard versions of board games like Snakes & Ladders, Aeroplane and even Chess Sets. Sadly, they’re sold out now.
Honestly, though, what I’ve written barely even scratches the surface; who knows what other gems you’ll unearth? Be sure to catch them for a memorable last hurrah before they close their doors for good!
15 old-school nostalgic Singapore eateries probably older than you
