Thrift shops in Penang
Hands up if you are the kind of person who is always on the lookout for great deals, comparing prices, and will holla loud and proud about a bargain you snatched off the rack. To all frugal-finessers out there, here are 10 thrift shops in Penang for you to drop by. While you stroll past street murals and indulge in that second plate of char koay teow, remember that you can shop for affordable almost-brand-new apparel at thrift stores scattered around the state.
After all, “sustainable fashion” are the buzzwords for 2023, remember?
Table of Contents
- Thrift shops in Penang
- 1. Fujiyama Jeans & Tokyo no. 18 – pre-loved designer goods & Japanese fashion
- 2. Doppelganger Clothing Store – vintage streetwear & limited edition tees
- 3. Doubt? – streetwear sourced from Japan
- 4. Vintage 99 – branded streetwear & athleisure
- 5. Great Worn – galore of vintage denim
- 6. 2Tone Bundle – vintage Japan & U.S. labels
- 7. WCC Value Shop – Shop to support women’s causes
- 8. Kawan Shop – shop to support street ministry
- 9. OWL Zero Waste Grocer – eco-friendly reusable straws, bags & containers
- 10. MF Mart – family-friendly mart
- Penang thrift shops
1. Fujiyama Jeans & Tokyo no. 18 – pre-loved designer goods & Japanese fashion
Image credit: @fujiyamajeans via Instagram
This store aims to preach the message of sustainability through the acquiring and selling of unique and rare pieces of clothing. Fujiyama Jeans & Tokyo no.18 retails pre-loved designer goods and apparel imported from Japan. This 2-storey building carries clothes and accessories for men and women.
Image credit: @fujiyamajeans via Instagram
Located at the ‘bubble tea district’ of George Town, the store stands out among the rest and greets you with old glamour vibes instead. You’ll find vintage luxury bags from brands like Chanel, Balenciaga, and Louis Vuitton. On the racks, there are also high-quality vintage leather and denim jackets. All these items are sold at a fraction of its original price.
Image adapted from: @tokyo_no18 via Instagram, @tokyo_no18 via Instagram
This store is a treasure trove for bargain hunters who are acquainted with designer brands. Think about it, a pair of Louis Vuitton shoes at 90% off the original price? That is a steal, for sure.
Address: 124-C, Jalan Burma, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Opening hours: 11am-8pm, Daily
Contact: 012-656 8903
2. Doppelganger Clothing Store – vintage streetwear & limited edition tees
Image credit: @doppel.gangerstore via Instagram
Located on the outskirts of the mural laden, historical core of George Town UNESCO Heritage Site, is Doppelganger Clothing Store. It has an unassuming storefront, but be prepared to be greeted with a blast from the past upon entry. Gadgets and gizmos from yesteryears are used to decorate the store.
Image credit: @doppel.gangerstore via Instagram
Each item is carefully sourced from different used clothing stores from around Southeast Asia.
Men who have an affinity with fashion, especially ‘90s and early ‘00s fashion, are in for a treat. Patrons usually come in looking for quirky, limited-edition T-shirts. There are also select pieces for women that range from bags, shoes, and belts from brands like Cath Kidston, Adidas, and Christian Dior.
Image credit: @doppel.gangerstore via Instagram
Every quarter, vintage pop-up events are held here. This is when Doppelganger collaborates with other vintage item sellers to sell their unique finds. All items are priced from RM10 – RM150. A hired deejay will be on the deck, spinning tunes as customers shop to their heart’s content.
Address: 70, Jalan Seang Tek, 10450 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 3pm-10pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: 017-532 3185
3. Doubt? – streetwear sourced from Japan
Image adapted from: @doubt_bundle2001 via Instagram
If you are looking for a nice-looking pair of jeans, a dope tee to match, and maybe a statement cap to complete your look, shop Doubt?. They have an impressive collection sourced from Japan. You’ll be able to find pre-loved athletic jackets, pants, and collar-popping shirts from famed brands such as Levi’s, Nike, Adidas, and Stussy.
Established in 1998, it is one of the oldest pre-loved clothing stores in Penang.
Image credit: @doubt_bundle via Instagram
The clothes they carry are suited for the young at heart, with pieces curated to fit street, punk, and active lifestyles. You can find tops for men (RM15 – RM20) and women (RM10-RM15), as well as jeans, caps, shoes, bags and wallets.
Image credit: @doubt_bundle2001 via Instagram
Doubt? @ Perai
Address: Ground Floor, No. 2851, Jalan Baru, Bandar Perai Jaya, 13600 Perai, Penang
Opening hours: 10am-7pm, Daily
Contact: 04-397 8025
Doubt? @ Bayan Lepas
Address: 1st Floor, No. 12-L, Jalan Rumbia, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-9pm | Sun 8am-9pm
Contact: 04-642 4328
4. Vintage 99 – branded streetwear & athleisure
Image credit: Vintage 99 via Google Photos
Another store for thrift hounds to revel in, Vintage 99 is a funky shop that features a curated selection of vintage preloved clothing and accessories. Tastefully decorated with antique furnishings, vinyl records and retro posters plastered all over their walls, the no-frills store is like a trove of uncovered treasure of both old luxury brands and simple cast-aways.
We spotted preloved apparel from a range of brands such as Burberry, Carhartt, and The North Face.
Image adapted from: @vintage99__ via Instagram
Dig and you shall find. From chic trousers and quirky vests to cool sunglasses and eye-catching jewellery, the kitschy assortment of everything in the store will guarantee you a hip fit.
They do update their socials frequently whenever there are new arrivals, so you’ll want to follow them to be the first to get your hands on fire finds at a steal.
Image credit: @vintage99__ via Instagram
To add to the cool factor of this thrift shop, they even house a tattoo and piercing studio in the store itself.
Address: Pusat Bayaran Setempat, Jalan Padang Kota Lama 10200, George Town, Penang
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 12pm-8pm | Sat & Sun 12pm-9pm
Contact: 016-494 9419
5. Great Worn – galore of vintage denim
Image credit: @kyrenethng via Instagram
Great Worn is definitely where all the cool kids shop at. This uber snazzy thrift store hawks an astounding array of American-style vintage fits – more particularly, notable denim and lifestyle brands such as Levi, Dickies, Wrangler, and Converse.
Image adapted from: @greatworn_ via Instagram
Truly a beacon of chic pieces, there are also tons of graphic tees, hip caps, quality outerwear, and even footwear from fine brands like Dr. Martens and Redwing. So, head to this chic retro store, sniff out deals from racks of well-preserved apparel here, and leave with treasures that’ll make your wardrobe a more stylish one.
Image credit: @greatworn_ via Instagram
Address: 103, Jalan Pintal Tali, 10100 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 1pm-9pm, Daily
6. 2Tone Bundle – vintage Japan & U.S. labels
Image adapted from: @2Tone Bundle via Instagram
2Tone Bundle is a boutique that sells pre-loved clothing from bundles sourced from Japan and the United States. Located within KOMTAR (Kompleks Tunku Abdul Rahman) in the heart of George Town, the store is situated next to the entrance of The Top – Penang’s highest viewing deck – at Level 4.
Image credit: Rachel Yeoh
The 700sqft store retails clothes of different styles. If you like surprises hidden within the folds of many racks, bins, and rails, this is the place for you. Vintage jeans, velvet skirts, dresses, and even limited edition pieces can be found in this graffiti-strewn shop.
Fred Perry Dead 60s Harrington Jacket is a limited edition piece and available in two colours. Only 500 pieces are produced and this is number 251.
Image credit: @2tonebundle via Instagram
The price point starts as low as RM1 and can go up to a few hundred Ringgit for exclusive pieces like limited edition Levi’s Jeans from the ‘60s. Other brands include Champion, Stussy, Bathing Ape, and Supreme.
Image credit: @2tonebundle via Instagram
Address: 2B-4-2, Level 4, KOMTAR, Taman Lembah Sungai, 10000 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 12pm-8pm, Daily
Contact: 017-336 5207
7. WCC Value Shop – Shop to support women’s causes
Image adapted from: @wccvalueshop via Instagram
WCC stands for Women’s Centre for Change, a non-profit organisation that helps women and children who have been abused, raped, or sexually assaulted. There are 2 WCC Value Shops located separately from their headquarters in the northern and southern regions of Penang Island.
Image credit: @wccvalueshop via Instagram
Shop for a cause from a wide selection of pre-loved clothes for men, women, and children. Hunt for your size from an array of women’s dresses (from RM12), skirts (from RM5), tops (RM7) and belts (RM3). You can even find coats and winter wear (from RM20), and children’s clothes (from RM2).
Donated items are meticulously selected so only those in good condition are put up for sale. Popular high street brands like ZARA, Mango, H&M, and ASOS can be found here. If you are lucky, you might find an item that is brand new with the tag still attached.
Image credit: WCC Penang
WCC Value Shop also sells books, shoes, accessories, and kitchen items, albeit in a smaller collection compared to garments. Volunteers run the store and all proceeds go to support WCC’s work.
WCC Value Store at One Square, Bayan Baru
Image credit: Rachel Yeoh
WCC Value Store @ Tanjung Tokong
Address: Mezzanine Floor, Island Plaza 10470, Tanjung Tokong, Penang
Opening hours: Thu-Mon 11am-5pm (Closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays)
Contact: 011-2140 0344
8. Kawan Shop – shop to support street ministry
Image credit: Most Bundle
If you are visiting Penang, it is almost impossible to miss passing Chulia Street, one of the oldest roads on the island for local culture and food. However, many miss out on this gem of a store, Kawan Shop. Located adjacent to Little India in George Town, Kawan Shop sells donated items like books, clothes, trinkets, toys, and kitchen utensils.
It is a missionary-funded thrift store so all proceeds are channeled to help people on the streets via a kitchen soup operation at Love Lane.
Image credit: Rachel Yeoh
If you are looking for pre-loved traditional clothes, this place is your one-stop solution. Gorgeous cheongsams, baju kurungs, and sarees are sold for less than RM20 here. There is also a bin you can rummage for RM1 clothing.
The store is jam-packed with rails and rails of women’s clothing. You’ll find blazers from the ‘80s, workwear, and casual get-ups like jeans and printed tees.
Address: 41, Chulia Street, 10200 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 9.30am-5.30pm, Daily
Contact: 04-261 8405
9. OWL Zero Waste Grocer – eco-friendly reusable straws, bags & containers
Image credit: Rachel Yeoh
OWL Zero Waste Grocer is a zero-waste shop akin to a mini-market. They sell unpackaged groceries, daily essentials, and handmade personal care. Therefore, you’ll have to bring your own wares to haul it all home when shopping here.
Eco-friendly items to motivate zero-waste lifestyles like reusable straws (RM4 – RM8), menstrual cups (RM115), mesh bags (RM9), and collapsible containers (RM25 – RM35) are sold here. The store also encourages the community to contribute to its growing collection of pre-loved clothes. These clothes are then inspected to ensure that only those in good condition are placed on the rack.
If you’ve just Marie Kondo-ed your wardrobe, bring your pre-loved clothes to this store.
Image credit: Rachel Yeoh
The apparel sold here is targeted towards women. Choose from t-shirts (RM3 – RM8), blouses and skirts (RM8 – RM15), dresses (from RM10 – RM20), and jackets (RM15 -RM20).
The message behind their initiative is rooted in the fact that 2,000 tonnes of textile waste is produced every day. By giving away the clothes we don’t fit into anymore, we give them a new lease of life.
Address: 12A, Lebuh Lembah Permai 4, Tanjung Tokong, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Penang
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 10am-6pm (Closed on Sundays & Mondays)
Contact: 016-708 8846
10. MF Mart – family-friendly mart
Big and breezy, MF Mart has 3 outlets in Penang: 2 on the mainland and 1 on the island. It is a one-stop pre-loved shop for families. With over 10,000 pieces of clothing for men, women, and children, there is something for everyone here.
Image credit: MF Mart via Facebook
If you are looking for winter wear, they have a wide selection here. Pick from fleece jackets, sweaters, trench coats, leather jackets, quilted down jackets, and scarfs. All the pre-loved items are from Japan and come with a price tag starting from RM4.
Image credit: MF Mart via Facebook
Even if shopping for clothes is not your cup of tea, there are pre-loved furniture, toys and even baby carriers for you to check out. It is an ideal place to thrift shop with the family.
Image credit: MF Mart via Facebook
MF Mart @ Bayan Lepas
Address: No. 186A, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Kampung Sungai Tiram, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang
Opening hours: 11.30am-7pm, Daily
Contact: 04-638 0623
MF Mart @ Permatang Pauh
Address: NSL 1903, Jalan Arowana, Kawasan Perniagaan Arowana, 13500 Permatang Pauh, Penang
Opening hours: 10am-7pm, Daily
Contact: 04-398 2905
MF Mart @ Bukit Panchor
Address: 100, Lorong Bukit Panchor 1, Taman Bukit Panchor, 14300, Nibong Tebal,, Penang
Opening hours: 10am-7pm, Daily
Contact: 04-594 2440
Penang thrift shops
The next time you are in Penang, take a break from street food and cafe hopping to get acquainted with thrift stores that carry unique and prized fashion pieces at affordable prices. Shopping for a cause, helping the environment, and preventing the strain in your wallet are just some of the reasons to make thrifting a lifestyle – even when you are on a holiday.
While you’re in Penang, check out these 27 best things to do in the state – once you feel peckish, there are plenty of coffee shops in Penang for a good cuppa and best bars in Penang for a nightcap.
Cover image adapted from: @doppel.gangerstore via Instagram, @doppel.gangerstore via Instagram
This article was originally published on 14th February 2020, and updated by Jia-ju on 18th April 2023.