Iconic Penang school uniform shop to close
It will be a bittersweet farewell for many who remember the humble beginnings of the shop on Jalan Magazine here, and the effort that went into growing it into a trusted name for school uniforms, bags, shoes, socks and stationery for families.
The closure has been in the works for years, with the Movement Control Order and its subsequent challenges accelerating the inevitable.
The family business has struggled with mounting difficulties, such as a lack of an heir to take over, an increasingly tough operating environment and evolving market demands.
K.H. Lim now runs the business that his mother founded 56 years ago, building Kimnovak's iconic guitar logo into a symbol of quality and trust over the years.
It grew from a modest venture into one of the most recognisable suppliers of school essentials.
Lim, 73, runs the shop with wife Lillian Lim, who has been by his side throughout the journey.
Lillian, 70, had watched the business grow, but also saw how hard it was to keep up with the changes.
Her children, both adults, showed little interest in carrying on the family business.
Kimnovak began by only selling school uniforms, and expanded into offering bags, shoes, socks and stationery.
Despite this diversification, the business could not escape the larger trends affecting the retail sector.
By the early 2000s, the workforce at the company's factory had dwindled.
What once was a bustling operation with over 20 workers, mostly women, gradually shrank as many of them retired.
The younger generation, no longer interested in sewing or working with textiles, only added to the decline.
The company tried outsourcing work and relying on imported materials, but rising textiles costs, difficulties with imports and substandard overseas workmanship just added to the burden.
"Sometimes, it would take up to six months to get everything in place, from ordering materials to getting the uniforms stitched and shipped," Lillian said.
"It is a lot of hard work."
Lillian, who had helped her mother-in-law grow the business, found it heartbreaking to see the steady decline.
"I still have regular customers asking for school uniforms or reminiscing about the good old days.
"It is so hard to let go," she told the New Straits Times (NST).
Despite a steady flow of customers, especially during school holiday seasons, the complexities of the business became too overwhelming.
The store also became a "second home" to many who visited from all walks of life.
It was not uncommon to see generations of families — grandparents, parents and now their children — walking through the doors, year after year, to stock up on school supplies.
The NST managed to catch up with Leong Kian Loon, 48, a tour guide, and Low Boon Jin, 43, who were buying school uniforms for their daughters.
Leong, who grew up just a few streets away on Lebuh Tye Sin, recalled how his parents would take him to Kimnovak to buy school supplies when he was in primary school.
"It is like a piece of history for me. Now, as a father of two girls, I bring them here too.
"I am not buying uniforms because they need them right now. I just want to make sure we have enough for the future. It is that feeling of nostalgia," he added.
Low, who was buying uniforms for his 8-year-old daughter, shared similar sentiments.
"I usually send my wife to shop here, but today, I had to come myself. Ever since I heard it is closing down, I felt this inexplicable sadness," he said.
"Kimnovak has been a part of my life, and now my daughter's. I have no idea where to turn next," he said.
Lillian acknowledged the impact of the closure on customers.
"I guess it is finally sinking in for everyone. Just like it is hard for us to let go, it is difficult for them too.
"This shop has been a part of their lives."
As Kimnovak prepares for its final chapter, the Lims leave behind a legacy of hard work, dedication and an unwavering commitment to the community.
The memories of bustling days, the laughter of children trying on uniforms and the sight of the company's iconic guitar logo on every bag will remain etched in the hearts of all those who walked through Kimnovak's doors.
On the difficult decision to retire, Lillian said: "Everything must come to an end."
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New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Iconic Penang school uniform shop to close
GEORGE TOWN: AFTER more than five decades of serving generations of students, Kimnovak, once a beloved institution in the school uniform industry, will close its doors for good at the end of this month. It will be a bittersweet farewell for many who remember the humble beginnings of the shop on Jalan Magazine here, and the effort that went into growing it into a trusted name for school uniforms, bags, shoes, socks and stationery for families. The closure has been in the works for years, with the Movement Control Order and its subsequent challenges accelerating the inevitable. The family business has struggled with mounting difficulties, such as a lack of an heir to take over, an increasingly tough operating environment and evolving market demands. K.H. Lim now runs the business that his mother founded 56 years ago, building Kimnovak's iconic guitar logo into a symbol of quality and trust over the years. It grew from a modest venture into one of the most recognisable suppliers of school essentials. Lim, 73, runs the shop with wife Lillian Lim, who has been by his side throughout the journey. Lillian, 70, had watched the business grow, but also saw how hard it was to keep up with the changes. Her children, both adults, showed little interest in carrying on the family business. Kimnovak began by only selling school uniforms, and expanded into offering bags, shoes, socks and stationery. Despite this diversification, the business could not escape the larger trends affecting the retail sector. By the early 2000s, the workforce at the company's factory had dwindled. What once was a bustling operation with over 20 workers, mostly women, gradually shrank as many of them retired. The younger generation, no longer interested in sewing or working with textiles, only added to the decline. The company tried outsourcing work and relying on imported materials, but rising textiles costs, difficulties with imports and substandard overseas workmanship just added to the burden. "Sometimes, it would take up to six months to get everything in place, from ordering materials to getting the uniforms stitched and shipped," Lillian said. "It is a lot of hard work." Lillian, who had helped her mother-in-law grow the business, found it heartbreaking to see the steady decline. "I still have regular customers asking for school uniforms or reminiscing about the good old days. "It is so hard to let go," she told the New Straits Times (NST). Despite a steady flow of customers, especially during school holiday seasons, the complexities of the business became too overwhelming. The store also became a "second home" to many who visited from all walks of life. It was not uncommon to see generations of families — grandparents, parents and now their children — walking through the doors, year after year, to stock up on school supplies. The NST managed to catch up with Leong Kian Loon, 48, a tour guide, and Low Boon Jin, 43, who were buying school uniforms for their daughters. Leong, who grew up just a few streets away on Lebuh Tye Sin, recalled how his parents would take him to Kimnovak to buy school supplies when he was in primary school. "It is like a piece of history for me. Now, as a father of two girls, I bring them here too. "I am not buying uniforms because they need them right now. I just want to make sure we have enough for the future. It is that feeling of nostalgia," he added. Low, who was buying uniforms for his 8-year-old daughter, shared similar sentiments. "I usually send my wife to shop here, but today, I had to come myself. Ever since I heard it is closing down, I felt this inexplicable sadness," he said. "Kimnovak has been a part of my life, and now my daughter's. I have no idea where to turn next," he said. Lillian acknowledged the impact of the closure on customers. "I guess it is finally sinking in for everyone. Just like it is hard for us to let go, it is difficult for them too. "This shop has been a part of their lives." As Kimnovak prepares for its final chapter, the Lims leave behind a legacy of hard work, dedication and an unwavering commitment to the community. The memories of bustling days, the laughter of children trying on uniforms and the sight of the company's iconic guitar logo on every bag will remain etched in the hearts of all those who walked through Kimnovak's doors. On the difficult decision to retire, Lillian said: "Everything must come to an end."
Rakyat Post
3 days ago
- Rakyat Post
The End Of An Era: How Penang Lost Its Most Beloved School Uniform Shop
Subscribe to our FREE Walk through the narrow streets of George Town, Penang, and you'll hear the stories before you even reach Jalan Magazine. Stories of yellow buses from Jelutong packed with families heading to one destination. Stories of mothers dragging six kids across town because there was only one place that mattered. Stories of uniforms so legendary that wearing them was like sporting designer labels. Come 31 July, those stories will become memories. Kimnovak, the iconic school uniform shop that's been the backbone of Malaysian education fashion since 1969, is closing its doors forever. From Barbershop to School Uniform Empire The business has humble beginnings – it started as a barbershop by the mother of the owner, Lim Kwee Heng. Recognising an opportunity in the early days, when few businesses sold school uniforms, she transformed the barbershop into a specialised school uniform store. Lim and his 70-year-old wife, Wong Bee Lian, later took over the family business. Through dedication and continuous improvements, they built Kimnovak into a well-known brand. Every year, before school term begins, their shop would be packed with parents and children buying uniforms. Kimnovak owner Lim (right) and his wife Wong have been carefully sewing school uniforms, with all fabrics imported from overseas. (Pix: Kwong Wah) More Than Just Fabric For 56 years, the Guitar brand logo stitched into every collar wasn't just a label—it was a badge of honour. 'Those days, wearing Guitar brand uniform is equal to wearing LV,' writes David Chew Chee Kian in a Facebook comment that's racked up 59 likes and counting. He's not exaggerating. The social media tributes pouring in read like love letters to a lost era. Zafran Zufar shopped there from Standard 1 in 1987 through Form 5 in 1997, calling it a 'legend shop.' Vijay Kumar's been buying uniforms there since 1979. Lina Yeoh's family story spans three generations—she started shopping there when her kids were small, and just three years ago, she brought her granddaughter to buy her Standard 1 uniform. 'My two generations ❤️ shop. Me & my children,' writes Mageswari Krishnan. 'Going to miss you Kim Novak. Happy retirement.' The Guitar That Defined Generations Kimnovak's closure represents more than the end of a business—it's the end of an era when quality mattered more than convenience, when families made shopping an event, when a guitar logo on a school uniform could make a kid feel special. The comments section of the closure announcement reads like a digital wake, filled with equal parts gratitude and sadness. 'Best quality colour no fading,' Joyce Loh testifies. Dorothy Lim puts it bluntly: 'A bit more expensive but quality no other shops selling uniforms can compare.' But here's the thing that made Kimnovak special: they never branched out. While other businesses chased expansion, this single shop on Jalan Magazine became a pilgrimage site. Families would travel from Butterworth by bus and ferry just to shop there. What We're Really Losing Muhammad Yusuf remembers the ritual: 'We will take the yellow bus from Jelutong and go here for shopping.. after that we will go to Komtar 4th floor to eat that famous Nazir nasi ayam.' The Guitar logo itself became a conversation starter. 'I loved when we could afford getting new uniforms with the guitar logo tags on them,' recalls Viv Adram. Used to just love looking at that logo but had so many questions… 'why guitar' hahaha 😂 Then there's the comment that breaks your heart: 'My child belum born… Haiya… No chance to tell them mummy use to go here liao…' writes one parent, realizing their future children will never experience what they took for granted. Looking at the old signboard that has been in business for many years, Lim and his wife Wong couldn't help but feel extremely reluctant to part with it. (Pix: Kwong Wah) The Perfect Storm The closure isn't sudden—it's the result of a perfect storm that's been brewing for years. The owners are ageing out, no successor is waiting in the wings, and the constant changes in school uniform regulations have made the business increasingly challenging to navigate. It's a story playing out across Malaysia, where family businesses that once anchored communities are disappearing. But Kimnovak's closure feels different. This isn't just about losing a shop—it's about losing a cultural institution. 'Penangites parents choice before online shopping era existed,' writes Nur Hidayah, capturing something essential about what's being lost. In an age of online shopping deliveries and fast fashion, Kimnovak represented something increasingly rare: craftsmanship, consistency, and community connection. Kimnovak is located at 207, Jalan Magazine, 10300 George Town, Penang. They're open from 10:30 am to 6 pm , closed on Sundays, until 31 July 2025. Parts of this story have been sourced from Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- New Straits Times
PM's fuel cut and RM100 aid hailed as lifeline by e-hailing drivers, consumers
KOTA BARU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's move to cut fuel prices and offer a one-off RM100 cash aid has been hailed as a lifeline by e-hailing drivers in Kelantan and consumer advocates, who say it brings much-needed relief amid mounting living costs. Full-time drivers Daniel, 27, Arif, 24, and Mustakim, 21, said every sen counts. "The RM100 may seem small to some, but for us, it goes a long way. It is a much needed boost that helps us keep going," Daniel told NST. Meanwhile, the Consumers Association of Kedah (Cake) praised the decision to reduce the price of subsidised RON95 petrol from RM2.05 to RM1.99 per litre under the new targeted subsidy mechanism. Its president, Yusrizal Yusoff, said the public now awaits clarity on who qualifies. "Those left out of the scheme may end up bearing market prices. For those who qualify, this is a vital lifeline — fuel is a basic necessity," he said. Daniel, a full-time e-hailing driver, said fuel is one of his biggest operational costs, alongside expenses for vehicle maintenance. Meanwhile, Arif said, "We hope this is just the beginning, and that more initiatives to support the rakyat, especially those in the gig economy, will follow." Mustakim, the youngest of three siblings, said he would use the RM100 to buy daily necessities for his home. "I'll get groceries for my mother's kitchen — especially sugar, milk, and vegetables," he said. () Among the initiatives are all Malaysians aged 18 and above will receive a one-off RM100 credit via their MyKad under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme and under a new targeted fuel subsidy mechanism, Malaysians will enjoy RON95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre. This is expected to benefit around 18 million drivers and riders, including youth and gig workers. Meanwhile, consumer activist Yusrizal said the association welcomed the government's announcement, describing it as a move that puts money back into the people's wallets through fuel savings. However, he urged the government to take a careful and inclusive approach when finalising the subsidy mechanism, warning that any missteps could trigger a domino effect that might unintentionally impact other sectors of the economy. The full details of the new subsidy mechanism are expected to be announced by the end of September. The initiatives are projected to benefit around 18 million vehicle users, including youths and gig economy workers. Commenting on the RM100 aid under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme which will be distributed to all adult Malaysians from Aug 31 to Dec 31, Yusrizal said it would provide immediate relief, particularly for the low and middle income groups. He advised recipients to use the aid wisely. "This one-off aid can at least help them purchase essential items. For many, this might feel like a routine form of assistance because they have received similar handouts before. But even so, it helps, even if only a little," he said. Yusrizal also welcomed the restructuring in electricity tariffs, which is expected to benefit 85 per cent of consumers starting this month. "The reduction is based on a restructuring of the tariff calculation. While it will lower the cost of living for most, those with high electricity usage may still see an increase due to certain unavoidable cost components. "Nonetheless, we welcome the move as a step towards easing the financial burden on the rakyat," he said.
