Lyna Mohamad
Hari Raya Aidilfitri is just a few days away, and this year’s celebration is expected to see the return of joyous festivities after almost three years of restrictive measures.
Celebrants are looking forward to wear their Raya clothing. As such, clothing brands as well as online sellers have been busy promoting their festive clothing lines weeks before Ramadhan, with many taking advantage of the convenience of online transactions to lure customers away from tailors who offer custom-made baju kurung.
However, many still prefer to go to tailors to have their Raya clothing made to their preferences. Tailor shops across the country are seeing the return of customers to pre-pandemic times.
Tailor Mohd Arif of Syarikat Jubaidah Haji Putera dan Anak-Anak Tailor shared that last year, the number of customers was reasonable, especially after a year of slow business. However, this year he is seeing more normal business activity for the festive season.
He added that it has been quite busy for them with some loyal customers sending material in as early as February.
He shared that there have been people dropping by every now and then asking if they can still place an order. Like most tailors, Mohd Arif has to decline due to staff shortages.
“Unless it’s our loyal customers. Even then, it would be just a simple baju kurung. Mostly, we only accept cara melayu because women’s clothing requires more work and we are not confident we can make the deadline.”
Mohd Arif and his assistant continue to work after Sunnat Tarawih prayers up until dawn and will shut the door before midnight only to open the shop a bit later the following morning to catch up on sleep.
Meanwhile, Wali of Zunaid Sdn Bhd Tailor in Kiulap has also been burning the midnight oil.
His shop has been seeing an increase in the number of customers.
He said, “It was a bit quiet last year but since late last year, we started to see our loyal customers return for tailored clothing as well as new customers making Muslimah dresses.”
Unlike Mohd Arif, Wali stopped accepting orders since the first week of Ramadhan as he wants to ensure that the customers will be satisfied with the workmanship.
“Business is business. But if I can’t provide quality, what is the point? I am happy to see my customers happy, and I feel my hard work is worth it.”
He added that he is delighted that most of the orders have been fulfilled.
