Expensive taste for fabric

Reviews

25 Apr 2008

Noel Achariam

KUALA LUMPUR: Would you pay more than RM20,000 for a suit or a wedding gown? Many may not. But there are people who do and the demand is growing.

For otherwise how can we explain the existence, leave alone the thriving businesses, of shops selling fabric costing more than RM9,000 per metre?

Mohamed Faroz Mohamed Jakel, director of Jakel's textile chain, vouched that there was not only a ready market for such expensive items but the market was growing fast.

He said people were increasingly becoming brand conscious. "They believe what they wear and where they shop reflects their status."

The 36-year-old trader said although the fabric sold at Jakel's shop range from RM50 to RM9,000 per metre, there was higher demand for the move expensive items.

As a leading supplier of fabrics, Jakel Trading has been in the forefront bringing in the finest fabrics, silk and textiles products from all over the world including exclusive fabrics from Korea, France, Spain and Italy.

"The interesting thing about us is that we focus solely on high-end fabrics. We are also extending our product line to cater to the mid-range market. Because of our expertise in this industry we are able to bring in more affordable products," said Mohamed Faroz.

Some of the more renowned brand names found at Jakel's stores are Valentino, Pierre Cardin, Zegna, Armani, Lorenzo Riva, Ungaro and Solstiss.

Mohamed Faroz said their success lies in the unique textile patterns exclusive to Jakel's stores.

The Jakel shop in Kuala Lumpur carries the latest branded products on levels three and four, catering solely to the demands of their elite clientele.

Jakel also has a wide range to cater for wedding needs, dinner functions and special occasions. It is also a centre for bridal wear which offers the latest design patterns and colours.

"We also offer special discounts for bridal wear, curtains and bedroom sets and we allow our customers to bargain for a reasonable price," he said.

Their showroom at Wisma Jakel Textile store at Masjid India displays a wide variety of products from bridal wear to bedroom sets and they even boast of having the largest collection of silk in Malaysia with over 5,000 designs and colours.

"We are constantly training our staff to provide the best service for our customers. What we want to do is not just to sell fabrics but build a relationship with our customers.

Mohamed Faroz said that Jakel is promoting a family store concept -- a "one-stop centre" that will fulfil all shoppers needs.

"Most of the patterns you find here are all created by our in--house designers. And we pride ourselves in providing excellent service and quality products," said Mohamed Faroz.

From a humble beginning in Segamat, Johor, Jakel has now grown to become one of the largest textile businesses in the country. Their most popular premise is located at Wisma Jakel, Jalan Bunus, Masjid India which houses the biggest textile and fashion warehouse which was launched last year. It has been upgraded to cater to the more exclusive and elite clientele.

Even though Jakel is new to Masjid India they have been well received by the public.

Jakel is a Bumiputera owned company which has 15 branches throughout Malaysia which include Salem Aziz Tekstil (Kelantan), Alamoda Silk House (Pahang), Casamoda Gedung Tekstil (Negeri Sembilan), Bumiputra Silk House (Selangor), Riamoda Silk House (Perak), Prima Moda Silk House (Johor), Salem Aziz Tekstil (Kelantan), Laila Rawas Silk House (Terengganu), Astana Moda Silk House (Malacca).

There are also plans to open more branches in Ipoh, Alor Setar, Sungai Petani and around the country which includes another exclusive branch in the middle of Kuala Lumpur by the end of the year.

In conjunction with Jakel's 23rd anniversary this month, they will be having a big sale beginning April 23 until May 10 with discounts of up to 80 percent.

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