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FAMILY-owned business CzipLee started as a humble sundry store in Kajang, Selangor in 1968. Back then, it sold knick-knacks in the form of sweets, newspapers and limited stationeries.
CzipLee managed to expand from a small storefront to a four-storey shop lot spanning more than 10,000 square feet of retail space.
CzipLee is also a stationery distributor and has also sustainably retained its speciality services to offer patrons books and stationeries, as well as fine stationeries, art supplies, printing services, and lifestyle products.
Today, patrons can browse through CzipLee’s combined inventory of more than 70,000 curated products at any of their stores in the Klang Valley and Johor.
Challenges over the years
CzipLee’s successes did not happen overnight. Many challenges that it faced related to the four elements of matter: Water, Fire, Air and Earth.
In 2011 (Water), many flooding incidents occurred at CzipLee in Kajang resulting in repeated losses of business and stocks.
A fire broke out at CzipLee Bangsar in 2016 (Fire). It resulted in the neighbourhood community and firefighters helping to put out the fire together. At the time, CzipLee contemplated either closing the business or rebuilding the store as 80% of stock and equipment were damaged.
From 2020 to 2022 (Air), the Covid-19 pandemic caused a standstill for CzipLee’s in-store experiences. Though an online store has been established since 2011, the business refined its focus toward online and social media strategies.
CzipLee’s two-storey corner-lot landmark in the commercial neighbourhood of Telawi, Bangsar was recently (Earth) sold as a way to sustain its current and upcoming business strategies.
The incidents have taught the family and team the importance of being resilient yet flexible when battling hardship.
The word "Czip" (集) in Chinese means united gathering, which is reflected in a tightly-knit family unit. The word "Lee" (利) means vision, endurance, and strength to prosper both the family and customer.
“We had to make a crucial decision to forgo our well-known two-storey corner-lot landmark in Bangsar. It was a difficult decision to proceed with, but it was a strategic one, as CzipLee needed to improve its gearing to move forward.
"We are also thankful for the support received from our family, team and community,” said Alvin Chen, executive director of CzipLee.
Post-pandemic, sales had not returned to pre-pandemic levels, and consumer patterns had also shifted. Many now sought chain stores for stationery, and with the difficulty in parking in Bangsar, it was pivotal for its survival.
The redirection of CzipLee
CzipLee took the time to invest and strategise a novel concept for the newly renovated CzipPlus outlet by CzipLee in Bangsar.
No longer bound by physical locations, CzipLee has now pivoted to concept stores and pop-ups.
CzipLee’s stores range from CzipLee Southkey featuring fine writing, journalling and seasonal workshops based in Johor. CzipPetit, which is located in Bangsar Village 2, features general stationeries, curated books to journalling materials.
Its newest concept store along Jalan Telawi, CzipPlus is the highlight and cherry on the cake, with its curated selection of writing tools, ink products, fine arts as well as printing services.
CzipLee also has a pop-up at Jippuri, Pavilion Bukit Jalil featuring exclusive Japanese stationery.
CzipLee has preserved its original CzipLee in Kajang, which features general stationeries and schoolbooks. This outlet is managed by cousins of the Chen family.
Moving ahead
At the end of the year, CzipLee plans to further expand to meet the demands and needs of customers. CzipLee is set to have its customers indulge in an expanded CzipPetit experience in Bangsar Village 2.
Three times bigger than the current size, it will house an extensive selection of brands and products.
“Many customers miss the experience of a full-fledged store, which is why we will be bringing back the range and more into an expanded CzipPetit,” added Jason Chen, executive director of CzipLee.
CzipLee also plans to return to its core of books and stationery with a new concept bookstore.
They are working with book enthusiasts and partners to create a unique experience that will highlight children, non-fiction, coffee table books as well as signature stationeries and a potential play area for kids.
CzipLee is also bringing back their events and workshops, amidst a more intimate setting at CzipPlus.
“We just hosted acclaimed local and international artist and author Red Hong Yi as she shared her new book. In a cosy environment, new friends and relationships are forged. Community comes together which is a key part of why we continue to do what we do,” added Jason.
The stationery expert will also be hosting its Mega Clearance Sale every year and improving its online and in-app store experience.
To take part in the workshops or keep track of activities, patrons can subscribe to CzipLee’s newsletter and social media platforms.
For more information, visit www.cziplee.com or follow CzipLee on Instagram or Facebook (@cziplee). – The Vibes, June 7, 2023