KUALA LUMPUR — As Malaysians enter the final week of preparation for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, recent retail data suggests that shoppers are increasingly turning to value-driven options amid a packed festive calendar and rising spending pressures.
According to the Statistics Department (DOSM), retail spending hit a record monthly high of RM163.7 billion in December 2025. However, recent data from Retail Group Malaysia (RGM) shows that sales at major department stores have fallen by 5.5 percent, as consumers shift toward more affordable alternatives.
The Malaysia Retailers Association (MRA) noted that the close timing of major celebrations has forced many households to prioritise essentials such as food and travel over multiple festive wardrobes.
Malaysians have navigated a rapid sequence of celebrations from Thaipusam on February 1, followed by Chinese New Year on February 17, and the start of Ramadan just 24 hours later, leaving disposable incomes stretched.
Against this backdrop, the definition of “new” festive wear is beginning to shift from fresh-off-the-rack to “new-for-me”, as thrifting moves from a subculture into a practical alternative for shoppers.
Pioneering this festive thrifting movement is LOOOP, a local secondhand consignment store focused on rehoming clothes from everyday Malaysians, including festive and cultural wear.
“We didn’t really consider how this would go against the tradition of ‘wearing new for the new year’,” the LOOOP team said when speaking to Scoop.
Instead, the focus has been on extending the lifespan of clothing and encouraging a more sustainable and economical option, especially as the “buy and wear once” mindset for festive attire remains common.
Unlike traditional retailers that stock cultural wear seasonally, LOOOP has integrated items such as vintage kebayas and cheongsams into its year-round curation since its founding in 2022.
The store also preserves the sentimental value of garments by allowing consignors to attach personal notes to their items, a practice inspired by one co-founder’s discovery of a vintage top hand-sewn by two sisters in the 1970s.
These notes act as a bridge between past and present owners, passing down styling tips or personal anecdotes that preserve the heritage of each piece as it enters a new wardrobe.
Despite the economic benefits, some still view wearing “used” clothes for celebrations as unlucky or taboo.
“Although we can’t change everyone’s perception of secondhand items, we strive to provide a comfortable shopping experience by sorting items by size, offering spacious fitting rooms, and ensuring all accepted items are clean,” LOOOP said, as it works to help first-time thrifters overcome these concerns.
As a consignment store, LOOOP’s inventory depends entirely on community contributions, leading to variations and occasional limitations.
While there is a high volume of pre-loved baju raya, reflecting strong demand, finding similar variety in other traditional attire, particularly in the men’s section, can be more challenging.
Despite these fluctuations, LOOOP serves a broad demographic, with consignors and customers ranging from 18 to 80 years old.
This shift is also environmentally driven. Data from the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) shows that Malaysia generates approximately 195,300 tonnes of textile waste annually.
By choosing pre-loved pieces, consumers can celebrate in style while helping to reduce this significant environmental impact.
“It’s a joy to help people find their perfect ‘new’ outfit, and we love knowing we’re giving a great piece a new home,” the LOOOP team added.
For those still searching for a baju raya that is affordable, sustainable, and rich in character, the modern choice may simply be one that gives a beautiful outfit a second life. - March 17, 2026
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