Lance ThooWhere do you go if you’ve only got 20 dollars in your pocket? Well, according to US rapper Macklemore, it’s time to “pop some tags”.
I have always been fascinated with the term “thrift shopping” ever since the music video “Thrift Shop” debuted on YouTube back in 2012. Fast forward to now, I’m shocked that the music video has since garnered over 1.4 billion views on YouTube!
Thrift shops have long been hot spots for treasure hunters and bargain seekers.
Have you ever wondered where you can go for thrift shopping in Brunei?
Whether it’s preloved clothing, books or home appliances, this “Neue” list has got you covered!
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#1. The Box
First on our list has got to be The Box, which is located at Simpang 175 in Jalan Telanai.
This container-style facility is a must-visit for thrift shoppers, as pre-loved markets are occasionally held at this place. Depending on your luck, you may walk home with an amazing find. (Vintage t-shirts?!)
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So be sure to stay informed by checking out The Box’s Instagram! And for all you book lovers out there, be sure to mark your calendars for the “Book Flea Market” event set to take place on September 19 and 20!
#2. Mabohai Car Boot Sale
The word “bargain” is synonymous with the ever-popular Mabohai Car Boot Sales, which are usually held on Sundays. Be sure to wake up extra early though! Otherwise, other thrift shoppers will beat you to the punch.
The car book sale is held at the parking lot just beside the Mabohai Shopping Complex, where you can also find Toys ‘R’ Us and one of Brunei’s most popular supermarket chains, Supa Save.
*Disclaimer: At the time of publishing this article, the Neue team was informed that the car boot sale has been put on hold until further notice in view of COVID-19.
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In the meantime, there are other events such as “Closet Clear Out” where you can find among other things, pre-loved clothing, homeware, accessories and shoes.
Do lookout for more upcoming events by checking out @mabohaibrunei on Instagram.
#3. Bandarku Ceria
Numerous stalls can be found around Bandar Seri Begawan every Sunday morning during the ‘Bandarku Ceria’ event. We are certain that you’ll be able to find something worth your while!
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In the near future, you’ll also be able to find some thrift clothes at ‘The Corner’ @createthecorner, a little corner for building the local creative scene in Bandar Seri Begawan. It is a collaboration of Creative Space Gallery & The Creative Core BN.
#4. La Vida
La Vida is a local non-profit company whose mission is to strengthen families and build caring communities. It has two branches where you can find all kinds of pre-loved items such as clothing for children, women and men.
The Bandar branch (map above) is located at No. 6 & 7, Simpang 342, Jalan Pasir Berakas, Kg Lambak Kanan. Please take note that you’ll have to drive past Milimewah, Lambak.
“As soon as you go in, the rooms are filled with plenty of items ranging from children’s toys, clothing, shoes, books, handicrafts, kitchenware and more. These items are donated to the centre and surprisingly most of them are still in fairly good condition,” Kristie, a stay-at-home mom, wrote in her blog about her visit to the Bandar branch back in 2018.
La Vida also has a temporary branch in Tutong District at No. 7, Jalan Enchi Awang, Tutong TA1341.
You can find out more by visiting @the2ndhandstorebn on IG.
What I personally love about thrift shopping here is that proceeds will go towards charitable causes and in-house programmes!
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#5. Wu Chun’s Closet Charity Pop-up
Hundreds of personal items from the closet of Wu Chun are up for sale at a pop-up charity event on the ground floor of Fitness Zone in Kiulap. All proceeds from the sales will go to La Vida. It will end on October 1, 2020.
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Noteworthy IG Accounts
Admittedly, there are people who would prefer doing their thrift shopping in the comfort of their own home (or office) by going through the multitude of Instagram accounts on their mobile phones.
Here are some IG accounts that caught our attention:
Thriftsmith.Co
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Thriftables.BN
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Eco.Thrifty.BN
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We’d love to hear from you
Have you visited any of the thrift stores mentioned in this article?
What other thrift stalls do you think should be added to the list?
Drop a comment below and tell us about your favourite places to thrift!
