Among the online shops that made it big is Nurul Wonder Wardrobe, founded by blogger turned entrepreneur Nurul Hidayati.
The twenty-four year old’s foray into fashion started three years ago.
Nurul Hidayati founded Nurul Wonder Wardrobe three years ago - AstroAWANI/NABIHAH HAMID
Her trademark self-designed Borneo and batik themed pants, hijab and baju kurung were a hit among local fashionistas and soon, she managed to set up her own boutique in Shah Alam.
Her online shop now has almost 20 thousand followers on Instagram, 30 thousand likes on Facebook, and is able to rake in up to RM30,000 sales per month, particularly during Ramadan.
“Ramadan is the holy month for Muslims but I can’t deny that is has also been a very good month for retailers.”
“This is the most important month for fashion and boutique retailers. I usually produce about fifty pieces but during Ramadan, it ranges from 200 to 500 pieces. And the sales are increasing by month,” she said.
Like many fashion entrepreneurs who initially gained fan following from their blogs, Nurul’s simple and classy style documented on her blog, Nurul Cakap Cakap resonated with the young fashionable Muslim segment.
Now that she has had a stronghold in the local fashion scene, the ambitious lad from Sabah plans to expand her business regionally.
“I have big ambitions and I want to expand my business to Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia. But for now, I need to focus in Peninsular Malaysia.”
Brisk business for fashion boutiques during Ramadan - AstroAWANI/NABIHAH HAMID
She admits that the online retail sector has been increasingly competitive.
“There’s a lot of competition but that is normal in fashion. Anyone can start a business. You just need RM500 to begin with, and that is why I don’t only depend on the boutique. I’m active online too.”
Another way to stay ahead of the curve is by participating in local bazaars to gain more recognition.
“We must be smart and use all platforms available, such as joining bazaars.”
“I also organised bazaars in my boutique for entrepreneurs to participate. Apart from that, there are many art activities held during the bazaar,” she added.
