KUCHING: While the Covid-19 pandemic has shattered many local businesses, the newly opened Tino Collection at China Street here has shown its potential by achieving promising success even within its first month of operation.

Assistant Minister of International Trade and Industry, Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais officiated at the boutique’s grand opening on Friday night.

Siti Noor Haizan, owner of Tino Collection, was all smiles when met by New Sarawak Tribune during the grand opening of her store.

She said that even though the boutique had only been operating since August 1 this year, the response thus far had been very good.

“We have had sales transactions every day and we deliver even to West Malaysia and Sabah — which is where most of our customers are based,” she said.

She said the clothing brand she stocked was from West Malaysia, explaining that she was the only retail partner for Sarawak and Sabah for the brand.

“We sell Muslimah clothing as well as local products such as soaps and facial scrubs made by Aro Sarawak. Besides that, we also offer some accessories,” she said.

The boutique’s cosy and attractive setting is sure to put customers at ease while they browse the range of products offered. 

Siti shared that it was indeed a very challenging time to open a business at the moment due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to her, the premises had actually been rented from last year, but renovation works had been interrupted by the movement control order (MCO) earlier this year.

“It was only after the end of the MCO period that we could continue renovations. Then, we finally opened on August 1,” she said.

Speaking of what inspired her to start up a new boutique, she said her husband had previously owned a clothing line in Kuala Lumpur and therefore encouraged her to start up a boutique of her own. She said she personally enjoyed fashion as well.

Siti said the location she had chosen for her boutique was very strategic, considering that it was in the heart of town and tourists would often be out and about within the area. 

Tino Collection is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 2pm to 10pm.