MCG EXPLORERS' OUT AND ABOUT - KAMDAR

Any time exploring involves shopping, it’s like multi-tasking and feels so good.  For those who left with shopping bags, our Explorers tour of Kamdar was a complete success.  Our group of fifteen travelled by car or walked from the nearby Masjid Jamek LRT to the flagship store located at 113 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, towering above the Flea Market Masjid India.

Welcomed by Payal Kamdar, whose husband Kamal Kumar Kamdar is the managing director of Kamdar Group, our morning began with an introduction of the family business.  Kamal’s father first started the textile business with two of his cousins in the 1950’s with a small store in Ipoh and then established a wholesale store in Penang.  The retail store officially began in 1972 in Kuala Lumpur and now has 30 outlets throughout Malaysia expanding to include home furnishings. The third generation is now involved, as Mr. Kamdar’s nephew has joined the team.

Payal then introduced us to Ms. Harbans who has worked for Kamdar since the Chow Kit store opened in 1987.  Her personal knowledge of Kamdar’s history was shared throughout the morning as we began our independent shopping spree.  Most of us headed straight to the sixth floor where a forest of fabric awaits and you can arrange bespoke curtains and other fabric needs.  Ready-made curtains, tablecloths, bed sheets and floor rugs fill another floor.  Kamdar can also be accessed online at kamdar.com.my.

The store was gearing up for the upcoming Deepavali and strolling through the aisles of beautiful, colourful saris was the perfect exclamation point to end our visit.  As we meandered to nearby Sangeeta for a delicious Dosai, Biryani and Mango lassi, there were those who were already planning their return to Kamdar for a few more purchases after lunch.

We would like to thank the ladies who were able to join us.

~  Vicki Palmer and Kyoko Rabbetts