SUNDRY SHOP OWNER UPS PROFIT BY 200PC
Loan taken under Tukar enables man to renovate, modernise business
LAILI ISMAIL
KUALA LUMPUR news@nst.com.my
ZUL Izzamin took a risk in 2011 by taking a RM25,000 loan under the Small Retailer Transformation (Tukar) Programme to renovate the sundry shop he inherited from his father.
Five years down the road, he could thank his lucky stars for signing up for the programme as his income has increased by 100 to 200 per cent since then.
The report that highlighted his story stated that Izzamin Mini Market, which served communities in Pontian, Johor, is Zul’s family’s bread and butter.
Zul said he took the loan to renovate his shop, purchase new equipment (including an updated point-of-sale system, a new counter-and-display rack) and increase the number of products and services offered.
“It is important to modernise the shop for an improved customer experience as they (consumers) have more shopping options nowadays, so we have to keep up with the trend,” he was quoted as saying in the report.
The Johor small business owner said the mentors under the programme were experienced executives working in hypermarkets, such as Tesco and Mydin, who employed a hands-on approach.
“Teams of up to three people came to my shop, some travelling from as far as Kuala Lumpur. They came a couple of times and gave constructive feedback.”
Izzamin Mini Market had since enjoyed increased consumer traffic, the report said.
“Some of his customers commended and complimented the positive changes. Zul is repaying his loan under the programme but has made plans to apply for another loan to grow his business further,” the report said.
Zul advised small business owners to not just depend on the government and expect handouts, but to work hard to maintain their business and retain customers.