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The Write-up
by Vivienne Pal (thanks again!)
The STAR, Metro, 20 November 2006
Unique in both name and selection
Walk along the row of retail outlets on the second floor of The Oval, 1 Utama, and you will find that Toko is among the most outstanding.
Aside from the obviously unique moniker and a very cosy interior, Toko boasts a unique selection of products sourced from various parts of the globe.
"The things found in Toko are from all over the world, including Egypt, Vietnam and Russia, with quite a number from Bali" said store founder Vivian Quah.
Quah, 39, who initially started the business in the old wing of the shopping centre (back then known as Nick Nacks) seven years ago, had christened the store 'Toko' which means 'shop' in Bahasa Indonesia.
"It was during my first trip to Bali on a break after winding up Nick Nacks that I was stuck by the colors and culture of Bali. The red walls of Toko are reminiscent of the orange bricks that I saw in Bali."
What strikes the casual observer within minutes of chatting with Quah or her business partner, Faizal Khoo, also known as Gordon, is that Toko is an extension of its owners.
The store, which started out with a Balinese concept, eventually evolved into "an interpretation of sorts" while still maintaining an ethnic feel.
What is striking about Toko apart from the intriguing decor and color scheme is the array of silver accessories on display. Jewellery of all sizes, shapes and designs - crafted in pure silver or set with semi-precious stones - are featured prominently along the perimeters of the store.
The accessory lover will be spoilt for choice with the variety of chunky and finely crafted rings, bracelets, pendants, necklaces and bangles, all carefully handpicked by Quah and Faizal - both of whom admit to a vast personal collection of accessories.
"We have no suppliers; what we offer is personalised, unique and a reflection of us because we select everything ourselves," said Faizal, 49.
On rare occasions, Quah indulges in her love for jewellery design by customizing jewellery upon the request of her regular customers.
"I select and buy the stones, design the pieces and get our silversmith in Bali to craft them for me. It's not often that I get to do this because the entire process is very time-consuming," said Quah, adding that semi-precious stones were sourced from around the globe, including South Africa, Thailand, India, and the US.
In addition to accessories, Toko also offers various artefacts for the home, including wall decorations, lamps, Buddha busts, and wooden hand-painted cats, as well as antiques, craft and clothes.
"Our cats are very popular. We make sure we look at each cat's face before deciding on what we want," Faizal chuckled.
Like the jewellery, all items in Toko are limited in quantity to ensure exclusivity.
Toko also provides body-piercing services, besides operating a little cafe serving snacks.
"Consultation services are free," Quah said with a grin. "We attend to every customer and give our honest opinion on the pieces they purchase - if the accessory does not look nice on them, we will say so."
"We want to educate our customers, and ultimately we want them to be happy with their purchase."
While Toko brings immense satisfaction and is a source of joy to its owners, they are quick to admit that the store is patronised mainly by like-minded individuals.
"At the end of the day, in spite of Toko being a passion for us, profit margins still matter and can be challenging. However, it is worth it because we are encouraged by the new friendships we form with our new customers," said Faizal.
• Toko is located at 2nd Floor Oval (New Wing), 1 Utama Shopping Centre
