After more than eight decades of being a cherished fixture in Holland Village, the iconic Thambi Magazine Store closed its doors for the final time after 80 years of business on the evening of May 5th. Owner Mr. Periathambi Senthil Murugan, known as Sam, took a moment amidst tears to pull down the shutters, marking the end of an era.
The scene outside the store was emotional as the crowd gathered to bid farewell. Sam, visibly emotional, expressed his gratitude to the loyal customers who had supported the store over the years.
“A lot of them are motivating me to come back, and they say that this shop must be preserved,”
The closure of the Thambi Magazine Store sparked widespread sentiment within the Singaporean community. Customers flocked to the shop in the days leading up to its closure, reminiscing the role it played in their lives. Many took the opportunity to take pictures and videos, preserving memories of a place that held special significance for them. Some of them were there to show him support and grieved on the last day of the store. Even though Sam was heartbroken, he did not show it to them.
“Elderly people came, they cried. Young people came, they cried. Because they feel a sense of belonging with this place. It broke my heart.”
However, alongside the nostalgia, there was also criticism directed towards the landlord for what some saw as overlooking the cultural importance of the store.
The decision to ask Sam to downsize the display area was particularly controversial, with many feeling that it takes away the essence of the shop.
Sam made it clear in interviews that the business was not losing money in spite of growing expenses and a drop in sales. He highlighted the print media’s continuing attraction, pointing out that despite the huge amount of online information, readership remained strong.
The Thambi Magazine Store was more than just a place to purchase reading materials, it was a cherished place with a rich history spanning three generations. Established by Sam’s grandfather in the 1940s as a newspaper distribution service, it later evolved into the beloved magazine store.
Sam had a tough time deciding to close the store. He believed that making the store smaller would take away what made it special. He thought the store’s magic was in how it attracted people with its interesting magazines, giving them the chance to explore different topics and go on adventures through reading.
As the Thambi Magazine Store fades into memory, its legacy lives on in the hearts of the community it served. Even though the store itself won’t be there anymore, its importance and influence in the community will never be forgotten. This shows how even small businesses can make a big impact on the places they serve.
Sam has also said,
“Even though I’m laughing outside, it’s really painful. But I’m not out of magazines yet. I cannot be out of magazines. It’s in my blood.”
As everyone was grieving about the store not being operated anymore, Sam consoled his customers with heartfelt words,
Look, I’ll be back, I’ll be back. Don’t worry.
Sources: The Straits Times Singapore , Cna Lifestyle
