Loop Garms Sells Customer Service
We almost didn’t chat vintage clothes
FJ and Isaac built Loop Garms by prioritising fine print: inclusive customer service, consumer input as business ideas, communication that reads like friend texts. Loop Garms is not a vintage store; it’s the meeting point for cool kids and wallflowers alike:
Why FJ/Isaac?
FJ: We dated for 4 years. We have synergy. We keep each other in check.
I: I’m the creative, she’s the project manager.
“Loop Garms?”
FJ: There was “Diet,” which means staple.
I: “Harvest.”
FJ: Stay in the loop. We buy, sell, trade.
Vintage shopping.
I: Silhouettes. Stories. But we’re not purists. Fashion can be alienating. Anyone can visit Loop Garms, hang, go crazy.
Great Singapore story?
FJ: We don’t club; we miss friends, family. We hide problems. When air-conditioners break down. We’ve shouted, stormed off.
I: There’s fear, opinions, educational obligations, risk.
Entrepreneurs!
I: Our Japan trip inspired us to source, curate clothes. I worked at a sneaker store. I’m interested in store set-up, customers, products. No business tips, market research.
FJ: We started 11 months ago. 11k Instagram followers from word of mouth.
No marketing = best marketing?
I: We’ve no time. Everything’s organic.
We rather people say we have good customer service than “fire shit.”
Disconnect?
FJ: Our customers are young. We ask customers for music. Sometimes I feel I can’t play my Chinese music, dress a certain way. But it’s good pressure.
Is this it?
I: This location’s better than expected. We considered Toa Payoh, Boon Keng.
FJ: We designed this space on Sims 3. We want more team members, locations.
Lessons learnt?
I: Don’t judge. A JC girl with specs added death metal to our playlist. She headbangs.
FJ: Luck comes to the brave. You miss shots you don’t take.
