Thank you, Thambi Magazine Store

After gracing Holland Village for over 80 years, Thambi Magazine Store is closing their shutters for good. The news comes as a blow to owner Periathambi Senthil Murugan, better known as Sam, who poured his heart and soul into the family business which has lasted three generations. 

Source: 8days

“I have not taken any proper meals, I cannot sleep, and I cannot do anything. I am like a corpse walking around,” Sam confided to CNA Lifestyle. He decided to close the shop after he was told to reduce the magazine display area. 

Despite facing challenges like rising overheads and competition from online media outlets, Sam says his business was not losing money and felt that print magazines still have a loyal readership. However, reducing the store’s display space would make it difficult for customers to browse and discover magazines, which he believes is key to his business.

To Sam, magazine display is an art form. He encouraged his customers to flip through the magazines and refused to use plastic wrappings, so customers could get a good look at them. 

The store has seen all kinds of customers over the years, from government ministers to people with family members in prison. Sam believes that print magazines will have a resurgence and is determined to continue selling them.

However, the news about Thambi closing was not final. Singapore’s Education Minister, Chan Chun Sing, took to facebook and expressed his support to continue Sam’s family business. He has joined forces with Sam and is determined to find a new location, alongside other organisations and potential partners. Hopefully, Thambi’s legacy finds a new home!