After more than 15 years working as a tailor, Suva entrepreneur Amal Deo has expanded his livelihood into the second-hand clothing market, opening Amal’s Clothing in the newly renovated Yatu Lau Arcade. The move marks a notable shift for Mr Deo, who says the thrift-shop venture builds on decades of sewing experience and has quickly become the main source of income for him and his wife.
“I enjoy every day as it comes,” Mr Deo said, describing the satisfaction of combining his tailoring trade with resale clothing. He and his wife run the shop together full time, opening their doors at 6am to capture early customers and closing at 6pm. The couple said the long hours and joint management of daily operations have ensured a steady flow of shoppers throughout the day.
While second-hand garments have become the store’s focus, Mr Deo has not left tailoring behind. He continues to sew a wide range of garments, including ladies’ skirts, men’s sulu, blouses and shirts, and accepts special orders from long-standing clients. “Sometimes I get special orders from customers, and I try my best to meet their expectations,” he said, adding that his craftsmanship has earned him a loyal customer base that regularly returns.
Operating in Yatu Lau Arcade brings both opportunity and competition. Mr Deo acknowledged several other outlets in the arcade also sell clothing, making attracting and retaining customers an ongoing challenge. He said Amal’s Clothing strives to stand out through quality service, consistency and their early opening hours, which they believe help draw shoppers first thing in the morning. “We are not the only shop here, so there is a lot of competition,” he said, but added that teamwork and reliability have helped them adapt.
The shop’s success also reflects the family’s financial independence. With their son running his own taxi business and raising his family, Mr Deo said he and his wife do not rely on external support. “If you work hard enough, you won’t feel the need to rely on anyone,” he said, framing the business as both a livelihood and a statement about self-sufficiency.
Beyond practicalities, Mr Deo highlighted mindset as a key ingredient in sustaining the enterprise. He urged other small-business operators to maintain a positive outlook and to work steadily toward their goals, a philosophy he credits for weathering market changes over the years. As Amal’s Clothing settles into its new location in the renovated arcade, Mr Deo and his wife appear determined to build on their tailoring legacy while meeting growing demand for affordable, quality second-hand clothing in Suva.
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