TEE Time!

A small selection of Ts now available. Various styles from fun, graphic to retro. Both round and v-necks featured. Various sizes available in Asian cut, so slim and fitting. But if its the skin tight, wrap dumpling look you want, go for it! All Ts in this range currently on promo from $16 to $18. Stocks are limited though.

SHORTS Sighted!

These are just a small representation of Men's shorts I stock currently. A quick caution, try not to wear 3 quarter/calf length or capris shorts. Eh, they make you look short and stunted! Tailored shorts (in different lengths from above to just below the knees) come in plain or patterned fabrics such as stripes and checks. Many 80's fabrics have made a come back, like patchwork, seersucker and fine stripes. Somehow they work for the noughties too! Difference is cut is slim and hence slimming!
I have a small selection of cargoes as well. I receive new arrivals quite frequently too.

Shoe Bags - Exclusive to stash!

New range of shoe bags has arrived! Range is exclusive to 'stash' and comes in 4 colours. Made of PU, so water can't get in, with polyester lining. Bag has an additional pouch so toiletries, gym clothes or a small towel can be stored separately from your shoes. Functional feature not commonly seen on other shoe bags.

Rickshaw Bags - San Francisco

A range of bags from and made in USA. I now stock the range of Zero messengers in Small and Medium sizes. Why another messenger bag, right? Every brand has something to offer, I like Rickshaw's fuss free design and and that its made-to-order. This range aims for zero waste in the making of the bags, hence the name of collection. An alternative to Crumpler and Timbuk 2.
Hardy materials are used, such as Cordura and high performance X-Pac sailcloth, a lightweight, abrasion resistant and waterproof fabric. Cordura is also used for the lining of the bags, not a lighter weight or thinner nylon fabric.

Small Zero Messenger in Black X-Pac
Small Zero Messenger in Silver X-Pac
Medium Zero Messenger in Navy X-Pac

Medium Zero Messenger in Green X-Pac

How do I select what to stock?

Common merchandising wisdom tells you to buy for the customer and not yourself. Easier said then done. I've not met a buyer who could achieve this feat, yet.

I select merchandise for the shop based on what I hope to get out of something I would buy for myself - value for money and unique/good/beautiful design. Both of these qualities can usually be found in branded goods but not necessarily so. I stock both brand name and non branded stuff. Branded goods tend to have better design, are more durable and use better materials. What many people lump together as 'good quality'. However, not many of us actually know what good quality is.

Unless you are an expert on materials, there is no way you'll know which material is more durable or finer. I try to get these info from my suppliers (the experts) and pass them on to my customers. Good materials cost more, resulting in higher prices. I also look out for construction details, especially reinforcements on stress points on bags. So to a very large extent, you get what you pay for.

Unique/good/beautiful design is the tricky part to buying. Its not difficult for a product to be unique, but I look for unique in a good way. Like the bbp Bak2Pak carrying system that is designed to lower back strain and maintain posture. Or an interesting concept or graphic on a T-shirt.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder... this is the most subjective part. I can only stock things which I feel, are beautiful to me. Beauty in designs, graphics and ideas. (Hope to post more pictures to illustrate this.) In a way I'm on the right path. Most of my customers do proclaim that my merchandise is very unique and not commonly seen. I'll continue to try and invoke this sense of curiosity and sparkle in their eyes...

Why open a shop?

In an age of online shops, why open a physical shop? Maybe I'm old fashioned but I still prefer to actually see, feel and try on stuff. I've shopped online myself and its just not the same. I can't buy a pair of pants online and cross my fingers that it would fit well. And I'm sure many of you out there have noticed that many online shops do open a brick & mortar shop eventually. So this blog is started to direct people to my shop to actually experience the merchandise.

Having been a Menswear buyer for 10 years, opening my own shop is a realization of a goal. The freedom to select brands and merchandise I truly believe in can only be done with my own little niche in Chinatown Point.

I named the shop 'stash' because I hope the items I select would become something special to my customers. Something close to their hearts and be included in their own private stash of treasured belongings. Or just something they really like because its unique. Thats the word I hear most frequently used to describe my stuff - unique, especially the bags.

I currently stock mostly Men's Bags, Accessories and Apparel and some ladies bags. One should always start with something one is familiar with, no? Some brands available only at my shop here in this tiny red dot, Singapore are bbp, Qwstion, Ecsotype and very soon Rickshaw. Will try to post more pictures.

So how do I select what to carry? Thats for next time. Till then, thank you and goodnight.

bbp Bags

bbp stands for Bum Back Pack. Its core range of hybrid backpack/messenger bags are good for people with bum backs (clever name eh?) High functionality and quality, low price. Brand donates portion of profits to charities as well.

Hybrid Hamptons

Hybrid Hauler

Expand-It Messenger