Progress Update: Data Analysis

Interview Findings:

1. Yi Xin, Interior Designer, 25

“In my memory, Kedai Runcit is a shop that contains a lot of sweets, there are many childhood snacks and different shapes of the eraser can be found there. Even though the shop looks tidy and dirty but I can still get my stuff everywhere. The customers around the Kedai Runcit are more friendly compared to the supermarkets. No matter you are Chinese, Indian or Malay they still very polite and friendly to you.”

2. Aditya, Communicator, 27

“Kedai Runcit for me was my saviour because I use to play around outside of the house with my friends. When we get tired, we will always go to Kedai Runcit to get fresh drinks and snacks. I have a lot of memories with Kedai Runcit back to my time as a child. The fact that I can stay in Kedai Runcit for a long time is just playing with rice like “shu.. shu.. shu..” because Kedai Runcit in Indonesia usually has a few boxes of rice outside the shop. The environment and situation in Kedai Runcit are like we are just visiting another home but the only difference is there have a lot of snacks. Back then, it was very tempting and I love to buy a lot of things. But now in supermarkets or mini markets, I don’t think we can feel the vibes, is different. Again, I see the beauty in Kedai Runcit because everything is there and you wouldn’t know what kind you find in Kedai Runcit. The layout and the placement of the products are not boring because mini-market or supermarkets is very organized. What makes Kedai Runcit different in Malaysia is because of the pleasingly messy and style.”

3. Murali, Mathematic teacher, 50

“For me, Kedai Runcit is a community gathering place that brings people together and revolves around business. Some of the inventory in the Kedai Runcit were from the village itself like eggs, chicken, fresh materials, vegetables and so on. So, it is a community gang and we will be very familiar with the owner. More like a family. The most memorable experience was my father paycheck because my father had no time to go bank by the time, so he will give the paycheck to the shopkeeper “Ah Soo” who is going to cash it and my father trust him so much. The shop decoration is simple except during the festival and we can see something new happening inside the shop. Around the shop are all Malay, Indian and Chinese, and this is what makes the Kedai Runcit unique in Malaysia.”

4. Mr Omar, Design Educator, 60

“When I was growing up, I always like to go Kedai Runcit with my family, especially my mom. When I was old enough, they will apparently let me go out purchasing for my own, so that was a big deal for me. During my time, we don’t need so much money because everything was cheap and we use coins a lot when I go to my favourite Kedai Runcit near my house to buy sweets. That was my fondest memory. Now, I was a time, I will go to the kedai runcit buy sweets and at the time remind me of my childhood. The shop owner also allows me to try first before I get anything. Kedai Runcit now sorts of tending to lose their business to the young generation, but they still sell to the older generations. The young generation does not go to Kedai Runcit anymore. They feel that it’s better to go to a supermarket where things are different.”

5. Joy Pin, Business Admin, 25

“My first impression of Kedai Runcit is kind of like old fashion and there is a lot of memorable things that we can’t see in the shop anymore. My memory for Kedai Runcit is those candies and snacks. Cheap and affordable! Now, Kedai Runcit is much different compared to the old school Kedai Runcit, moreover, it has become more systematic so it can save a lot of time. As I know, Kedai Runcit still sells many local products, but the younger generations may prefer to go to the supermarket.”

6. Lionel Wong, student, 22

“For me, Kedai Runcit back then childhood usually to buy candies and snacks, During my childhood, especially during the primary school time, I often will go to Kedai Runcit with my friends to buy the magnetic pen, rubber and toys. Kedai Runcit still holds the memorable thing, even my cousin still going to Kedai Runcit to buy rubber now. The most memorable thing in Kedai Runcit is the toys; we were much enjoyed playing with the toys together. Sometimes we will also exchange the toys we bought from the shop. Nowadays, the toys that are selling in Kedai Runcit are more expensive and have fewer options compared to the old days.”

---

Responses from social media (IG):

I received responses that ranged from something combined such as snacks, drinks, toys, people, displays, conversations and smells.

Summarise:

“你有時經過、有時忘記，但有需要時，你知道它總是在那兒。”

All in all, kedai runcit carries precious memories for a whole generation of people. It is not only a place for transactions but also a place for us to build relationships. For them, kedai runcit is always located nearby their house or school in order to convenience them to buy their daily supplies and the goods. Mr Murali also shared that kedai runcit is “sometimes you pass by, sometimes you forget, but when you need it, you know it is always there.” The result influenced the direction of this project and the content of the exhibition was much more clearly defined.