Wong (left) and Bargain Basement store manager Catherine Liew sorting out and arranging the items donated by well-wishers at the store in IOI City Mall, Putrajaya.

BARGAIN Basement is a store with a heart – in the figurative and literal sense.
It encourages the public to donate pre-loved or unused items to help the community, and its logo is a tree filled with heart-shaped leaves symbolising the generosity of its donors.
It is a community initiative under IOI Group’s Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng Foundation.
The community project takes in pre-loved, unused or excess goods, which are then sold at an affordable price at its store in IOI City Mall, Putrajaya.

Liew says toys and clothing are among the store's fast-selling items.

“We encourage people to spring clean and donate items they don’t want anymore, so someone else can make use of them,” said Bargain Basement founder Datin Joanne Wong.
“Though some items are second-hand, they are still in good condition and can be purchased at a low price.
“Besides helping to remove clutter at home, this initiative also benefits the environment as the goods are used by someone else instead of being dumped in a landfill.”
She said re-using goods was an economical way for people in all socioeconomic levels to acquire items they need, improve communities and prevent waste.
Bargain Basement welcomes items that are clean and in good condition such as children’s and adult clothing, shoes, bags, jewellery and other accessories, household products such as utensils, dishes and containers, ornamental or decorative items, books, toys, sports gear and electrical appliances.

With prices starting from as low as RM5, Bargain Basement is an ideal shopping place for budget-conscious consumers and abrgain hunters.

“We basically take in items that are still usable and can fit into a car.
“We are unable to accommodate bulky goods such as furniture as we do not provide delivery service,” said Wong. “About one quarter of the goods we get are new.
“Some items, such as a dining table set or tea set, are bundled together to be sold as a package.
“People have also donated premium items, including branded clothing and finely woven carpets.
“Some items are almost brand new,” she added.
While the cheapest item, such as a book or a pair of earrings is priced at no less than RM5, Wong said premium goods were priced in the three- to four-figure range, depending on their value and condition.

Bargain Basement is located at B3-10, IOI City Mall, Putrajaya.It also has two drop-off points at Puchong Financial Corporate Centre and 16 Sierra.

Wong shared that Bargain Basement was popular among budget-conscious consumers, such as the mall’s workers, students and even tourists.
“This community initiative is for a good cause, as the nett proceeds from the items sold are channelled to different charities each month,” she said. “The beneficiary could be an individual, group or home in need.
“There can be more than one beneficiary each month, but our priority will be those who have had interaction with Bargain Basement.”
Wong, who is also the foundation’s executive director, said Bargain Basement welcomed contributions from residents and business communities. Prior arrangements can be made for large pick-ups.
“We also welcome stock overruns from manufacturers and distributors, as well as dedicated volunteers who are able to help out at least once a week.

Household products such as utensils, dishes and containers, as well as ornamental and decorative items are among the goods donated to and sold at Bargain Basement.

“At 139.3sq m, the store is fairly small in size, although there is a possibility of expanding the premises in the future,” said Wong of the project that opened for business on June 1.
“We have seen plenty of community interaction at Bargain Basement, whether among our staff with the shoppers and donors, or with a mall tenant who helps us to repair broken locks or zips before the items are sold,” she said.
She expressed hope that there would be similar community efforts nationwide. Bargain Basement is located at B3-10, IOI City Mall, Putrajaya (three levels below Subway, same wing as Homepro).
It is open daily from 10am to 10pm.
It has two drop-off points at Ground Floor reception, Tower 2, Puchong Financial Corporate Centre, Bandar Puteri Puchong and Amigo Clubhouse, 16 Sierra, Puchong South.
For enquiries, call 03-8947 8888 ext 1128 (Catherine Liew) or visit yayasan.ioigroup.com