When you want to get away from souvenirs and biscuits, these stores showcase some of the best of Penang’s local talents
1. P.66
If you’re looking for a moment of calm in Georgetown, P.66 is where you’ll find it. This multi-faceted, beautifully designed space is home to many things – locally designed, Japanese-inspired basic fashion from Dennie Yeap, excellent coffee, beautiful lighting and a covetable, curated selection of stationery from Writer. Whether you’re looking for writing materials, vintage typewriters or just good vibes over coffee, P.66 is where you’ll find it. 66 Lebuh Campbell, George Town, Penang; instagram.com/p66.store
2. Gerakbudaya
This independent bookstore and publisher is right in the thick of things at Georgetown, in the new creative hub and arts space Hikayat on Lebuh Pantai. Gerakbudaya is not your cookie-cutter bookshop – its shelves are stocked with a mix of titles that is intentionally unique to its location. There are books about Penang of course – its history, culture and food – as well as titles from around the region discussing current affairs, politics, lifestyle and travel. 226 Lebuh Pantai, George Town, Penang; gerakbudayapenang.com
3. Shop Howard
The brainchild of Malaysian artist Howard Tan, Shop Howard is an eclectic gem of a store. Wander in to find examples of Howard Tan’s colourful work: photography, art prints and collages, alongside a joyful mix of knick knacks and homeware. It’s a great place to pick up unique items as Penang souvenirs, from vintage crockery to unique postcards to unusual home decor pieces. 154 Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, George Town, Penang; fb.com/shophoward
4. Warehouse 129
With its signature, island-inspired brand of breezy separates, local label Sixth Sense has become a Penang staple. Just down the road from their flagship store on Lebuh Pantai, the founders have opened Warung 129, a more lively, experimental space which houses the more youthful and edgy of Sixth Sense’s line-up of clothes and accessories. Here they also host a series of cultural talks, workshops and events. 129 Lebuh Pantai, George Town, Penang; sixthsensestores.com
5. The Warung
This select store on Lebuh Victoria stocks a great mix of imported and local brands – which you can peruse while sipping on an in-house coffee (and waiting for your waffles to be ready). The Warung’s lineup is an appealing selection of home goods and accessories, from recycled bags by Freitag to locally made soaps, scented candles, embroidered patches and other things you never knew you needed. 145, Lebuh Victoria, 10300 George Town, Penang; thewarung.my
