Anya Kebaya Sdn Bhd — Local services in George Town

• EDITED TO RESPOND * Disappointed…

My last visit to the store in 2022 was excellent— Jackie gave me wonderful service, patiently helping me match my kebayas even though the store was packed with at least five other customers (back when the store was still located upstairs, before Anya Sui). For the quality, their prices are reasonable.

Over the years, I’ve collected more than 10 sets from Anya Kebaya. I’ve always spoken highly of the store and was excited to bring my mum along for her first visit. Sadly, today’s experience was disappointing.

Despite being the only customer in the store, we were left to browse on our own for most of the time. Apart from being shown where the kebayas were displayed, no one actively offered help or styling suggestions. Staff seemed more focused on packing online orders (perhaps?) than attending to us. One staff member assisted with a batik sarong—but only after I was visibly struggling to match a kebaya top with unusual colours. Before that, I was simply told to look on the shelf for a matching sarong.

I also found the sizing to have become inconsistent. Three tops in the same size all fit differently, only one out of the three fit, even though they were larger than the ones I bought three years ago (which still fit me perfectly). I was told this was due to the “vintage (premium) cut” running smaller, but I’ve purchased both premium and basic kebayas from Anya, online and in-store, and never had this issue. Perhaps I was just unlucky this visit, but it’s made me hesitant to order online again.

I was specifically looking for vintage-cut kebayas, but there weren’t many options in-store that suited my taste (I admit I’m picky), and the few I liked didn’t fit. When I asked if there were more in the storeroom, I was told no—just whatever was on the shelf. Yet, as I was about to leave, another staff member came out with more from the back. By then, I had already lost interest. This made me feel like they simply couldn’t be bothered to check when I first asked.

Anya Kebaya is still my favourite place for kebayas. I love their unique designs and have always appreciated their sizing system, with both letter sizing and bust measurements. But after this visit, I’m no longer excited to return.

• RESPONSE TO ANYA *

I came in hoping to buy new kebaya sets for my mum and myself, and yes, I also brought along a sarong in case I found a matching top.

I also want to add that the initial greeting at the store wasn’t warm. I was met with a blunt, “Yes, what are you looking for?”, no smile or welcome.

Yin offered to measure me when I said I was looking for vintage cut kebayas. Since I already knew my size, I declined and asked to be directed to the tops. (Your recollection is inaccurate here, as this was my first visit to the new Anya Sui location, so I couldn’t have known where the tops were.)

Based on previous experiences, I assumed I’d be able to browse first, then get help with styling or pairing. That didn’t happen this time. After browsing, I gave up on matching my own sarong and shifted to looking for a top with the intention of buying a full set instead (that's why I packed my sarongs away). This was when I struggled to find a sarong to match a top I liked. So perhaps there was a mismatch in expectations around service.

When Esther stepped in, it was after I’d already asked about more vintage cut tops and was told everything available was on the shelf. That’s why I said I was just browsing, because I had already asked. I later pointed out a top I liked that didn't fit, and suddenly more vintage pieces in my size appeared from the back. By then, I had already lost interest, which is exactly what I meant in my review: it felt like the others weren't willing to check until I "proved" enough interest. This wasn’t Esther’s fault, as she wasn’t the one who told me there were no more tops besides what was on the shelf.

This review wasn’t meant to be harsh, it came from genuine disappointment after years of good experiences. I hope service can be more consistent...

I’ve been to this place twice. First day i went there, i bought one set of kebaya with 2 sarongs. The staff was very helpful, they cater to my needs as I am a bit particular when buying clothes/kain. Buying kebaya nyonya, I need to match the sarong and the batik to suit my taste. And this takes time. Thus I was very happy with the staff on that day.

Today I went there again, to buy for my mother and sisters. However, this time i received a different treatment. The owner was present.

The owner told me I couldn’t open up the batik and the kebaya since it’s folded. How am I supposed to buy something from you if I’m not allowed to feel the fabric, get matching kebaya and batik??? This is absurd. She also starts to dictate my choice of batik/kebaya saying she would choose for me as she knows which matches what. All this because she doesn’t want the batik/kebaya to be refold again. What the hell.

So I have to choose based on what I only see with my eyes as the batik/kebaya is folded. I dont get to see the whole of it. As if I’m here just to window shop.

I admit that you have nice batik/kebaya. But the owner herself lacks the empathy how to treat a customer. Unlike the staff, who was very helpful.

Look I am not a diva that always needs pleasing. I always mind my words when i speak since I myself was in the customer service industry. I didn’t come to window shop or to make life hard for you. I didn’t even bargain for a discount. I actually ended up buying 2 kebayas and 3 batiks from the shop despite the treatment that...

I'm quite disappointed with my experience here especially considering the ratings here. I reread the reviews and realized the more recent good ones are mostly from foreigners.

Service was bad from the get go. The lady serving me was unfriendly and impatient when I asked to try the kebaya again before deciding (as I had tried them on on top of my clothes). She said I have already tried them on and laid them on the floor for me to see instead. Also when I suggested matching with other sarongs on display, she said it doesn't match, instead of letting me try. And after teaching me how to tie the skirt once, she asked me to go watch youtube. I certainly did not experience the friendly and helpful service the others here got. Haha. They also had only 4 colours for my size (L) , and even then they didn't have enough matching skirts. But this was probably a coincidence that they ran out of stock. However, I still ended up buying because I have already taken a grab to come all this way, and I don't know when i will be in penang again.

The saving grace was that the quality was very good and comfortable, and that's what the 2 stars are for. I certainly won't buy here again though. It is quite...