GEORGE TOWN: An antique perm parlour in Penang, which has stood against the winds of change since World War II, is hoping for better days ahead.

       Hairstylist Boey Kean Sang, who manages the shop with his wife, said his grandfather named the shop Great Wall Waving Parlour for sentimental reasons.

       “The unique name was inspired by my grandfather’s place of origin in China.

       “We have operated from this rented shoplot since my grandfather’s time in the 1940s,” he said.

       Among the items in his shop is an eye-catching vintage bonnet hairdryer.

       “Our customers get to experience using the antique hairdryer (which was) made in Germany in the 1960s.

       “The hairdryer has lasted until today due to its good quality and yearly maintenance,” he added.

       Boey said his unisex parlour offers trimming, perming and hair-colouring services.

       “We are open daily, but on appointment basis only during the pandemic. We only allow one customer to enter the shop every hour and sanitise our equipment after each use. We will continue to take precautions to ensure the safety of our customers.“We hope to see a decrease in Covid-19 cases soon,” he said.

       A shop that sells football-related products in Komtar has also reopened after a five-month hiatus.

       Owner S. Murugeson said business was not the same as in pre-Covid-19 times.

       “We were closed for five months and reopened in early September,” he added.

       Murugeson said he hopes that with more group sports activities allowed now, business would pick up soon.

       “We sell Penang Football Club T-shirts, mufflers and windbreaker jackets for football fans.

       “We also sell our products online and delivery to our customers from other states,” he added.