Medicom, Kidrobot...Ozzo Collects!

Through this field trip, we learn that collecting stuff is not a matter of quantity but how the essence of childhood stays within the person and how far one can go to pursue this passion. This man in the picture below is a perfect example.

This is Mike.

Mike is the co-owner of Ozzo Collection which has a base set up in the premise of China Square. At a glance, you won't be able to find him in the picture, so being nice, I drew an arrow above his head and coloured it yellow. This toy-preneur (toy entrepreneur) was helpful to provide enough information about the place, the toy market and the elements of success of his business. Well, when we came touched on the side of business, Mike said it wasn't at all smooth as he and his partners thought. Due to the economy's tough time ("slump" is too heavy a word), shoppers tend to tighten their belts and go for less pricey items.

But how did he respond to this?

"Just by being where the right target market hangs out and be persistent," Mike said.

My kinky party planner, BearFlan, from the Cannibal Funfair family

Ozzo Collection sells a wide range of designer vinyl toys imported from the U.S.A. The popular ones are Tokidoki, Kidrobot, Bearbrick and the smaller versions of the same brands. Vintage toys like the Astro Boy and Tin Toys are also available, most of which are a friend's personal collection.

"I do allocate some space out for rental which is a good thing for toy re-sellers who need a smaller space to trade their toys," he said.

"I was operating the same toy business at one of the shopping malls but then moved in to this place (China Square) two years ago because of the successful toy market. Business was okay then but we improved gradually as more people learn about this activity through word of mouth," he added.

If you haven't yet known about Ozzo Collection, it's time you should.

The awesome trio that made into our Gallery of The Minis.

(From left: Kumano Gollo, F*Fortress Teddy Troops and Droplet)

That's about Ozzo Collection and our growing madness for designer toys.

I'm Aki! Reporting from Kuala Lumpur,

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aki @ J+S