Sam’s elite clientele in Hong Kong
By RAMA GAIND
BEING humble is a trait that one does not find often. I found it in Manu Melwani, who was modest about the worldwide reputation enjoyed by his Hong Kong-based business – Sam’s Tailor.
What makes this tailor unique is its A-list clientele of the rich and famous. The names are too numerous to list here, but a small selection includes former US Presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Regan, Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton; former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani; former Australian Prime Ministers Paul Keating and John Howard; the late Lady Di, Prince Charles; former South African president Nelson Mandela and former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau; former US vice-presidents Dick Chaney and Al Gore, also an environmental activist; and entertainers Sir Cliff Richard, Bruce Willis, David Bowie, George Michael, Pierce Brosnan, Whitney Houston, Luciano Pavarotti and Michael Palin.
Isn’t that impressive?
The business was founded by Mr Melwani’s father, Narindas, in 1957 and the shop is still in its original location in Burlington Arcade at 94 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon.
After learning of the ‘celebrity’ status enjoyed by Sam’s Tailor, I made a point of visiting the store and meeting Manu Melwani. It was a hot and muggy afternoon, but my husband and I were welcomed inside the store. It was a tight squeeze as customers crowded inside the small confines. However, a cold Coke (ordered for us by Mr Melwani) was refreshing.
The walls, adorned with pictures of famous people, caught my eye as I waited for Mr Melwani to finish speaking with a customer. One could spend hours here trying to spot the familiar personalities…
Five minutes later, Mr Melwani came over, introduced himself and in his soft-spoken voice asked us politely how he could be of assistance. Was it an outfit for myself or a suit for my husband? I felt awkward, but had to politely decline. We’d already had our clothes stitched elsewhere.
I couldn’t resist asking what it was like to have superstars among their clientele?
“We are in a privileged position to have them come to us, but we pay equal attention to all our customers,” Mr Melwani modestly said.
“Everyone who comes to us is special – whether you are a superstar or ordinary citizens like yourselves from Australia or New Zealand, Britain or the US,” he said.
“We treat everyone equally – and we do everything we can to ensure that everyone is satisfied.” That includes the 25% of women customers.
Sam’s Tailor is a well-oiled business with 75 workers stitching countless number of pants, jackets, dresses, suits and shirts a week.
In fact, Mr Melwani insisted of making a shirt for my husband. We were in the midst of refusing his kind offer, when a young man appeared measured my husband for a short-sleeve shirt – and it was delivered to our hotel 24 hours later! It fitted like a glove. We couldn’t believe that we’d received such prompt service.
Sam’s Tailor is a family business which is destined to prosper for many generations. While Manu Melwani is assisted by his brother Sam, his son Roshan is now also a part of the business.
When next we visit Hong Kong, the first thing we do will be to head on down to Sam’s Tailor and place an order for both of us. That day is not too far away.
Owners of Sam’s Tailor must be held in high esteem because they were honoured with a postage stamp on the 50th anniversary of its founding.
What is especially impressive is that the business does not advertise: the publicity is word-of-mouth. Now that’s the best kind!
