Lorgan's The Retro Store Review: Former customer became new owner of popular vintage store
By Isabel Lim -
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Stepping into Lorgan's the Retro Store is like navigating a labyrinth of colour. Furniture from all eras is sown across the room, ranging from ornately carved Chinese dining room tables to retro Scandinavian lamps hanging from the ceiling.
In a world where minimalism is the paradigm for interior design, Lorgan's the Retro Store offers an exciting deviation from conventionality. Though they also sell timeless classics, the store boasts one of the largest collections of fun, kooky, unorthodox furniture I've seen in any vintage decor store.
Lorgan's The Retro Store
Address: Orion @ Paya Lebar, 160 Paya Lebar Rd, #02-07, Singapore 409022
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 1-6pm
Vintage Lounge Chair and Coffee Table set that wouldn't look out of place in a home today.
Hanging Chandelier with Winged Lightbulbs. Images by Lawrence Teo.
Lorgan's The Retro Store Furniture
The vintage furniture sold at Lorgan's typically embodies mid-century vibes, though they also sell other furnishings from various time periods, offering snapshots through time.
One of the many sets of furniture in the showroom at Lorgan's The Retro Store. Image by Isabel Lim.
Vintage furniture
Their showroom hosts an extensive collection of furniture. Mismatched lamps dangle in a line along the walkway, while complementary sets are displayed on either side, creating many distinct nooks - a scrapbook of furniture.
All sorts of furniture can be found at Lorgan's - cabinets, coffee tables, couches, and writing desks are all scattered across the showroom.
An extensive collection of chairs is displayed on shelves that reach towards the high ceiling, leaning on the walls in Lorgan's The Retro Store.
An old telephone and a set of tea kettles - table decorations in Lorgan's The Retro Store.
Vintage home decor
Apart from furniture, Lorgan's also sells home decor and trinkets. These knick-knacks include clocks, paintings, tea-sets, and random tchotchkes.
A vintage clock from Colonial Clock Co. est 1870, in Lorgan's The Retro store.
Where does their furniture come from?
"All over," says Hengky, owner of Lorgan's The Retro Store. He goes on to explain that some people reach out to sell their items to him, while others are sourced from auctions or other countries, like Thailand or Hong Kong.
From there, it undergoes restoration depending on its initial condition. Well-preserved pieces can be resold after a simple cleaning, but for pieces in poorer condition, restorers will have to consider different factors in its rejuvenation. It could be the structure, the varnish, upholstery, or fabric, all with the goal of making an appealing and useful final product.
Vintage Scandinavian writing desk with a glass display case and pull-out drawers in Lorgan's The Retro Store.
Vintage Furniture Clients
"When Lorgan's first started, [it] drew in a lot of design inclined clienteles." Hengky commented. "But now, we have a mixture [of people]. We have younger people, like first time homeowners looking for a statement piece, or older people who have previously bought things from Lorgan's."
Retro cassette player on display in Lorgan's The Retro Store.
Lorgan's The Retro Store Founder
Lorgan's the Retro Store was founded by Lorgan Wong over twenty years ago when he began restoring colonial furniture alongside his father, before starting to sell vintage furniture around the age of 30. He has since retired since 2024.
Lorgan Wong, founder of Lorgan's The Retro Store. Image by Gavin Foo, taken from The Straits Times.
He has since stepped aside to enjoy a life of sailing, with furniture restoration as a pastime for leisure. He has since passed the mantle to Hengky, who has been running the operations of the store starting January 2024.
Hengky, current storeowner at Lorgan's The Retro Store. However, I don't think it'll be renamed to Hengky's the Retro Store anytime soon.
New successor
During our interview, I was surprised to find out that Hengky worked as a research analyst for over a decade before taking over the store. Talk about career mobility.
His journey from writing research articles to taking charge as a business owner stemmed from his love of vintage furniture, and fortuitous circumstance.
Used to be a customer
"I'm like one of those cliché customers-turned-owner," Hengky joked. Previously a frequent customer, he visited the store often, particularly every time Lorgan's had a new intake of products. "It was interesting to listen and learn about where these [furniture] come from, the history behind it .
"Somehow his retirement came up, and it just took off from there."
After consulting his wife, they decided that it seemed like a good idea, despite the risks. He was aware that by taking over the business, he would be giving up his job and income stability, but he decided to venture into it anyway.
Vintage trinkets on display at Lorgan's The Retro Store.
Hengky was no stranger to entrepreneurship, having previously founded his own business- a cosmetics store with a well-rounded selection of Japanese products.
Having studied Japanese and Business, he began working for a Japanese oil company, and decided to leave his job to start his own store over a decade ago.
Unfortunately, when tenant prices doubled two years into his ownership, he could no longer sustain his business, and went back to research analysis.
It wasn't until last September did he consider changing careers again, when Lorgan expressed wanting to sell his business for retirement. By the new year, Hengky held the keys to the store.
Close up of vintage hanging lamps in Lorgan's The Retro Store.
"It was quite straightforward lah, it's a small company," Hengky explained. Though the takeover was officially on the 1st of January, 2024, Lorgan stayed until March, helping Hengky assimilate into his new role, teaching him the ropes.
Lorgan however, still enjoys restoration as a hobby though only taking on projects that pique his interest.
Hengky's favourite chair. Sourced from Carousell, he was drawn to it's bright coral upholstery. It turned out to be an authentic mid-century American vintage chair.
How to choose vintage furniture
When choosing furniture, Hengky first considers aesthetics. He then considers functionality, design details and history.
"The value of vintage furniture comes from the fact that it isn't being manufactured anymore. It's hard to find, it's a bit more rare, and that's why it's special.
"I won't say I'm a collector, but maybe I have that kind of mindset, because I find everything else falling into place when I look at this store. There's just so much to it."
Why visit Lorgan's the Retro Store?
"I hope people will come in an find this a fun place. Sometimes silly, sometimes a bit weird, but that's the concept I'd like to keep," says Hengky.
Curated with passion and zest, Lorgan's the Retro Store is one of the most fascinating furniture stores I've visited. With unique and attention grabbing pieces, Lorgan's breathes new life into old furniture, and is perfect for anyone searching for a striking addition to their home.