The same can be said about the music and bookstore-café he runs with his cousin, Waqi along Kuantan’s Jalan Besar. While
Coastal Store is on
Facebook, the duo doesn’t actively utilise the platform to generate publicity. In fact, many visitors discover the venue purely through word of mouth, or at the local flea markets the store participates in.
“I prefer people to know about Coastal Store organically. I don’t like to create unnecessary expectations,” explains Arif.
Since opening in 2016, Coastal Store has become known for its eclectic mix of local and regional CDs, books and independent events. The walls and shelves are decorated with Arif and Waqi’s favourite things, heavily influenced by seminal surf film
The Endless Summer.
Having previously worked at
The Wknd – an online platform that highlights music around Southeast Asia – Arif says it was a natural progression for him to open Coastal Store after moving back to his hometown.