Khaira’s was first established informally as a home-based family business in Singapore in 1971. The founder, Jagir Singh Khaira, and his wife Kuldip Kaur, had been using their frequent travels to Punjab to make opportunistic sales to a local market which was then only served by one trader operating out of a shophouse. Seeing the potential for a long-term business, and with the support of his wife, Jagir Singh decided to invest in the idea. He converted half of one bedroom in their two bedroom family flat into a display area, furnished it with a multipurpose showcase and imported his first consignment of suiting materials and wedding requirements. The business quickly became famous for supplying good quality materials at a very reasonable price and outstanding service, so much so that within a few years the business had expanded its market from its initial base of Punjabis to cover the South Indian community as well. A key feature of the business in those days was the clothes were brought to the customer’s house where friends and relatives were usually invited as well; Tupperware party style! Also, the business extended credit, making it possible for people who might not have otherwise been able to afford the clothes they desired the opportunity to realise their dreams.

The turning point in the business came in 1981 when Jagir Singh opened his first shop on the second floor of the old Serangoon Plaza. From there the business eventually made its way to Peace Centre in Selegie Road where it became an icon of the local Punjabi fashion scene. In its heyday, the business comprised four showrooms in Singapore and one in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

More recently, the business went into decline as Jagir Singh advanced in years and, for one reason or another, none of the children took over the task of maintaining the business. In February 2022, the last physical vestige of the business, a small 20ft by 10ft shop on the second floor of Tekka market, closed its doors permanently due to Jagir Singh’s frail health. On 11th April, 2022, Jagir Singh Khaira passed away.

Soon after Jagir Singh’s demise, among the host of people who came forward to express their sadness and extend their condolences to the family, many remarked on how much he would be missed and requested that the business, which he had given his life to and which he kept running until the very end, be kept going somehow in his memory. This website is the answer to those requests. It is a tribute to a man who loved to bring joy to people and always served with a smile. The qualities of humility, passion, service and good nature for which Jagir Singh was famous will continue to live on in this business.