Shopping
One of Singapore’s favourite pastimes just got more exciting with the glitzy makeover of Orchard Road to the tune of SGD 40 million.
It’s time to rediscover shopping from the city centre to the flourishing heartland malls in every suburb.
Sales and Service
The much-anticipated annual Great Singapore Sale now stretches eight weeks over June and July due to its continuing success. As for service standards, be pleasantly surprised by the attention that has been paid to beefing up this area across the years. For good measure, you’ll see the Singapore Service Star label affixed to storefronts for service you can trust.
In Singapore, you will be excited by the new-to-market labels and innovative retail concepts constantly surfacing. Come home to the best shopping experiences you’ll ever have!
From Bazaars to Malls
The old pasar malam and bazaars that your parents knew are still thriving in the suburbs and ethnic enclaves like Arab Street, Geylang Serai, and Chinatown, jostling side-by-side with the malls. Some have reinvented themselves, like the bustling Bugis Street Market, which is now air-conditioned.
At the same time, the world’s top brands and luxury lines can also be found in flagship and concept stores here. ION Orchard is the latest mall adding glitter to Orchard Road. Discover anything from haute couture at the upcoming Mandarin Gallery, to top reads in Kinokuniya, South-East Asia’s largest bookstore. Streetwear fashion has found a home in Far East Plaza, while everything athletic is found at Novena Velocity, the dedicated sports mall. And like old friends, the electronics stalwarts like Sim Lim Centre and Funan Digitalife Mall are still the go-to spots for great deals.
Aching to support something made in Singapore? Look no further than our own fashion designers, some of whom have gone international. Pick up something edgy from Nicholas at Tangs Department Store, a dressy outfit from alldressedup at The Link Boutique, or evening wear from Ashley Isham at Fullerton Hotel and Francis Cheong at Orchard Shopping Centre.
Access
If you’re still acclimatising, don’t let the weather stop you from hitting the shops. Almost all malls have been well connected with covered walkways or air-conditioned underpasses – which squeeze in more retail space, like the remarkable City Link Mall that links City Hall MRT to Marina Square and Suntec City.
Bohemian Buys
Off the beaten track, you’ll find the indie shopping scene alive and well. The hip club Zouk holds its highly popular Flea and Easy Market-cum-afternoon party every quarter. You can also pick up original fashion and artworks at the Market of Artists and Designers (MAAD). Also check out alleyway shopping in the shophouse niches at Haji Lane and Bali Lane.
Late Shopping
Shop till you drop at weekly Late Night Shopping activities that extend till 11pm. In addition, the 24-hour department store Mustafa Centre allows you to pick up anything from groceries to electronics at your convenience.