The dynamic city-state of Singapore is not just home to theme parks, integrated resorts and diverse cuisine but also one of Asia’s shopping haven. Shopping in Singapore is a full experience – find everything under the sun from international designer labels to local flea markets, niche local designers and even the latest sought-after electronic gadgets.
Every year, the entire Singapore turns into a Shopper’s Paradise during the Great Singapore Sale (GSS). Starting May 31 until July 28, expect awesome deals of up to 70% off from international and local brands.
But with so many shopping malls in every corner of the city, it can get pretty overwhelming. To make sure you don’t miss out, here is a local guide to shopping in Singapore.
Orchard Road
Talking about shopping in Singapore is not complete without mentioning the city’s premier shopping district, Orchard Road. With 22 shopping malls lining up the entire stretch of this 2.2-km long street, you’ll literally shop til you drop 
.
Image via Timeout Singapore
The mega mall ION Orchard houses luxury brands like Miu Miu, Burberry and Prada as well as international specialty boutiques like Bimba & Lola, Fred Perry and True Religion to mass market brands like Uniqlo, H&M and local shoes & accessories brand Charles & Keith.
Shopper’s tip: ION offers special deals just for tourists. Just flash your passport and receive an ION Orchard Tourist Wallet and enjoy special discounts to participating merchants.
Ngee Ann City is one of Singapore’s shopping complexes. Image from Calvin Teo via Wikipedia.
Ngee Ann City is home of the Japanese department store chain, Takashimaya Shopping Centre. With 6 levels of shopping options, you’ll find everything here from houseware to toys to sports apparel. Book lovers will also be delighted to know that Ngee Ann City also houses Singapore’s largest bookstore, Kinokuniya. Find everything here from literary novels to bestsellers, graphic novels and specialized Japanese literature and manga.
Shopper’s tip: Takashimaya SC regularly holds massive sales located at the Takashimaya Square on Basement 3. Currently a Shoes & Bags sale offering massive discounts on such brands like Guess, Lacoste, etc is on.
Bugis Street
Image via tripadvisor.
Another key shopping destination in the city is Bugis. If you are taking the MRT train, hop on to the Green line and stop at Bugis station. Aside from the shopping centres Bugis Junction and Bugis+. For bargain-hunters, Bugis Street offers the typical street-shopping experience where smaller shops sell ladies’ and men’s apparel, accessories and souvenirs at affordable prices. Within the same bazaar are food stalls that sell yummy street food so you won’t go hungry while hunting for the best bargains.
Shopper’s tip: Typical to street-shopping, haggling is acceptable in Bugis Street. So remember to always negotiate for the “best price”. .
Going local
From last year’s Blueprint Emporium event. Image via blueprint.
Check out Singapore’s thriving local fashion scene with these noteworthy local shopping events.
Blueprint Emporium is a unique shopping experience showcasing clothing and accessories from local and other Asian designers. Shop for these designers’ off-season collections and limited edition items. This year, Blueprint Emporium will be held on May 18 to 19 from 11 am to 8 pm at the F1 Pit Building.
Designed to provide a conducive retail environment for Singapore’s budding designers, the Scape Underground concept shopping was created. Find one-of-a-kind clothing and kitschy items. Scape Underground is located at level 1 of Orchard Link (next to Cathay Cineleisure).
