Shopping in Singapore

Recognised worldwide as being a Utopia for shopaholics, Singapore is the perfect destination for travellers wanting to go on a first-class shopping spree. First-hand experience of this thriving shopping culture is definitely one of the primary reasons to pay Singapore a visit.

There is so much to buy and such a sheer abundance of beautiful shopping malls, that it’s difficult to know where to begin when discussing retail options in Singapore. Ok, deep breath, here goes.

With shopping being everyone in Singapore’s favourite leisurely activity, travellers are spoilt for choice with where they’d prefer to get their fix of retail therapy. From niche luxury boutiques, thrift stores, flea markets, plentiful shopping malls spilling with an array of designer gear and the world famous Orchard Road; travellers who love to shop would be wise to bring along an empty suitcase.

Great Singapore Sale – Fashion items at discounted prices

ION Orchard Shopping Mall is an excellent spot to visit for designer bargain hunting as is the nearby Tanglin Mall, Orchard Central and 313@Somerset.

The Great Singapore Sale is also ideal for unique and cultural shopping experiences which travellers can encounter first-hand by visiting Little India and Chinatown. These popular destinations are excellent for purchasing souvenirs and gifts or for stopping for a bite to eat at one of the many delicious and local bistros or food venders.

Shopping for local products and designers

Most famous for its top quality and cutting edge fashion items, Singapore is also well known for its local products and designers.

A local contemporary giftware range called Supermama offers travellers wonderful, local mementos to take home. Most of these keepsakes can be spotted in their own store outlets as well as Changi Airport.

Despite Singapore being a rather new country, due to vibrant tapestry of multi-cultures, there are still a large variety of souvenirs and knick-knacks for visitors to purchase and take home. Keep your eyes peeled for Merlion mascots (Singapore’s famous national icon) – a man-made creature with the head of a lion and body of a fish. While Chinatown and Little India stocks plenty of Merlion keyrings, candy and chocolates, postcards, touristy t-shirts and the like; there is a wonderful array of truly special and unique local labels and brands that represent this country beautifully.

If these are mementos that you are interested in taking home, be sure to check out Charles and Keith fashion label for exquisite shoes, bags and accessories. These goodies can be purchased online too but if you’re in Singapore look out for the Charles and Keith stores, located on Orchard Road, Bugis Junction and inside Clarke Quay Central, amongst a few other spots.

RISIS luxurious jewelry line also make lovely gifts and long-term keepsakes for travellers to take home and cherish for years to come. There are a wide variety of different accessories, from gold-plated orchids, jewellery, pens, sculptures, chopsticks, to detailed and unique brooches. Most famous are the gold plated orchid products which are real orchids plated in 24K gold. Being Singapore’s national flower, these orchids are truly special pieces of jewelry. One of RISIS’s popular orchid necklaces costs around SGD 100 to SGD 200, so while not exactly wallet-friendly, these fine pieces of local craftsmanship are wonderful ways to remember one’s trip to Singapore.

Best shopping addresses

Ok, so we’m sure you’re wanting specific details on where exactly to shop after realizing that this tiny red dot on the map has managed to pack in more shopping malls per square kilometre than any other destination on the planet. Phew! With this staggering information it can be difficult to know where to start and shopping options can seem overwhelming. The cream of the crop in terms of Singapore’s retail experiences is without a doubt, the world-renowned, Orchard Road. This 2.2 kilometre stretch of super malls is flanked on both sides with pretty much everything under the sun. With the gorgeous skyline on display, the buskers and street performers and the alfresco resting spots on the side-lines, this shopping hotspot is not to be missed. Be sure to check out the architectural wonder, ION Orchard, at the end of Orchard Street, beckoning like a stylish beacon in a science-fiction movie.

Those travellers who have an aversion to gigantic, indoor shopping malls, need not worry, some of the most top-notch shopping areas in Singapore are found at open-air markets and down lively streets and alleyways. Bugis Street Market is a cheerful, colorful and a friendly experience different from the usual shopping mall encounter. Bugis Street Market, now the most well-known street market jam-packed with cheap apparel, accessories and shoes, was once known worldwide for its nightly congregation of trans women, making it one of Singapore’s most popular tourist destinations during the 1950s to 1980s. Already mentioned, and not to be missed is Little India and Chinatown for local curios and special souvenirs.

Tanglin Shopping Centre is also a wonderful spot to engage in a bit of retail therapy. Well-known for its Asian antiques and curios, Persian carpets, art, silk, jewellery and an assortment of healthcare and wellness products, there are even informed healthcare practitioners on duty.
In the market for antiques? Head upstairs to the second floor and delight in the assortment of vintage treasures such as antiquarian books, art, Qing porcelain, postcards, 19th century photographs and other old-world trinkets and historic bits and bobs. Excellent literature and reading material on a variety of subjects can also be located on this floor at ‘Select Books’.

Foodie’s Singapore shopping guide

Not only are the accessories, clothes and the fine jewellery things to peruse in Singapore, but many visitors of Singapore will find themselves missing the diverse and multicultural culinary scene once back in their home countries. Travellers will be pleased to know that Singapore is filled with wonderful, local treats, snacks and beverages that can be bought and taken back home.

Bak Kwa from Bee Cheng Hiang (Smoked Barbecue Pork) is a well-loved and popular snack souvenir, especially widespread during Lunar New Year however, tourists will have no difficulty locating this local snack year-round.

Buk Kut Teh Spices are also an excellent souvenir to leave Singapore with, as well as Singapore’s own luxury tea collection from TWG. The TWG collection comes in a staggering 800 plus tea varieties, specifically harvested from across the globe. Perfect for dealing with wanderlust on rainy days back in your home country.

Kaya is another thing that will bring the taste of Singapore straight to your breakfast table. Kaya is a flavourful jam made of coconut milk, eggs, pandan leaves and sugar; and is used as a spread on toast, cakes and desserts. Kaya toast is commonly acknowledged as being Singapore’s national breakfast dish and fortunately kaya jars are readily available in supermarkets island-wide, as well as in Changi Airport curio shops. Price ranges from SGD5 to SGD10 per jar.

Saving the best for last, is the Singapore Sling. The Singapore Sling has taken the world by storm and is famously known for being the national drink of Singapore. Creatively invented in the 1930’s by bartender, Ngiam Tong Boon at Raffles Hotel’s Long Bar, this cocktail is now adored and drunk throughout the world. The initial recipe consisted of a combination of gin, cherry brandy, pineapple juice, lime juice and orange juice, but now there seem to be a multitude of different recipes on offer. Mercifully, this beverage is produced in bottle form and makes an excellent gift for friends and family. Prices range from SGD30 to around SGD80 and can be nabbed at drink shops and supermarkets across the country. One can also locate a bottle from Raffles Hotel’s souvenir shops as well as at Changi Airport. If your budget allows it, be sure to try an icy, freshly poured Singapore Sling at the world-class Raffle’s Hotel Long Bar.

Should you haggle in Singapore?

One final note on Singapore’s shopping scene, is a tip regarding haggling over prices. Price negotiating and bargaining with shop owners or craftsmen is somewhat frowned upon in Singapore. Asking for a reasonable discount in markets or with street venders is considered to be okay, but as a general rule, the price on most products is fixed. With that all that aside, bring your cash, bring your plastic, Singapore awaits!