If you have a true blue shopper friend who occasionally likes to fly to Singapore every year, you might be able to guess what months they choose to do that. May to July for example, is most likely one period they won't miss, when the Great Singapore Sale strikes back.
During these months, the city turns into a whirl of activity as the island-wide mega ultra sale spoils you with an ocean of head-turning offers. Cutting prices by up to 70 percent, who wouldn't find it irresistible? The streets are packed with hands swaying filled shopping bags of various items. Fashion, accessories, watches, jewelry, electronics, you name it. From medium to premium brands, from kids to adult stuff. It can be an eight-week shopathon for some real bargain hunters. So, how can you blame those who want to be part of the whole paradise? It would be a sin to be somewhere else during these months, some may think.
And what is another period apart from the mid year that alerts shoppers? I would say, the end of the year. It surely is another reason to make shopaholics come back for the next bargain hunting adventure. Is it because they need to hunt for some good bargains for themselves and other people as presents? Or is it because this is the glittering time of the year where Orchard Road and Marina Bay are transformed by festive street lighting that delights shoppers? Well it could be both.
And who could blame them? Christmas shopping in Singapore is indeed so exciting. Many malls and retailers offer special shopping deals, late night shopping as well as post-Christmas sales. Visitors to Singapore can look forward to a compelling promotion extended exclusively to them. Tempting offers come from various top brands from different product categories.
So that's the times some of the people I know usually "disappear" for their retail therapy. And I am not surprised to see their suitcases multiply when they come back. Irene Inonu, a 29-year-old account service from one of Jakarta's leading advertising agencies who frequently visits Singapore during the year-end sale, admits her excitement about Christmas shopping in Singapore. "I go to Singapore at the end of the year just because I don't want to miss the sale because it's really worth it. And some of the items that are not available here, I can get them in Singapore. Some certain shoes, bags, and sometimes makeup too. But what I mostly love shopping for there is jewelry."
Known as a charming lady who is a "mix and match" expert among her friends, Irene also expresses her satisfaction with the great bargains in Singapore, during which she gets a lot of stuff.
But despite any special sale seasons, needless to say Singapore is an ultimate destination for shopping. Earning its global reputation as a true shopper's paradise, the country is actually one giant mall in itself, fulfilling all shopping needs. From earrings to a home-theater set, from international or local fashion designer labels to made-to-measure clothes in any fabric of your choice, the place offers it all. Indeed, the shopping delights are something that millions of visitors from around the world travel to Singapore for, where they explore and treat themselves to one shopping spree after another. And it's not news either to anyone, it seems, that this is the place to hunt for cool gadgets at competitive prices.
Some think that shopping in Singapore is all about being luxurious. Whoever thinks that way though must be someone who hasn't explored the place. Are you someone who prefers to experience shopping in swanky air-conditioned malls in downtown areas of Orchard Road and Marina Bay? Or do you prefer to pick up unique goods in the ethnic enclaves? Or maybe you want something more adventurous, like peeping into suburbs to see what the resident shops offer? Hey, you can choose which one suits you. For serious shoppers, the must-visit downtown shopping streets of Orchard Road and Marina Bay are what come first on their shopping destination list. A smorgasbord of brands are waiting here to spoil the insatiable needs of shoppers. As for the ethnic enclaves, there are places such as Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam and the bustling areas of Bugis and Holland Village. Each of them is a cultural treat filled with exotic sights and sounds, truly a unique shopping experience in itself. If what you are looking for is some indigenous and authentic mementos to mark your sojourn in Singapore, you will find a treasure-trove in the colorful ethnic enclaves belonging to the three main ethnic groups in Singapore: Chinese, Malay and Indian.
Not only is the place flooded with irresistible offers, but the great shopping experience itself that makes shopaholics come back to Singapore again, and again. So, ready for your next shopping bonanza? The year-end sale is calling you.
Shopping hot spots:
Orchard Rd: Tanglin Mall, Wheelock Place, Pacific Plaza, Far East Plaza, Tangs, Wisma Atria, Lucky Plaza, Ngee Ann City, Paragon, Centrepoint Shopping Centre, Plaza Singapura, Park Mall.
Marina Bay: Raffles City, Citylink Mall, Marina Square Shopping Mall, Suntec City Mall, Millenia Walk.
Bugis: Bugis Street, Bugis Village, Bugis Junction.
Suburbs and other areas: Causeway Point, Compass Point, Northpoint Shopping Centre, Changi Airport, VivoCity, Central, Square 2.
