Shopping has been defined in many ways from therapy to necessity. Whatever it may be, it certainly is one of the most pleasurable experiences to the millions who flock to Singapore to experience its shopping destinations. Spoilt for choice from the latest electronic gadgets to fashions and encompassing a range of consumer items, Singapore has been a favorite destination for many decades of both regional and other visitors attracted obviously by the shopping and the many leisure and entertainment options on offer. A place with something for everyone, visitors can browse the glitzy malls or the ethnic enclaves with local markets and shop houses and bargain for wares an activity that interests those looking for elusive bargains.
Orchard Road, lined with malls where one could spend the whole day trawling for that ‘must have’ item has been a favorite haunt of shoppers for as long as anyone can remember. Its ever changing landscape offering new interesting and intriguing items has held shopper’s interests over the years ensuring repeat visits. For the weary the many alfresco eateries provide a respite. The area comes into its own during the end of the year festive season when colored lights festoon the trees and interest grabbing displays in malls beckon shoppers.
China Town with its charming shop houses, temples, markets, Chinese medicine halls and tea houses offer visitors a different dimension in shopping. The best time to visit this area is prior to the Luna New Year in January and February when the area is full of color and light with street stalls filled with trinkets, paintings, silks and herbal products. The China Town Complex is a huge shopping mall in the area specializing in food. China Town Point is the place to visit if interested in handicrafts of which it has six floors. Arab Street and Little India provide ethnic inspired products which are of additional interest to shoppers.
Clarke Quay and River side have been transformed into lively lifestyle and entertainment venues and offer their own shopping experiences.
Marina Bay Sands entertainment complex and Sentosa Island are destinations in themselves with hotels, shops, cafés and “one of a kind” attractions and entertainment options for adults and the whole family ensuring a continuous stream of enthusiasts.
In addition to the daily dose of shopping offered by the 250 or so shopping malls and even more retail outlets, the crowning moment for all shoppers is the midyear eight week Great Singapore Sale, now in its 17th year, that offers visitors to the state, some of the best deals in the region in electronic gizmos, apparel, home wares, jewellery and many more products. Combined with other special offers available during this period, it is indeed an opportunity that many shoppers in the region wait for.
