A Shopper’s Guide to Singapore. PART 1

Shopping is one of the greatest pleasures in Singapore. Part of the fun is the excellent buys and great variety of shops all over the island. Delight in a bargain at a little neighbourhood shop, pick up a quaint item or two as you stroll through colourful ethnic quarters, discover favourite buys of the droves who flock to Singapore’s modern malls or be enthralled by the splendour of whole shopping “cities” selling everything under the sun. This shopping series is made up of five parts, and will give you all the information you need should you decide to visit the lion city.

Many top hotels also have an attached shopping arcade with fine boutiques specializing in designer fashion, accessories, jewellery and watches.

And designer brands from the fashion runways of the world can be affordable – if you know where to look. Find them at the growing number of discount shops around the city. The magic is affordable in Singapore.

Central Shopping Belt

Singapore’s Central Shopping Belt extending from Tanglin Road all the way down Orchard Road and Bras Basah Road to Marina Bay has been tagged Fifth Avenue, Regent Street, Champs-Elysees, Via Veneto and Ginza for good reason.

This is where world-class shopping abounds. A day spent browsing and buying turns into an unforgettable experience as theme designer boutiques, local and international department stores, speciality shops and bargain counters compete with outdoor cafes and gourmet restaurants for your attention.

Orchard Road is definitely the epicenter of the whole shopping scene in Singapore and here, you can find almost anything and everything you need from designer wear, electronic goods, souvenirs and many more! The whole stretch of road is flanked by malls cramped into just a few blocks of the shopping district where some of the biggest shopping centers in Singapore, including (from west to east) Tangs, The Forum Shopping Mall, Palais Renaissance, The Shopping Gallery at Hilton, Lucky Plaza, Centrepoint Shopping Centre, Paragon, Orchard Towers and Singapore Plaza.

If you’re particularly wealthy, you can start your promenade at the Tanglin Shopping Centre at the very head of Orchard Road, which offers plenty of shops dealing in antiques, souvenirs, exquisite Persian, Pakistani, and Afghanistan carpets and discreet tailors. Further down the road, there is the Palais Renaissance. This marble edifice, as its posh name suggests, is distinctly upmarket, and offers a superb range of prestigious, exclusive boutiques that carry top-notch international designer labels.

CENTREPOINT

176 Orchard Road

Tel: (65) 6737 9000

Nearest MRT station: Somerset (NS23)

Centrepoint is among the largest and most popular shopping centers in Singapore, meeting virtually every need of tourists and locals alike. Here you’ll find the award-winning Robinsons & Co, regarded by many as Singapore’s premier department store and a legend for quality and service since it began trading in 1858. Robinsons & Co was the winner of the Tourism Awards 2002, Best Shopping Experience – Retail Outlet. There are also stores specializing in classical music, casual clothing, optical equipment, electronics, furnishings, Oriental rugs, sporting goods, fine arts, Asian antiques and artifacts, a major bookshop and much much more. The complex also has a good selection of restaurants and fast-food outlets.

DELFI ORCHARD

402 Orchard Road

Tel: (65) 6732 1605

Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)

A good place to browse for household items like Waterford crystal and Wedgwood china. Numerous upmarket clothing and accessory stores are also located here.

FAR EAST PLAZA

14 Scotts Road

Tel: (65) 6734 2325

Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)

You’ll find yourself coming back over and over again to this fun, mixed bag of sorts. This is the place both local and expatriate, young and the not-so-young love to hang out at. The bustling shopping centre sells everything from the most fashionable and outrageous shoes and clothes, to precious gems, eyewear and compact discs. Make sure you check out Level One, which boasts a wide array of street fashion, unique accessories & knick knacks!

FAR EAST SHOPPING CENTRE

545 Orchard Road

Tel: (65) 6734 5541

Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)

Another large complex on Orchard Road with a host of shops from small jewelry stores, inexpensive clothing and tailor shops to health equipment and computers. Established Kwok Gallery on level three specializes in rare porcelain, jade sculptures and fine old ivory carvings. House of Hung on the ground floor is a popular jewelry store for gold, diamonds and precious stones.

FORUM THE SHOPPING MALL

583 Orchard Road

Tel: (65) 6732 2479

Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)

The giant Toys “R” Us anchor store located here is a magnet for kids. Other shops sell a range of goods – children’s clothing, quality fashion, jewelry, optical goods and electronics. Designer label stores including Song + Kelly 21 concept store, Calvin Klein and Max Mara stores are also located here.

THE HEEREN

260 Orchard Road

Tel: (65) 6733 4725

Nearest MRT station: Somerset (NS23)

Here’s where you’ll find mega music store HMV, the largest music superstore in South East Asia. Found in this shopping mall is also the Japanese One.99 Shop where all products are attractively priced at that price. Check out the restaurants on Level 5 which offer a mouthwatering selection of Asian food ranging from Peranakan to Japanese cuisine or head down to Movenpick Marche at basement one which offers a casual dining experience. At levels 4 and 5, Annex, a new and exciting shopping concept awaits your exploration. Similar to Harajuku in Tokyo or Island Beverly in Hong Kong, Annex has everything from street and vintage fashion wear to unique accessories, quirky toys to comics.

THE SHOPPING GALLERY AT HILTON

Hilton Hotel, 581 Orchard Road

Tel: (65) 6734 5250

Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)

Yet another firm favorite for designer items. Take your pick from the three levels of exclusive brands of Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Paul Smith, Valentino, to name a few. The link bridge to The Four Seasons Hotel also provides shoppers with more exquisite choices at The Four Seasons Shopping Gallery which also houses Notices, The Gallery, a treasure trove of fine art and paintings from around the world.

INTERNATIONAL BUILDING

360 Orchard Road

Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)

Just across the street from Liat Towers is International Building. Drop into its many boutiques and tailor shops, then sit down to a good meal at either of the Thai, Chinese or Japanese restaurants.

LUCKY PLAZA

304 Orchard Road

Tel: (65) 6235 3294

Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)

This shopping centre contains an enormous selection of shops. Everything from watches to kimonos.

MERIDIEN SHOPPING CENTRE

100 Orchard Road

Nearest MRT station: Somerset (NS23)

Drop by the many fashion and accessory boutiques here, including a food court at ground floor.

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