MANILA, Philippines - Each year Singapore draws in tourists from all over the world who are all eager to shop to their hearts’ content at the much-awaited, Great Singapore Sale.
Usually held during mid-May to late July, the Great Singapore Sale is the time of the year when Singaporeans and tourists get to score loads of great bargains whether from high-end shops to popular high-street brands. Of course, the countrywide sale is not just limited to fashion items, a lot of restaurants and entertainment facilities are also offering great deals whether it be discounted rates or a free meal and it just keeps getting better year after year.
For 2010, the Great Singapore Sale has partnered with Mastercard to give credit cardholders more reasons to shop and swipe during the GSS. Various promotions from over 100 partner merchants were exclusively available to Mastercard users which ranged from shopping treats from brands like Aldo, Topshop, Miss Selfridge to dining specials from Parkroyal, Pan Pacific Singapore; and travel perks courtesy of Pan Pacific Singapore, Carlton Hotel Singapore, and Sheraton Towers Singapore. Various discounts and freebies were also made available for wellness and entertainment facilities that are geared towards tourists who are looking for more things to enjoy in sunny Singapore other than shopping.
If you are planning on going to the next GSS, here’s a guide on the best places to shop, dine and unwind while you’re there:
Orchard Road – this remains the shopping spot of choice both for locals and tourists alike. It is lined with various shopping malls and commercial centers like Takashimaya Shopping Center, 313@somerset, ION Orchard, Mandarin Gallery, Plaza Singapura, and Wisma Atria. Each of these shopping favorites is filled with popular shops from all over the world like Forever 21, Cotton On, Kinokuniya, kikki.K, Rubi Shoes, New Look, and of course a bevy of luxury brands like Chanel, Gucci, and Marc Jacobs. Shopaholics can spend a whole day – or two just at Orchard Road alone with so many stores and shopping places to visit.
Bugis – aside from old and new malls filling up this popular Singapore shopping area, Bugis is a favorite among the trendy, younger set as this is the place to score fashion items for cheap. If you want to include this in your itinerary, make sure to schedule your visit on a weekday as it can get very crowded during weekends. Aside from affordable fashion items, Bugis is where you can also find Sim Lim Square which has a lot of great IT-related buys.
Marina Bay – another popular shopping area in Singapore, Marina Bay offers a variety of “mega malls” like Marina Square, Suntec City Mall, and Raffles City Shopping Center as well as an assortment of specialty stores at Millenia Walk and CityLink Mall – which makes it very convenient to explore the different attractions at Marina Bay. If you’re looking for yummy dining options or mid-range shopping choices, the mega malls is where you should head out to first but if you’re into luxury shopping, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and Millenia Walk are two places that you shouldn’t miss out on during your Singapore shopping trip.
Chinatown – this picture-perfect area in Singapore is filled with various eateries and souvenir shops that make for a very festive ambiance. If you’re into Chinese specialty goods, treat yourself to silk cheongsams, gold jewelry and various Oriental homeware and handicraft. While you’re there, make sure to try out the different delicacies on offer at Singapore’s famous hawker stalls.
Little India – interested in Indian culture? Aside from stalls selling fresh fruits and all sorts of Indian sweets, Little India is also home to various clothing shops that sell traditional Indian outfits like Saris as well as various trinkets and gold jewelry. If you have more time to spare, do drop by Mustafa Centre, Little India’s 24-hour department store filled with electronics, electrical appliances and household items.
Now that you’re armed with all the shopping info that you need to know about Singapore, make sure to book a flight for the next GSS, and don’t forget to bring your credit card to avail of all the amazing discounts.