15 reasons why Singapore is a shopping paradise

At Kapok

Taking its name from the majestic emergent tree of the rainforest, Kapok is a quirky retail addition to the National Design Centre. Explore over 100 up-and-coming and cult international brands.

At Pedder on Scotts

Your eyes won’t go hungry in this shoe and accessories haven, where a coveted pair of red sole Christian Louboutins are next to Gianvito Rossi’s signature stilettos. Spanning the entire second floor of luxury shopping destination Scotts Square, Pedder on Scotts is one for the fashionistas.

At Dover Street Market

Hypebeasts and baes worth their salt ought to pay a visit to Dover Street Market – it’s the fourth in the world after London, Tokyo and New York. It stocks a wide array of designer brands, ranging from Comme des Garçons and The Row to Anti Social Social Club and Paccbet.

At IMM

Not keen on paying full price for sporting gear or designer threads? No problem, there are plenty of deals to score at IMM, Singapore’s largest outlet mall, where over 90 brands such as Adidas and Club 21 park their past season’s collections.

At Naiise

This homegrown lifestyle store champions Singapore-designed products and, boy, are there lots to choose from. Naiise stocks over 1,000 brands selling cute stationery, household items, local books, unique touristy souvenirs and more across its six outlets.

At Hear Records

Hear Records is where you go to get lost in crates of vinyl – there are over 10,000 used ones and 5,000 new ones with weekly additions to keep things fresh. Needless to say, a vast, curated selection of records, all handpicked by owner Nick Tan, line the walls too.

At Tangs

One of the most outstanding buildings in the iconic glitzy shopping belt Orchard Road is Tang Plaza. As Singapore’s oldest homegrown department store, Tangs is often credited with sparking the transformation of Orchard Road into the vibrant shopping haven it’s known as today.

At Mud Rock Ceramics

Up your table setting game and pick up some beautiful and functional handmade wares at Mud Rock Ceramics – these are lovingly made out of just mud and clay by the ceramic studio owners, Michelle Lim and Ng Seok Har.

At Mustafa Centre

Whether you’re having a sleepless night or looking for a very specific item at 2am in the morning, you can count on Mustafa Centre to supply the goods. A Singapore institution, this seven-storey mall is open round the clock and it’s extensive – like, really extensive – offerings will delight all intrepid bargain hunters looking for a deal.

At Hock Siong

If you’re all for injecting a little eclecticism into your home, head to Hock Siong to score some second-hand home furniture. This sprawling Tai Seng store is neatly (and tightly) packed with a wide range of styles from vintage rosewood to mid-century and the occasional upcycled item – these are sourced from hotels, show flats, defunct furniture shops and the like.

At Tokyobike

Tokyobike has been knocking out lightweight, attractive bicycles since the original shop opened in Tokyo almost ten years back. The concept is simple: comfort above speed. The minimalist brand has become a worldwide hit, and in addition to Japan, there are now outlets in London and Sydney as well as on our very own Haji Lane. The small shop has everything a brand enthusiast could hope for, from the complete range of frame designs and colours, right through to similarly designed flasks, pumps and adorable handmade wicker baskets.

At Littered with Books

In this day and age when brick and mortar booksellers are steadily making way for online shipping, independent bookshops like the charming Littered With Books deserves special mention. Browsing promises to be a fun affair in this spacious two-storey shophouse-turned-bookshop. Additionally, the curated selection of books on sale, ranging from bestsellers and literary classics to children's titles, is actually quite affordable, or at least cheaper than you'd expect from other bookstores.

At Dustbunny Vintage

Since 2003, Dustbunny Vintage has been selling vintage clothing and accessories alongside retro-inspired dresses designed under its own label. Favouring fresh floral patterns and feminine designs, the brand carries clothing from the ’50s to ’90s that include vintage kimonos, ’60s scooter dresses and ’80s batik shifts. Those with more expensive tastes will adore Dustbunny’s collection of rare designer handbags by Chanel, Hermès, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo and Bottega Veneta. Clothes and accessories start from $45, while luxury bags costs between $950 and $9,000.

At Touch the Toes

Do sun salutations in gear that’s kind to the planet. The first of its kind in Singapore, this eco-friendly yoga store carries labels that use only organic cotton, bamboo blends, recycled or upcycled materials – and all are sustainably produced. Owners Kelly Hotta-Moung and Wuen Lin Tan met at Absolute Yoga’s 40-day Challenge event and, after surveying the session’s range of attire, realised there was a gap in the market for fashionable yet eco-friendly clothing for ‘yogies’. Brands on offer include Teeki, Manduka, Liforme and Yogitoes. There’s also a full selection of yoga mats and accessories, along with charming handmade artisanal jewellery.     

At New2U

New2U is stocked with clothing, accessories, household items and books, among other items, that have been lovingly donated and now go for as low as $1. Pro tip: visit on the last two working days of every month – all items will be sold for a 50% discount.