15 reasons why Singapore is a shopping paradise

What is it? A quirky multi-brand retail outlet from Hong Kong, located at the National Design Centre.

Why go? Founded in 2006 by Frenchman Arnault Castel in Hong Kong, Kapok Singapore at the National Design Centre is the brand’s largest flagship store in the world. Explore a range of merchandise from over 100 up-and-coming and cult international fashion and design brands like Swedish label Daniel Wellington, New York-based Common Projects, and French label Maison Kitsune. There is also a Tanuki raw restaurant bar located within the store itself.

Don’t miss: The store holds special shopping events and launches for shoppers to cop the latest styles and seasoned collections at amazing discounts. Follow Kapok’s socials for updates.

What is it? A floor-wide multi-label store carrying over 100 international brands at Orchard’s luxury shopping destination, Scotts Square.

Why go? Occupying the entire second floor, Peddar on Scotts is a fashionista’s haven. Shop till you drop with its premium mix of fashion, footwear, handbags and accessories for men, women and kids. Snap up limited edition collections by luxury and contemporary designers such as Stella McCartney, Alexander Wang, Gianvito Rossi and many more.

Don’t miss: Product releases and previews are often first launched here, so keep an eye on their socials for the latest updates.

What is it? An art gallery-styled multi-label store and the fourth Dover Street Market outlet in the world after London, Tokyo and New York.

Why go? For all the hypebeasts – and hypebaes – out there, Dover Street Market stocks a wide array of fashion statements from cult streetwear and designer brands like of Comme des Garçons, Moncler, Simone Rocha and Balenciaga.

Don’t miss: Get your cameras ready and snap some cool pictures for the ‘gram. Housed in a converted army barracks with high ceilings, black cage-like grills as racks and a colourful ‘cashier’ hut, the space is as much a shopping paradise as it is a gallery dedicated to the art of fashion.

What is it? Singapore’s largest outlet shopping mall located in Jurong East.

Why go? Everyone loves shopping, especially more so when everything is perpetually forever on sale. With over 90 brands such as Adidas, Club 21, Charles and Keith, and Coach selling off their past season’s collections at a fraction of the price, head on a shopping spree this weekend and get the best bang for your buck.

Don’t miss: Prices are slashed up to 80 percent off all year round and based on a first-come-first-serve basis where products are no longer replenished once they’re all sold. A word of advice: snag that piece you’ve got your eye on immediately because it won’t be there the next time you visit the store.

What is it? A homegrown lifestyle store carrying Singapore-designed products and cult international brands across six locations islandwide.

Why go? Not a niche shop at all, Naiise offers all types of merchandise, ranging from local books, pretty planners and locally-flavoured snacks, to household items like lighting and cushions, as well as lifestyle products like candles by local brands Hush Candle and A Dose Of Something Good.

Don’t miss: Watch its space – you’ll either find a limited edition merch or a darn good deal.

What is it? A music lifestyle and record store in Singapore labeled as one of the ‘world’s best record shops’ by UK vinyl lifestyle website The Vinyl Factory.

Why go? Enter into Hear Records and be awed by the wall lined with a vast, specially curated selection of records handpicked specifically by the owner Nick Tan. Expand your collection and dig through crates upon crates of 10,000 used vinyl and 5,000 new ones with weekly additions to keep things fresh.

Don’t miss: Here’s a tip: Sign up for Tan’s monthly newsletter for special updates on the crates he hauls back from Japan, the UK, and the US.

What is it? Singapore’s oldest homegrown iconic world-class departmental store with ‘All The Best Under One Roof’.

Why go? Conveniently located in the heart of Orchard Road, the iconic shopping destination Tangs at Tangs plaza boasts of a broad mix of local and international brands across fashion, beauty, home, kids outlets and food and beverage establishments. All of which are nestled in a comfortable and intimate shopping experience.

Don’t miss: Both Tangs outlets at VivoCity and Orchard feature an in-house DHL service for shoppers to conveniently mail packages overseas, perfect for that last minute Christmas or birthday present.

What is it? A local ceramic studio creating functional and beautiful wares out of mud and clay, run by owners Michelle Lim and Lim Seok Ha.

Why go? Perk up your table setting game with some beautiful and functional tableware from Mud Rock Ceramics. Lovingly and painstakingly made out of just mud and clay, browse through the range of intricate one-of-a-kind ceramic handmade wares that have been glazed with their own in-house glaze recipe and fired to ensure they are food, dishwasher and microwave safe.

Don’t miss: If you want to try your hand at making your very own wares, they run weekly beginners and intermediate ceramic workshops where you learn about the different techniques and intricacies of ceramics-making. Keep an eye out for their bi-annual open studio sales happening for a day in July and another in December.

What is it: Little India’s seven-storey shopping mall that is open ‘round the clock.

Why go? It has a chock-full of offerings – from groceries to electronics and apparel to quirky paraphernalia at affordable prices – that are bound to delight all intrepid bargain hunters looking for a good deal.

Don’t miss: Skip the weekend crowds and head down during weekday afternoons for a breezy shop. Also, a word of warning: your bags will be cable tied upon entering, so carry a small crossbody bag or a tote to avoid getting your phone and wallet stuck in the bag.

What is it? Don’t expect a furniture boutique. This cosy, industrial store is home to antiques and second-hand furniture – great for injecting a little eclecticism into your home.

Why go? 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. Prices range from $15 for a lamp to $3,000 for a plaster statue of Stamford Raffles.

Don’t miss: Spend a good few hours sniffing out the hidden gems here. Put your bargaining skills to the test. If you succeed, you might even score your loot at a much cheaper price.

What is it? Tucked in Haji Lane, this independent bicycle boutique 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.

Why go? It has all things bicycle, from the complete range of frame designs and colours, right through to similarly designed flasks, pumps and adorable handmade wicker baskets.

Don’t miss: Ditch your old ride for a new one or get the pros here to take a closer look at your current bike for tips on a fresh makeover.

What is it? A whimsical yet cosy bookstore that has a plethora of specially curated titles lining up its wooden-paneled shelves. See it as a children's book come to live.

Why go: This two-storey shophouse-turned-bookshop carries everything from the latest bestselling titles and literary classics to graphic novels and children’s picture books. With the vibrant decor and art that paints its walls, grabbing a seat and getting stuck in the pages of a book is highly likely here.

Don’t miss: This charming book haven also hosts book launches, author readings and literary sessions in collaboration with local publishing houses. Check out its new series Deep Cut, which explores the unconventional take in literature, as well as the lesser known sides of authors.

What is it? This local label not only sources and sells genuine vintage purses, bags, shoes and dresses from across the world, but also designs its very own line of retro-inspired dresses.

Why go? 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.

Don’t miss: 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.

What is it? New2U is outdoor store stocked with pre-loved clothing, accessories, household items and books. Basically, anything under the sun for some second-hand cheap and good buys.

Why go? It's a great hunt for cheap clothes and miscellaneous items that can go as low as $1. 

Don’t miss: Visit on the last two working days of every month – all items will be sold for a 50% discount.