Celebrating its 20th Anniversary
Myriam Ohlig for My Destination Singapore
In a country where dining and shopping are almost religious experiences, the Great Singapore Sale is one of the most anticipated shopping experience in the whole of the Asia-Pacific region. With its myriad of high-end and low-price shopping malls set in a safe and convenient environment, many see Singapore as a tropical shopping wonderland, which can suit every budget and every shopping style. Yet, the Great Singapore Sale, is definitely the best time to dive in for that shopping fix.
Organised by the Singapore Retailers Association since 1993, the annual Singapore sale is the main reason why tourists fly to Singapore. From Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, China, Australia even the USA, people all over the world fly in for the sea of bargain buys that the Lion City has to offer. It’s eight full weeks of nationwide shopping veneration; the only one of its kind. Rebates are almost everywhere on everything. Even dining during the Singapore sales is much cheaper!
This year, from the 31st of May to the 28th of July 2013, the The Great Singapore Sale takes shopping to another level for its 20th anniversary. Be prepared, because a tropical rain of tourist privileges, mind-blowing events and competitions will take Singapore by storm. Find out why savvy shoppers rush to these stores every year to get the best buy and how they can get the best for the less at the Great Singapore Sale 2013.
Bargain Hunting
What to Expect
Whether you come here to build up your wardrobe and save a bundle or just for the thrill of the hunt, the Great Singapore Sale is definitely the place for picking up bargains. Department stores and boutiques literally slash prices. Shopping vouchers, coupons, clearance sales, 2-for-1 promotions and markdowns of up the 80% can be found. From the leading and budding fashion designer clothes, shoes, jewelry and watches to a large variety of electronics, toys and household products, you name it, you’ll find it here. Are you on the hunt for high street fashions such as H&M, Zara, Mango and Designual or some high-end brands like Prada, Gucci, Chanel and Burberry? Even though the official list of participating brands is not unveiled until the 31st of May, there’s a great chance to find these brands back this year with fabulous offers. Yet, do not expect any miracle with luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Hermès. They never hold any sales in their boutiques. The only sale that Hermès holds is called “Ventes Privées Hermès” (Hermès Private Sale) and is held twice a year at the Palais des Congrès, France. Fashionistas can still delight in luxury-brand and high-street shopping mostly on Orchard Road and Marina Bay. With 22 shopping malls, 6 department stores and almost 5,000 brands on display, Orchard Road is the prime location to experience all the excitement of the Singapore sales. Starting at Tanglin Mall near Singapore Botanic Gardens, take a leisurely stroll along the “Great Street” swinging by Ion on Orchard, Scotts Square, Ngee Ann City, Paragon, Mandarin Gallery, 313@Somerset and Orchard Central, a string of popular shopping malls. For those staying or working in the Marina Bay area, there are enough malls for you to go on a serious shopping trip: The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Raffles City Shopping Centre, CityLink Mall, Marina Square, Suntec City Mall and Millenia Walk; these malls all vie for your shopping dollar. The Singapore sales period is also the right time to enjoy household promotions. Freshen up your kitchen equipments and embellish your home with items from furniture shops like Frangipani Homes, Just Anthony or department stores such as Isetan, Tangs, Takashimaya, Robinsons and the like. What about your loved ones? This is the best time of the year to buy the bulk of your kids’ clothing. Dress your children in style with popular outfits on sale like Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger. Do your Christmas shopping way ahead of the Christmas rush and save a bunch of money! You’ll find all the necessary for kids apparels and toys at Forum The Shopping Mall, Paragon, The CentrePoint and Plaza Singapura. And, if you travel with your husband and kids, get them entertained at Sentosa, where they’ll find great things to do while you focus on your hunting just nearby at Vivo City. They’ll be happy and you’ll have your peace. Hoping for a little off-the-beaten-track find? Head to Bugis for a colourful and animated atmosphere or Haji Lane in Kampong Glam, you’ll love its trendy boutiques. If you’re into electronics and are not afraid to bargain, you must check the bustling Sim Lim Square while Funan Digital Mall, located in the Civic District offers a more relaxed option. For truly Singapore sales and eclectic offerings, look for some ethnics at the 24-hour Mustapha Shopping Centre, Little India or Chinatown. There are also plenty of local brands worth your attention: Eu Yan Sang, OSIM, and DMK, which are part of the GET SINGAPORE brands and some promising local designers such as Ashley Isham, alldressedup and Raoul. And, if you want to experience what is it to shop like a local, venture out of the tourist shopping belt and visit one of the neighbourhood malls like 112 Katong, Tampines mall or Junction 10. Take the time to browse the website of the malls that you would like to visit as many hold special promotions and events during the annual sale and some even open until 11pm, allowing some extra time of retail therapy.
A Myriad of Immaculate Shopping Malls- Ion on Orchard
How to Get the Best and Pay Less
The Singapore sales are so tempting that you might feel overwhelmed by the urge to shop. Still here are some helpful hints to limit the damage to your wallet. If you’re a tourist, start your shopping experience by selecting the right accommodation. This year 38 hotels take part to the Great Singapore Sale, offering some attractive rates for your staying. For even more saving, check our selection of hostels such as iStay.inn, which offers great value for money. Then make sure that in every shopping mall that you’ll visit you’ll receive a Tourist Privilege card at the information counter. It can entitle you to even further reductions from five to ten percent off to exclusive Limousine Airport Transfer. When it comes to taxes, Singapore is known for imposing a heavy 7% GST on all goods imported into the country. As a tourist if you spend a minimum of S$100 in Singapore from a store that operates the Tourist Refund Scheme, you can apply for GST refund when living the country. For years tourists had to fill up paper forms and queue up at the Customs Inspection Counter at the airport to get their tax refund but now things are much easier. With the eTRS, you can skip the queue and retrieve your purchases yourself. To keep you shopping around the island, you need some well-deserved nourishment. Choose the convenient option of a food court right in the mall or take your time to explore some of the many hawker centres and restaurants available! Did you know that you could dine for less during the Great Singapore Sale? Well this is just a matter of holding the right debit/credit card. With MasterCard as the official card of the Great Singapore Sale since 2004 and with over 150 participating merchants, both Singaporean and tourist cardholders can enjoy even more shopping and dining privileges and deals. Additionally, every 20th MasterCard cardholder who submits at least 1 qualifying MasterCard transaction will receive a pair of tickets to catch the Phantom of the Opera at Marina Bay Sands. Beside shopping and dining, indulge in other special deals and events for an unforgettable lifestyle experience, from beauty and wellness to festivals and fairs such as Singapore Food Festival, World Street Food Congress and Singapore International Jewelry Expo (SIJE 2013). However, the best is yet to come...! For the Great Singapore Sale’s 20th anniversary, you will be able to take part in a fantastic shopping competition offering you to win S$20,000! All you’ll need to do is to become the biggest spender. Purchase your items between the 31st of May and the 28th of July 2013 with a minimum of 20 qualifying transactions in Singapore Dollars anywhere in Singapore (exclusions apply). Then, submit your transaction details via www.greatsingaporesale.com.sg by the 28th of July 2013, 23:59 hours (GMT+8). All transaction amounts will be converted to GSS Dollars (GSS$) with S$1 spent = GSS$1. MasterCard cardholders will be privileged as S$1 charged = GSS$2 for purchases charged to MasterCard® – the Official Card.
Tax Free for Tourists
Singapore is a much-loved shopping destination not only because it’s a safe and convenient country but also for the ultimate lifestyle experience it offers. It boasts a myriad of shopping malls that are immaculate, comfy and cool as well as some quirky shopping centres to satisfy any shopping style or taste. And during the Singapore sales, it's even better! Whether you’re a shopping addict, a seasonal shopper or just a tourist visiting Singapore, come and join the shopping spree at the Great Singapore Sale 2013! With all the great bargain finds, fantastic food, vibrant culture and entertainment (not to mention the valuable tips found in this article), you’ll be able to enjoy your spending trip even more! So, now all you have to do is...get ready, steady, shop! The Great Singapore Sale 2014 For more information visit www.greatsingaporesale.com.sg
The Great Singapore Sale 2013- Shopping Heaven
