15 reasons why Singapore is a shopping paradise

What is it? Our Barehands is a social enterprise selling lifestyle apparel and accessories. 

Why go? This homegrown label works with artisan communities in the region – shopping with Our Barehands is great way to champion traditional crafts and support artisans in making a living. Our Barehands also shuns mass production, instead ascribing to a Made to Order approach. So yes, if you're not buying off the rack, you'll likely have to wait three to five weeks for your purchase to arrive. But hey, the environment will thank you. 

Don't miss Beautiful handmade apparel by Mr. JS, a talented tailor based in Malaysia; beaded accessories from the Khoyla sisters in India; blockprinted textiles from masters in Gujarat, India; and more. 

What is it? This curated lifestyle marketplace in Kampong Glam has two whole levels of booths set up by local creatives and F&B businesses. 

Why go? It's a great way to discover local creatives and F&B businesses. On any given day, you'll find pretty apparel, film cameras, batik wear, resin jewellery, adorable stationery, and more – there'll always be new creatives and pop-ups, so going back is never a bore. 

Don't miss The studio in the shophouse attic is meant for creative workshops – so that's something to keep an eye out for. To stay in the loop on the retail booths, F&B brands and workshops available, follow Curbside Crafters on Instagram. 

What is it? Japan's leading customer-to-customer sneaker platform, now with a flagship store at Mandarin Gallery. 

Why go? This is the place where you can ogle, try on, and buy limited edition sneakers such as Nike's Jordans with Travis Scott and sold-out New Balance collaborations, as well as exclusive collaboration pieces between SNKRDUNK and other brands. 

Don't miss: SNKRDUNK's mobile app, which has the latest deals and drops, as well as street culture news and in-depth profile features. 

What is it? After three years of redevelopment, the mall formerly known as Funan DigitaLife Mall is starting a new chapter. It is now home to a variety of more than 190 brands clustered around the themes of tech, craft, play, fit, chic and taste.

Why go? Keeping it modern, industrial-chic is the aesthetic of the mall with many vibrant corners and spaces within the mall like the Tree of Life, the Kinetic Wall, a seven-storey green wall and even an urban farm operated by Edible Garden City on the rooftop.

Don't miss: Flex your climbing skills at the largest indoor climbing facility in the middle of Funan.

What is it? Located at the nothernmost tip of Singapore, Senoko Fishery Port is open to customers from 2am onwards. This is where many of Singapore's wet markets vendors and supermarket chains obtain their supply of seafood, so buying direct from the merchants here will guarantee you wholesale prices and the best pickings before they're snapped up.

Why go? It makes for a different experience to your usual wet market shopping. Shoals of fresh-caught fish are often just strewn along the ground, with baskets of prawns and other shellfish crowding the area and shaved ice spilling every which way. 

Don't miss: There's absolutely no bargaining, and the merchants only accept cash, so if you're dropping by for a visit, be prepared, and remember to bring along your photo id to exchange for a pass at the security post. 

What is it? Loud, proud and local, the newly-opened Design Orchard features a fresh selection of Singaporean designers and makers.

Why go? Over 60 brands calling the two-and-a-half-storey space home. Shop activewear from Kydra, home accessories from Onlewo, quirky knick-knacks from Pew Pew Patches, swimwear from Pinksalt, skincare from Pera and more.

Don’t miss: Take a break at its rooftop garden which offers a birds-eye view of Orchard Road amongst lush greens.

What is it? The Social Space is a one-stop destination for sustainable lifestyle products. You can even grab a bite and get your nails done while you’re at it.

Why go? All items sold at The Social Space are fair trade and sustainably sourced, and the shop itself employs the disadvantaged in the community.

Don’t miss: The Refillery is decked out with at least ten dispensers filled with eco-friendly dishwashing and laundry liquids as well as shampoos and soaps.

What is it? There’s nothing else in Singapore like Tan Boon Liat Building – this iconic blue building's been along Outram Road since the 70s.

Why go? It’s a treasure trove of all things furniture and decor: one-of-a-kind statement pieces, modern Scandinavian furniture, and even rare antiques that have been sourced from far-flung places like Northern China. Since it spans 14 floors, with furniture shops around every corner, it might be a little perplexing for first-time visitors.

Don't miss:  No need to hunt high and low for a rare Tiffany lamp or rattan bar stools, you can check out our guide to the best furniture shops in Tan Boon Liat Building.

What is it? This atelier offers luxurious paper and leather accessories in the form of notebooks, card-holders, greeting cards and the like, and provides services for customisation.

Why go? Against the tides of time and digitalisation, Bynd Artisan continues its 70-year legacy of painstakingly hand-designed and crafted products. They make for a classy gift if you want to impress a friend or colleague.

Don’t miss: Bynd Artisan’s designer collaboration series features works from the likes of Ministry of Design and Olivia Lee.

What is it? If you’re looking for the latest designer fragrance, you won’t find it at SIFR Aromatics. What you will find are gorgeous, uniquely shaped bottles that house a myriad of scents, all lovingly handmade by owner Johari Kazura.

Why go? Far from your ordinary, run-of-the-mill perfumery, the shop offers a unique, customised approach where a range of ingredients are presented and used to get the right scent.

Don't miss: With a wide range of original perfume ‘recipes’ collected over the years, Kazura now has perfumes he’s perfected for people to buy off the shelf. He’s branched out into creating his own moisturisers and aromatherapy mixes too.

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? If you're looking for the perfect place to pick up thought, one-of-a-kind gifts for that special someone (or yourself), look no further than Supermama. 

Why go? This minimalist husband-and-wife co-owned souvenier shop stocks painstakingly handmade items – think asymmetrical bowls, dimpled cups and handpainted plates inspired by modern Singapore culture. It's just the right touch of local flavour for a souvenir. 

Don't miss Most items are available in limited quantities, so your best bet's to pop in and find out what's in stock. 

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? Championing the sustainable movement in Singapore, The Fashion Pulpit is a physical store where you can swap preloved clothes and accessories, and even buy them.

Why go? Their collection is vast – you can find both high street and designer pieces in the mix and prices are kept affordable.

Don’t miss: Sign up to be a 'swapper' and enjoy benefits like racking up those swap points for an incredible item and joining in on the fun events.  

What is it? Formed by a group of Singaporean clay artists, this rustic hideaway is replete with local flavor and history.

Why go? Be sure to visit this cultural gem and feed the 'Dragon' – an elongated kiln that 'eats' and 'breaths' fire - before rumored urban redevelopment projects reclaim this humble pottery abode.

Don't miss: If you have time, sit in for a session and craft your own piece.

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? 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: Despite being known as Little India’s seven-storey shopping mall that's open ‘round the clock, it has reduced its opening hours from 9.30am to 2am.

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? Home to one of the best wet markets in town with a greater offering of halal-slaughtered meats than most, the pasar’s adjoining food centre has become a hawker institution offering great grub from a range of cuisines. 

Why go? Great things are always said about the biryani at Tekka Centre, and tangled in vicious rivalry are the plates offered by Yakader (#01-259) and Allauddin (#01-229).

Don't miss: Set an alarm and get up early to do some grocery shopping at Tekka Market. It has great butcheries and a vegetable stall that plays salsa music.

What is it? A centre in Bugis full of other spiritual readers and healers.

Why go? Here's where you can get an aura reading, go crystal shopping and even purchase a ‘white magic’ amulet to guide you to love and success.

Don't miss: Kang Li Mineral Kingdom has been providing their services for geomancy, feng shui, crystal healing and aura reading. Remember to book for a session online as it can get pretty busy and packed, plus consultations can take over an hour.