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Shopping is a serious business in Singapore. Designer fashions, handcrafted jewelry, Khmer objets d‘art, cutting-edge electronics, Indian spices—the variety of goods sold in Singapore is likely to impress even the most seasoned shopper.
Here you’ll find an island well suited to full-day retail expeditions, from the mile-long strip of shoulder-to-shoulder mega-malls along dizzying Orchard Road to clusters of boutiques housed in the renovated shophouses in ethnic enclaves such as Chinatown and Kampong Glam. A growing number of independent shops are popping up within hip neighborhoods like Tiong Bahru and Little India, adding some welcome variety. Dempsey Hill, best known for its wining and dining, is also home to warehouse-like galleries filled with Southeast Asian antiques, artwork, furnishings, and housewares.
Bargain hunters should mark their calendars for the Great Singapore Sale, an annual eight-week extravaganza held from late May through July. At this time all of Singapore’s shopping centers and many independent stores slash prices by up to 80%. It pays to come early, though, as the biggest bargains are quickly snapped up by hawkeyed locals and zealous shoppers from around the region who flock to the island specially for the event.
From cute plant pots to mindfulness books, Cat Socrates is the shop to go to for all your gift-giving needs. It’s particularly good if you are looking for souvenirs: you’ll find Singapore-themed puzzles, books, cards, tea towels, and more, as well as postcards and stationery. Friendly reminder: don’t pet the cat!
An excellent place to stock up on gifts with a distinctly Singaporean flavor, Independent Market sells everything from Peranakan-themed coasters and magnets to books on perfecting your Singlish. As the name suggests, the shop is a collection of independent Singaporean designers and publishers, so you can be sure your money spent here is supporting local artists.
Located in the Holland Road Shopping Centre, which is an expat landmark, Lim's Arts and Living carries an eclectic range of handcrafted furniture, silks, paper products, Asian-style housewares, and sundry knickknacks. Even if you don't buy anything, it's a fun shop to browse. This is just one of several of Lim's outlets across the city, having first opened in 1970.
Owned and operated by a family whose history in the business dates back hundreds of years, Jehan Gallery specializes in exquisite, custom Oriental carpets and rugs, and also offers a good selection of indoor and outdoor home furnishings.
Handmade and beautifully imperfect, the ceramics from this shop make perfect mementos. The bowls, plates, vases, and other items are so popular that even local eateries—including Burnt Ends, Le Binchotan, The Ottomani—use them. You can plan ahead to attend one of their classes, or get a piece delivered to your hotel. Custom orders are accepted, but all visits must be scheduled.
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