HOT SPOT
Calling all shopaholics…
MALAVIKA NATARAJ
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The season of splurge is on at the Singapore Sale…
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Photo: Kamal Narang
Spoilt for choice…
What with the global economy in a slump, and erstwhile stable auto manufacturers going bankrupt, who’s in the mood for a shopping holiday? Yet, when the Great Singapore Sale rolls around, it’s a little hard to ignore the fantastic offers popping up all over the island. Almost in every neighbourhood, malls sport bright “SALE” signs, attracting shoppers like moths to a flame.
But it’s not just Singaporeans who wait with bated breath for this annual shopping bonanza. Each year, thousands of tourists pour in, all eager to take advantage of the colossal discounts offered on clothes, accessories, jewellery, consumer electronics and even luxury brands. During the sale period, to encourage people to shop till they drop, most malls and major shopping areas extend their shopping hours till midnight and beyond.
An annual event
Since 2005, The Great Singapore Sale (or GSS) has become something of a Singaporean feature, much like the Dubai Shopping Festival. Partly organised by The Association of Shopping Centres, the event has become the highlight of the calendar year. Running typically from the end of May till the end of July, The GSS is a targeted exercise by the Singaporean Government to make Singapore the “destination of choice” for tourists. Tourism is the cornerstone of this mixed economy and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is making the city as attractive as possible, hoping visitors will take away a uniquely Singapore experience.
But more importantly, the STB is striving to reach ambitious tourism targets set in 2005, aimed at doubling visitor arrivals into Singapore to 17 million, and therefore increasing Tourism Receipts to $SGD 30 billion, by 2015.
Rising costs have not really deterred determined shoppers from making the best of the sale season. In fact, people are now more than keen to make their dollar go further. Consequently, the offers this year are even more attractive.
With the volume of local and international shoppers pouring in, the sale has also become a fantastic platform for major credit card promotions. For example, MasterCard, as the official card for the event, has offered a multitude of special offers for out-of-towners who pay for their purchases with MasterCards.
Special discounts
Tourists can also apply for Tourist Privilege Cards available from any Singapore Visitor Centre to enjoy discounts on products and local attractions like the DHL Balloon and the Singapore Zoo. Other attractive offers open only to tourists include free games like Nintendo DS Lite with minimum spends and GST-free shopping. International shoppers can also enjoy special privileges from fine dining and lifestyle promotions and discounts on nightlife and entertainment.
With the STB offering visitors so many reasons to hit the sales, there’s never been a better time to visit Singapore.
Shopping, anyone?
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