When it comes to shopping, you’re in for a treat, Singapore’s got all the sweet spots covered for your fix of retail therapy. One is happily spoilt for choice with plenty of shops, stores, awesome warehouses and shopping malls in town.
Some of the best shopping destinations across the globe are found in Singapore, and this tiny nation packs in more malls per square mile than any other country in the world! Highlighting the coolest stores, boutiques and brands in Singapore, Expat Choice picks out the best stores and shops for fashion, lifestyle, homeware, hobbies, and more for you to explore. Grab your wallets and cards and check out our fabulous roundup from Singapore’s shopping paradise! - Image Credit: For The Common Goods Facebook Page
Cat Socrates
Founded in 2008, Cat Socrates is an independent retail shop offering a variety of well-designed products for your daily needs. Sourcing new brands and designers from an international scale, the store also provides a platform for local designers to present their work to a wider audience. Carrying an eclectic collection of assorted knick-knacks and useful items — browse through books, paper & paraphernalia, home decor, kitchenware & furniture, fabric & sewing accessories, plants & pots, fashion accessories, vintage memorabilia, bicycles, homemade jams and of course, a section of cat-related merchandise. From Monday to Saturdays, shoppers can visit either CS shops located at Yong Siak or Katong — or opt to explore the online shopping alternative with free shipping for orders above $49. - Image Credit: Cat Socrates Facebook Page
For the Common Goods
When visiting For the Common Goods, expect environmentally sustainable furniture pieces from small brands and craftsmen spanning the globe — such as, Fred and Bobo, PDM, tossB, Everyday Studio, VIJ5, and Studiohiji. Living up to their mission of ‘for the common good, and goods for the common folk’ — the local brand is drawn to the underlying thought process behind creating a piece of furniture — from conceptualizing, to designing, sourcing materials, and finally production. Prices begin from $220 onwards, and the satisfactory selection of furnishings found here makes it a lovely choice to pick up durable furniture to dress your home with. - Image Credit: For The Common Goods Facebook Page
Nana & Bird
Georgina Koh, together with classmate and co-owner Tan Chiewling — came up with the original shop name based on nicknames they were given in junior college. Stepping up to the door, Nana & Bird gives off a charming hole-in-the-wall feel, where iron bars still protect the windows and the original tiled floor is still intact. Delivering their philosophy of ‘sell what we love’ with its products — this cosy locale contains feather earrings, tote bags, beaded necklaces, polka-dot blouses, as well as local labels like Yumumu and Aijek. The fashion-loving duo keenly extends warmth and friendly interactions to store visitors — so look forward to Koh (Nana) & Chiewling (Bird) encouraging a chance to sit and discuss fashion with them over a tasty cup of cuppa! - Image Credit: Nana & Bird Facebook Page
SIFR Aromatics
Inspired by the classic scents of cultures and generations before, homegrown artisanal perfume shop SIFR Aromatics strives to create not only high-quality products, but immersive experiences. By fusing traditional craft with top-of-the-line innovations, the perfume master Johari Kazura, undertakes the same journey as his grandfather did — traversing around the world to bring the art of aromatics to SIFR by tracking the best fragrances over the ages. Find gorgeous, uniquely shaped bottles that house a myriad of scents, as well as small-batch luxury perfume oils, soy-wax candles, moisturisers and aromatherapy mixes, amongst more. With its wide range of original perfume recipes collected over the years — this one is far from your ordinary, run-of-the-mill perfumery! - Image Credit: Sifr Aromatics Facebook Page
a. 42 Arab St, Singapore 199741
w. www.sifr.sg
Mustafa Centre
Open round the clock, Mustafa Centre is a shopping paradise for many — especially those who wish to get their needs ‘all under one roof.’ From its beginnings dating back to 1973, this Singapore institute has rocked into successful skies — and the business concept of offering other services such as Money Exchange, Remittance, Air Travel and tours has aided contribution towards significant expansion over the years. Today, customers can get almost anything from over 300,000 items displayed on four levels covering a massive area of 400,000 square feet within the six-story building along Syed Alwi Road. Over weekends, the buzzing centre packs in easily over 15,000 customers of diverse nationalities, and continues to grow in popularity as a one-stop-shop destination in Singapore. - Image Credit: The Straits Times
a. 145 Syed Alwi Rd, Singapore 207704
w. www.mustafa.com.sg
Bungalow 55
After a seven-year stay at Cluny Court, Bungalow 55 has found a new home in the lush Dempsey Hill neighbourhood. This home interiors and accessories store specialises in the ‘tropical bungalow’ look, and houses imported collections of home accessories, furniture, art and lighting. Each piece is personally sourced by Owner and Interior stylist, Nina Beale — making the showroom a reflection of her personal style. Browse through a stockpile of beautiful pendant lighting, lamps, hand-painted prints, armchairs, rugs, decorative accessories and small furniture pieces to make your space feel like home. Nina also provides consultation services — if a helping hand is needed in styling your dream home with furnishings like cabinets, wardrobes, custom upholstery, kitchens and furniture. - Image Credit: Bungalow 55 Facebook Page
In Good Company
An exciting aspect of visiting In Good Company, is the alluring architecture fashioned after a museum (with pastel-coloured walls and high ceilings)! The store offers its walk-ins a retail experience beyond your typical apparel. Steering away from trends, the local brand instead releases curated collections featuring timeless silhouettes and quality fabrics — marking the ability to withstand the test of time. Along with womenswear, menswear and clothing for children — there’s also books, accessories, scented candles, chocolates, and a spread of bold and geometric-inspired necklaces with creatively provoking fabrications. Its ION Orchard flagship store, houses Plain Vanilla Bakery; while its Jewel Changi Airport counterpart houses Birds of Paradise (known for its specialised flavours of gelato, created from herbs, spices and botanical ingredients). - Image Credit: In Good Company Facebook Page
Loop Garms
Experience a blast from the past at Loop Garms, with its fun-loving pieces of ‘80s and ‘90s apparel. Two inspired youths, FJ Sai and Isaac Ang began a devoted hobby of collecting vintage memorabilia — but a trip to Japan inspired the duo team to launch a physical store in Singapore. We couldn’t be happier! The select clothing store has curated a vintage collection which includes plaid shirts and pants, graphic tees (and wearable stories), and sports jackets from your favourite sports brands like Adidas, Nike, Fila and more. They undertake worldwide shipping, and prices start from $15 for t-shirts and caps. Stay tuned for special edition threads available in-store. - Image Credit: Loop Garms Facebook Page
Studio HHFZ
Stop by Studio HHFZ for contemporary cheongsam, where no two pieces are the same. The expert dressmaker, Ruixian Hu not only makes cheongsam dresses and jumpsuits but other outfits as well. From her portfolio, you’ll note traditional designs made fresh and elegant again — and at times with a modernised twist added in. For a piece stamped with an exclusive seal of personalised originality — begin with a consultation session with Ruixian Hu, and watch the magical process unravel. The key to a good cheongsam is the fit, so getting one done for yourself is a must. Bring your own fabric (or have the dressmaker herself assist you with shopping for the right choice), and customise the style (buttons, pockets, sleeves). Details like the mother-of-peral buttons and using suede and tweed fabric make HHFZ’s custom-made creations stand out from other modern cheongsam. - Image Credit: Studio HHFZ Facebook Page
a. 261 Waterloo St, #02-12 Waterloo Centre, Singapore 180261
Perk By Kate
Opened with the vision to bring real lingerie to real women — Perk By Kate is popular for its comfortable fabrics, affordable luxury and chic variety of feminine inner-wear. Initially starting out as a lingerie retailer bringing in niche brands from the US and UK, the local lingerie brand known for dreamy and feminine bralettes carrying equality in beauty and comfort. Celebrating 10 years of love with a milestone anniversary — her collection spans across smooth lingerie, bodysuits, the essentials, full cup styles, maternity and loungewear. Get benefits of free shipping in Singapore, and the option of international shipping — but there’s also a physical studio where customers can drop by to check out the striking collections in-store. - Image Credit: Perk Facebook Page
Affordable Style Files
See what Affordable Style Files gets up to and embark on their marvellous interiors and designs journey. The Dempsey Road store is bursting with great inspiration for lives and homes through stylish designs, images and homewares. Shop for the looks created by the team, or engage their expertise to design your space for you. Everything here is curated and selected by Australian stylist Hong Henwood — testifying to her impeccable tastes. Lucky for shoppers, the collection at ASF is pretty extensive and covers an amazing array of homewares and designs from Australia for the Singapore market — find pots, rugs, bedding, cushions and other home furnishings and accessories. There’ll be temptations to overspend here, but Hong prides herself on finding customers the right look with their budget in mind. - Image Credit: Affordable Style Files Facebook Page
Super Freak Boutique
The ultra-modern and edgy Super Freak Boutique stands out in its own merit with an unusual and bold range of shoes, clothing and accessories. In a planet of fast fashion and following trends, the store and its collection is a maximilast celebration with its remarkable contents — catering to fun freakish tastes and unconventional fashion interests. Amongst their eye-catching items — there are platform shoes with a rainbow unicorn horn as the heel, retro-coloured windbreakers, fantasy key-holders, and even quirky face masks! Beyond the repertoire of local designers and cult brands, SF also has a special space for pre-loved clothes. - Image Credit: Super Freak Boutique Facebook Page
a. 61 Stamford Road, Stamford Court #01-02, Singapore 178892
Our Second Nature
Most are well acquainted with the homegrown online label Our Second Nature — but the brand’s brick-and-mortar store at Holland Village is a novel boutique stocked with a wide variety of sophisticated yet unique pieces. Think one-of-a-kind whimsical prints and bold colours, yet well-balanced enough to avoid being over the top. Inject vibrancy and fun in everyday wear and shop wide-leg pants, breezy blouses, kimonos, midi dresses and more from their collection. Shoppers can also pop by the in-house cafe for flat whites, cold brews and sweet treats. If looking fashionable, artsy and effortless is something you desire — the cosy and intimate space of OSN will do nicely! - Image Credit: Our Second Nature Facebook Page
Zha Huo Dian
Tucked in the corner of Far East Plaza, Zha Huo Dian is loosely translated from Chinese to “the convenience store” — offering almost everything, except snacks. Set up by the creative individual Jebson, his eccentric store holds a range of fun surprises from men and women’s apparels to fun, quirky ‘80s toys — this is your go-to for cool streetwear with a hint of nostalgia in Orchard. Pry through a variety of graphic tees, bowling shirts, canvas jackets, retro gadgets, vinyl records and old-school trinkets. Enjoy stumbling upon original innovations which are purposeful for everyday life, with their never ending collection of everything random. - Image Credit: Zha Huo Dian Facebook Page
A Vintage Tale
When it comes to A Vintage Tale, count on the grand opportunity to access a global wardrobe of vintage clothes and accessories. Their shop is a bright, colourful nod to the past with provoking interior design and decor (which you’ll love as much as the fashion finds) — beautifully decorated, thoughtfully curated, and a rainbow-like feast for the eyes. Stocking an extensive stock of genuine vintage threads, with some from as far back as the ‘50s — dig up brands like Moschino, Gucci and Valentino. Behind this vintage haven are friendly owners and attentive service for shoppers’ assistance. Visit the store in Joo Chiat to pick out personal favourites and bring home a stack of treasures. - Image Credit: A Vintage Tale Facebook Page
Peranakan Tiles Gallery
Peranakan tiles are synonymous with local design and architecture — seen on the facade of shophouses and even in interiors of contemporary homes. For a massive selection of vintage and replica tiles for your home, Peranakan Tiles Gallery has got you covered in Singapore. Early on in the 20th century, across the world glazed tiles popularly known as decorative wall tiles found favour with the affluent Peranakan community of Singapore. Back in the day when shophouses were being torn down, these tiles were salvaged and collected by owner Victor Lim. If you’re keen on giving your home an authentic Peranakan touch — the store at 36 Temple Street brings you through a wide range of beautifully polished pieces from England, Belgium and Japan. - Image Credit: Peranakan Tiles at 36 Temple Street Facebook Page
Nonmainstream
The curated vintage and pre-loved clothing store of Nonmainstream, is situated in the Kampong Gelam precinct — a locality which in recent times has been buzzing with cool shops. It’s trendy to be thrifty these days, and at this hip vintage store you can snap up bright Nike windbreakers, retro sporty sweatshirts, graphic tees, oversized polo shirts and more for affordable prices. The only catch is their limited opening hours available from Friday-Sundays (1-7PM), so keep tabs on its next opening day by following the Instagram account (to avoid a wasted trip) — and reserve this one for an exciting weekend shopping spree. - Image Credit: Nonmainstreamvtg Instagram Page
escentials
Setting enticing standards by staying relevant to ever-changing lifestyles and preferences of the individuals — escentials is your one-stop shop for purchasing an assortment of beauty needs. The multi-label store at Paragon Shopping Centre carries luxury and contemporary beauty and fragrance brands from around the world. A favoured destination for exclusive perfume brands like Byredo and Maison Francis Kurkdjian, and makeup and skincare labels like BY TERRY, EVE LOM and The Ordinary — other popular names include Floraïku, Diptyque, Jeffree Star Cosmetics, and Lancer Skincare. Offering unparalleled personalised service the minute you walk through its doors, take a beauty trip like no other through a spellbinding selection of quality beauty products. - Image Credit: escentials Facebook Page
Galleri Tokokita
Home to Singapore brand ‘Baju by Oniatta,’ Galleri Tokokita is a boutique specialising in batik fabrics. The meaning of ‘batik’ refers to the delicate art and often time-consuming technique of planning and making intricate patterns onto a piece of fabric. Behind every batik fabric is a story and the motifs on each piece of cloth holds a meaning behind them — this is what Owner Oniatta Effendi acknowledges and showcases with every collection she releases. Learn the intriguing stories behind the garment you’re wearing — whether it’s a men’s shirt with the garuda (a mythical bird) print that represents masculinity, or a Merdeka jacket with parang (blade) prints that symbolises victory and power. The store is open daily, except Mondays. - Image Credit: Galeri Tokokita Facebook Page
a. 757 North Bridge Road, Level 2 Singapore, Singapore 198725
The Green Collective SG
Guided by principles of shared responsibility, The Green Collective SG is on a mission to make sustainability mainstream and champion conscious living. Bringing fashion and sustainability together like hand-in-glove — expect to find quirky items like shoes made from recyclable material and handcrafted necklaces, amongst other eco-friendly gems like reusable sandwich wraps and compost bins. There’s also a great stock of eco-friendly skincare options, and plenty of choices for face scrubs, face mists and more. Browse through an abundant variety of ethically made creations from over a dozen homegrown and international brands at their store in Funan — or explore a selection of unique eco-friendly products with their online conscious shopping experience on The Green Tingka. - Image Credit: The Green Collective Facebook Page
a. #02-18, Funan Mall, 107 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 179105
Lorgan’s the Retro Store
In an ever-changing world, reminisce on the good ol’ days by indulging in some secondhand retro-chic shopping at Lorgan’s The Retro Store — housing all things from the timeless appeal of mid-century furniture and household accessories. Touted as the twentieth century’s most enduring style, the vintage-classic pieces are well-sought after. The shop is stacked to the ceiling with homeware and knick-knacks from yesteryear, including ‘40s art-deco ashtrays, ‘60s remote-control tin toy cars and ‘70s cantilever dining chairs.
Lorgan Wong has been restoring furniture with his father since childhood, and now flies in pre-loved possessions from as far as Europe — taking great pride in restoring pieces as close to their original state as possible. Lorgan’s Design Source provides easy access to well-designed furnishings traditionally found only in designer showrooms — and this is also your one-stop resource point for some of the most exciting furniture designers internationally.- Image Credit: Lorgan's The Retro Store Facebook Page
Table Matters
Elevate home feasts by adoring your dining table with stylish and expressive crockery from Table Matters. Elements inspired by nature and Asian culture find their way into intricate patterns and designs on dinnerware, produced with quality and consistency for the masses. The tableware’s durability is proven by a successful Singapore-based SGS Certification — where each item is guaranteed to be 100% safe for use and can withstand the test of dishwaters and time. From ceramic dessert plates fashioned with Japanese-inspired blue waves, to salad bowls imprinted with ethereal camellias to capture the elusiveness of spring — you’ll find pieces to match any household. Visit the flagship store at Parkway Parade, or other outlets from its sister company HOUZE. - Image Credit: Table Matters Facebook Page
a. 80 Marine Parade Road, #B1-83B, Parkway Parade, Singapore 449269
Badger & Fox
Sourced from near and far, Badger & Fox brings the best from all over the world to Singapore — with a remarkable line-up of shopaholic attractions. Endorsed as ‘Singapore’s Sexy Little Lifestyle Store,’ the team is dedicated to creating something new-fashioned, exceptional and foxy, and passionate about bringing customers the ultimate satisfaction experience in their purchases.
This popular multi-label boutique in Tanglin Mall is brimming with must-have items for you, your home, and your loved ones. Expect an eclectic, unique and curated range of trinkets, clothing, lifestyle products and more — there are clutches and bags, home scents and candles, linen napkins and shell-shaped teaspoons, lingerie and ruffle dresses, body oils and jade face rollers, jewellery and accessories. Make sure you carve out enough time to give the shop a good browse through when visiting, or opt to explore your preferences from the comfort of your home via online shopping. - Image Credit: Badger & Fox Facebook Page
Light + Form Concepts
Light up your world with great lighting, which can add a novel dimension to your home and space! There’s a good many lighting stores spread throughout Singapore, but Balestier Road is known to be a particularly reliable hotspot for shopping of this sort. But where does one even start looking? Light + Form Concepts might just have what your dream home sights are set on — if its chic Scandinavian, minimalist, or industrial-style lamps and lights you’re wishing for. Established in 2000, this lightings and furnishing retailer holds a huge collection ranging from interior to outdoor/landscape lightings for commercial and residential projects. They’re also proud to be the Authorised Lighting Partner of Swarovski. - Image Credit: Light + Form Concepts Facebook Page
ZALL Bookstore
Taking up a full two storeys of space at Wheelock Place, ZALL is a Chinese bookstore, cafe and art gallery all rolled into one. A haven for lovers of Chinese culture, literature and art — there are more than 30,000 literary works for adults and children to browse through. Head up the spiral staircase for a relaxing read at the multi-functional reading space on the first floor, or head to the cafe to enjoy a variety of coffee blends, Chinese Chu tea and Taiwan tea. While upstairs, step into the captivating art gallery, featuring creative pieces from both local and international talent, as well as stationery collections you can shop from. With a scare number of Chinese bookstores in Singapore, ZALL is a worthy destination for its visitors. - Image Credit: The Zall Bookstore Facebook Page
