Thanks to its long time position as a major trading hub between East and West and its historic British colony status, Singapore has always been a very unique place to purchase some of the most unusual and extravagant goods. Later, as modern shopping malls started emerging in the 70s and 80s, shopping became part of the local DNA as shopping malls were for many years the single best place to spend time in a refreshing air-conditioned environment. When asked what is the greatest invention to all, Senior Minister Lee Kwan Yew (who served as Prime Minister from 1959 to 1990 and who is widely recognized has the man who made Singapore what it is today), replies "the aircon!". Of course for him, it is mostly because the aircon enabled Singaporeans to work away from the treacherous heat and humidity, but it also firmly planted the local population into shopping malls as what was to become one of the greatest love stories and greatest shopping destinations of all.
Famous for its Great Singapore Sale and usually transparent retail culture, Singapore firmly established itself in the region as the place to purchase luxury goods and from the 70s onward grew quickly thanks to a regular stream of wealthy Indonesians, Indians, Middle-Eastern customers for example. Cartier, Vuitton, Hermes, Rolex, Prada, Ferrari, Lamborghini among others builts a very strong presence in Singapore. For example, Singapore is the #1 market for luxury watches per capita in the world, and probably also boasts the highest concentration of luxury cars in the world (over 100 Lamborghinis sold in 2006 alone).
Still today, Singapore boasts some of the most beautifully designed and managed shopping malls in the region, counting some of the most stunning flagship stores, such as the brand-new National Geographic store in Vivocity. New shops and retail concepts are launched at a breathtaking pace and some of Singapore local retailers (Charles & Keith, Osim...) now have a wide international presence.
Best of all, it is safe.
So, if you want to drop by to purchase a couple of megayachts, the latest Harley, some nice jewelry for your lady, or some unique Chinese collector artifacts, the Superyacht Singapore Association would be delighted to assist and to provide you with the contacts that would facilitate your transactions.
Until then, check out the link below for a better understanding of what Singapore shopping is all about:
It makes one happy and is good for the economy...
