From The Straits Times    |

The highly anticipated annual shopping extravaganza in Singapore is back. We’re talking about the Great Singapore Sale (GSS), with this year’s theme of Experience Singapore. 

This new and improved shopping season, the GSS isn’t solely about sales and discounts; it also aims to highlight local talents and designers, as well as the intangible shopping experience at a physical store.

“The rebranded GSS: Experience Singapore offers local and overseas visitors a fun, exciting and differentiated retail experience, complemented by lifestyle offerings such as art, film, music and dining pop-ups,” says Ms Ranita Sundra, Director of Retail and Dining for the Singapore Tourism Board. 

“This is aligned with our broader vision for Orchard Road to be a lifestyle destination, and we invite both locals and visitors to enjoy the shopping deals and lifestyle and entertainment offerings,” she added. 

To kick off GSS: Experience Singapore, a flash mob of 100 dancers took over the streets of Orchard Road on June 21 as traffic came to a halt at the junction of Cairnhill Road, Grange Road and Orchard Road, just outside Design Orchard. 

Subsequently, 100 models strutted their way to the intersection for a “traffic-stopping” fashion show. The Orchard Road Fashion Scramble showcased collections from home-grown designers, international labels and budding designers from local fashion design schools, while pedestrians had front-row views of all the action. 

ICYMI, here are some highlights of the fashion extravaganza. 

 

If you missed the Fashion Scramble, not to worry. GSS: Experience Singapore has lined up other events such as Experience Kampong Gelam, from July 5-14. It gives you a feel of the old-world charm of one of Singapore’s historic neighbourhoods via highly curated tours. 

Furthermore, you can enjoy live performances and a Home & Lifestyle Bazaar that’ll be happening in Baghdad Street. Chill out with live performances by artistes such as Chris & Diana, JQ & Zul, Joshua & Marteen, Anthea, Shai & Karl, and Ben Jordan. And head on over to Gelam Gallery, Singapore’s first outdoor art gallery, to take your next #ootd with artwork by local designers from NAFA and Lasalle.

Also, every home decor junkie should check out The Great Furniture Showcases at Level 5 of Robinsons The Heeren. From now till July 28, expect to see limited edition crafts created specially for GSS: Experience by designers like 11H, Fraction Design Studio, Nextofkin Creatives and OON.

And if you want to nab more deals (because who doesn’t), certain stores will have a special TGIF! sales that occurs every Friday till July 26. Such exclusive discounts include 1-for-1, gift with purchase and storewide discounts. For the full, comprehensive list of deals, visit gss.sra.org.sg.