Go back to Far East Plaza – and support independent businesses that made Orchard Road cool

Before the rise of e-commerce giants and the boom of heartland malls and mass retailers in the noughties, many millennials might have braved the maze of strata malls like Far East Plaza and Lucky Plaza in search of a unique find, or hung out at Cineleisure or The Heeren along Orchard Road.

Today, that same shopping belt is in constant flux – driven by high rental costs, competition from online retailers, and a prevailing perception among local shoppers that it’s, well, boring. 

One Reddit thread even poses the question: “Do you find Orchard Road boring nowadays?”

In response to this sentiment, the Singapore Tourism Board announced plans in 2023 to rejuvenate Orchard Road and reposition it as a vibrant lifestyle destination. The initiative includes pedestrianisation, improved connectivity, more event spaces, and clearer wayfinding features.

But for long-time tenants like Jebson Tan, owner of The Corner Shop at Far East Plaza, revitalisation isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about preserving character. “It’s the same formula everywhere,” says Jebson. 

He recalls being approached by a property developer who wanted him to open a store in one of their malls, on the condition that it mirrored the exact look of his Far East Plaza outlet, which he has run for the past 15 years. 

“This store grew organically over years,” he says. “You can’t replicate that instantly.”

Independent streetwear entrepreneurs like Jebson are a rare find on Orchard Road these days. Far East Plaza was once a thriving incubator for cult stores like 77th Street, Leftfoot, Ambush, and Revoltage. 

Now, it’s mostly teeming with nail and hair salons, luxury watch boutiques, and secondhand designer bag retailers. Still, a handful of popular youth hangouts from the past have withstood the test of time – along with eateries like Tanjung Pinang Delicacies, a cosy fifth-floor spot beloved by nearby hotel staff and regulars alike.

And while the mall’s façade may have aged, its soul endures in the shop owners who’ve built their lives around it. For them, Far East Plaza is a microcosm of Orchard’s independent spirit.

So, who better to show us where to shop, eat, and linger than the ones who’ve seen it all? 

From the sisters behind a decades-old alteration shop and a tattoo artist who carries on a legendary name – these Far East Plaza stalwarts share their insider recommendations.

“We altered clothes people bought from 77th Street”

Cindy, 54, and Wendy Ler, 61

Clancy Boutique Alteration Centre, #04-89

Once a boutique selling trendy apparel in the ’90s, Clancy Boutique Alteration Centre has evolved into one of Orchard Road’s most trusted tailoring stops. 

Sisters Cindy and Wendy Ler have been operating at Far East Plaza since 1994, specialising in everything from leather repairs to bridal gown alterations – with prices ranging from $8 for simple hems to about $100 for complex or couture pieces, depending on the material and detail.

“We opened here because it was so lively then – 77th Street and Metro were crowd magnets,” says Cindy. “Customers would buy clothes from those shops and bring them to us for tweaking.”

Today, they still see steady footfall from loyal customers, stylists, and hotel referrals. “People drop by after shopping elsewhere – even with items they’ve bought online,” adds Wendy.

Their recommendation: After your Orchard shopping spree, bring your new pieces here for the perfect fit, then head upstairs for a meal at Tanjung Pinang Delicacies (#05-51), which has been serving affordable homely fare like carrot cake ($4.50) and bak kut teh ($6.50) for nearly 40 years.

“I’m a bit crazy – I collect pens, lighters, cameras…”

Simon Ho, 76

New City Jewellery & Watches, #03-103

Step into Simon Ho’s shop and you’ll find yourself in a treasure trove of nostalgia – gleaming watches, vintage cameras, antique pens, and even his own artwork.

After decades spent running businesses in Hawaii and dabbling in fish farming, Simon now devotes his time to restoring timepieces and curating collectibles at Far East Plaza, where he’s been for 15 years.

“I’ve been collecting antiques since I was young – not just anything, but quality pieces with history,” he says. “Unlike the big malls where everything looks the same, every item here tells a story.”

He adds, “There’s always something interesting about what I do. I sell different things every day – cufflinks, pens, jewellery. Each piece is unique.” Having tinkered with watches since his youth, Simon eventually turned his hobby into a craft. “I didn’t take it seriously at first, but now that I have this shop, I’ve focused more on it. Rent is expensive, so I use my skills to help cover the costs,” he explains.

His shop draws both curious passers-by and serious collectors hunting for old-school craftsmanship. “Most of my buyers are middle-aged collectors. Younger visitors are usually curious but don’t buy much. They’ll look at something and say, ‘My mother used to have this.’ For them, it’s sentimental,” he says.

Simon recommends visiting Nan Yang Gemological Institute (#04-136) for expert gemstone certification – a trusted name at Far East Plaza since 2001.

“We always honour our customer’s story”

Joshua Ong, 53

Johnny Two Thumbs, #04-15

For decades, Johnny Two Thumbs has been synonymous with Singapore’s tattoo heritage. Founded in the 1950s and originally located at Bras Basah before finding its home at Far East Plaza in the late ’80s, the studio remains a touchstone for generations of ink enthusiasts.

“The original Johnny Two Thumbs shop was called Lucky Store,” recalls second-generation co-owner Joshua Ong, better known as Jaws. 

“It was at Bras Basah Complex, across from where the YMCA and Rendezvous Hotel are now. At the front, they did trophy engraving; at the back, they did tattoos. The owner, Indra Bahadur, had a physical condition – two thumbs on one finger – and used to call everyone ‘Johnny’. People would say, ‘If you want a tattoo, go find Johnny with two thumbs.’ That’s how the name came about.”

From British sailors to today’s global clientele, the studio’s reputation endures for its craftsmanship, empathy, and attention to detail – with tattoo prices ranging from $80 to $250 per hour, depending on size and complexity. 

“We’re commercial artists – we bring your vision to life,” says Joshua. “We’ve done pieces based on a child’s final drawing – it may look like a scribble, but it means the world to their family.”

His recommendation for visitors? Nanbantei Japanese Restaurant (#05-132), a yakitori spot that’s been serving loyal diners at Far East Plaza for nearly 40 years.

“There is a rebellious spirit in all of this”

Chan, 50

Inokii CD Vinyl Merch Store, #03-30

A fixture at Far East Plaza since 2001, Inokii is a sanctuary for rock and metal fans who still appreciate the raw energy of physical music. What began as a J-pop and K-pop shop run by Chan and his wife gradually evolved into a destination for rare records, band merchandise, and live music memorabilia.

Over the years, Chan has hosted international acts such as Arch Enemy and Loudness, building a small but loyal community of collectors and fans. Even in the streaming age, his shop remains a tactile reminder of music’s roots – with CDs priced between $8 and $30, alongside rare vinyls and limited-edition collectibles.

“I remember one girl in Secondary 1 coming in to buy a Guns N’ Roses CD. More recently, a 15-year-old came in looking for Joy Division,” shares Chan. “They’re getting to experience music in physical formats. Once they start working and have more spending power, they might even build their own music rooms at home.”

For those exploring Far East Plaza, Chan recommends stopping by Hainanese Delicacy (#05-116) for his go-to dish: duck soup boiled with salted vegetables and tomatoes ($7.50) – a comforting classic that keeps him coming back.

“People say retail is a sunset business but I still believe in it”

Jebson Tan, 48

The Corner Shop, #03-16

A fixture in Singapore’s streetwear scene since the early 2000s, Jebson Tan’s The Corner Shop is one of the last independent fashion boutiques at Far East Plaza – a survivor from the mall’s heyday as the hub for street fashion.

“Honestly, this place feels like my second home,” he says. “My best memories are from around 2003, when all the stores were still here. Everyone would just chill outside their shops. We’d have hotpot, smoke, even gamble – after hours, of course. That vibe... it’ll always stay with me.”

Once surrounded by cult labels like Ambush, Revoltage, and Flesh Imp, Jebson now focuses on cut-and-sew pieces you won’t find online, from relaxed trousers to Japanese-inspired outerwear, priced between $80 and $250.

Embracing new platforms, he’s also turned to Tiktok Live to reach younger shoppers, styling Gen Z models in unexpected ways to show how menswear can work across different body types.

“I usually feature a Gen Z model each week, dress them in pieces from the shop, and style them in a few ways,” says Jebson. 

“If people like the looks, they can come down or buy through Tiktok Shop. We’re seeing more Gen Z customers now, but our core base is still millennials and Gen X.”

For visitors, he suggests exploring beyond the clothing racks: stop by Inokii for rare and interesting CD finds. “I’ve bought a good part of my CD collection from Inokii and even traded discs with them. Once, I even found a rare Nirvana box set there!”

PHOTOGRAPHY Lawrence Teo
COORDINATION Chelsia Tan