Singaporeans love a good bargain – just look at how crowded the malls are now that many retailers have started their sales ahead of the Great Singapore Sale (GSS), which officially starts tomorrow.
But bargains can be found even outside the GSS period.
In the last three years, at least 30 factory outlet stores have opened here. Brands offering discounts of between 30 and 70 per cent include American brands Calvin Klein Jeans, Cole Haan and Juicy Couture, Hong Kong leather bag brand Rabeanco and Belgian bag brand Kipling. Designer multi-label store Club 21 opened an outlet store at IMM last September.
While IMM in Jurong, the largest outlet mall here, remains the most popular for bargain-hunters, outlet stores have also opened in Orchard Road, such as Ecco at The Centrepoint and Royal Sporting House (RSH) at Cathay Cineleisure Orchard.
Mr David Westhead, chief executive of RSH AsiaPacific, says the company opened the outlet store in February to “cater to the mall’s younger shoppers, who are very savvy at spotting a good deal”. RSH also has outlet stores at IMM, Changi City Point and Star Vista.
On what has led to the proliferation of outlet stores here, Dr Seshan Ramaswami, associate professor of marketing education at Singapore Management University, says: “Many marketing scholars and economists have predicted that the Internet would lead to lower prices, or at least fewer price differences between stores in the long run. This spread of discount stores is one outcome coming to fruition.”
The stock carried at these stores can date back a few seasons, but some carry merchandise as recent as one season ago, or even from the current season.
Ms Nazeeha Bornuevo, a housewife in her 40s who lives in Tampines, goes to IMM once a month because “it has a lot of branded outlet stores as well as food outlets”. Her favourite stores there are shoe brands Timberland and Geox and American fashion brand Coach.
She says: “I would come here more often if I lived nearby.”
Here is a guide to the best outlet stores worth visiting for their wide variety of merchandise and discounts offered. They have been grouped according to the malls they are located at.
Images: Alyssa Woo, Marisse Caine & Dios Vincoy Jr for ST, Leftfoot, Owndays, Juicy Couture
A version of this story was originally published in The Straits Times on June 2, 2016. For more stories like this, head to www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle.
CATHAY CINELEISURE ORCHARD
8 Grange Road
What to expect: Footwear and apparel for men and women from brands such as Reebok Classic, Saucony Originals, Caterpillar and Merrell. Stock is at least one season old and is replenished weekly. New designs are brought in on a monthly basis.
Discount offered: 30 to 70 per cent
Best buys: Reebok slim-fit running shirt, $39.50 (below, usual price $79); and Zaxy blue sandals, $39.10 (usual price $55.90)
Where: 03-07; open: noon to 10pm daily; tel: 6737-6381
CATHAY CINELEISURE ORCHARD
8 Grange Road
What to expect: Shoes and sneakers from labels such as G.H. Bass & Co, Adidas, Vans, Ransom and Dr Martens. Most are surplus stock from the multi-label shoe brand’s retail stores and are at least three seasons old. Stock is replenished every three to four weeks.
Discount offered: 30 to 60 per cent
Best buys: G.H. Bass & Co patent shoes with rhinestones, $50 (below, usual price $199); and Vans Era multi-coloured shoes, $40 (usual price $79)
Where: 02-06; open: noon to 10pm (Sunday to Friday), noon to 11pm (Saturday)
313@SOMERSET
313 Orchard Road
What to expect: Sneakers and performance shoes from brands such as Nike, Reebok, New Balance, Converse and Vans that are from at least two seasons ago. These come from streetwear retailer Limited Edt’s stores around Singapore. Stock is replenished every month. The store will close after mid-August.
Discount offered: 40 to 70 per cent
Best buys: Nike Jordans 1 Retro, $119; white Reebok pump, $60; leopard print Jeremy Scott sneakers, $129 (below, prices after discount)
Where: 03-39; open: 10.30am to 9pm (Monday to Thursday), 10.30am to 10pm (Friday to Sunday); tel: 6509-3422
AMK HUB
53 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3
What to expect: Apparel from casual to dressy tops, shorts, skirts, dresses and a large collection of jeans for women. For men, there is a smaller but still varied selection of shorts, jeans, shirts and T-shirts. A small selection of children’s clothes are also on sale. Clothes are as recent as one season ago and stock is replenished once a week.
Discount offered: 30 to 80 per cent
Best buy: Black tweed blazer with zipped pockets, $45 (below, usual price $149.95)
Where: 02-26; open: 10.30am to 10pm daily; tel: 6483-7950
THE CENTREPOINT
176 Orchard Road
What to expect: Dress and casual shoes as well as sneakers and boots for men and women from the Danish brand that is known for its comfortable footwear. These are displayed according to size. There is a small selection of leather bags and purses. Stock is replenished weekly.
Discount offered: 30 to 70 per cent
Best buys: Men’s red suede casual loafers, $159.90 (below, usual price $279.90); and women’s black leather sandals, $159.90 (usual price $239.90)
Where: 01-40; open: 10.30am to 9.30pm daily; tel: 6733-6153
IMM
2 Jurong East Street 21
What to expect: Casual apparel, bags, shoes and underwear. Stock is from at least one season ago and replenished twice a month, and twice weekly during the Great Singapore Sale and Christmas.
Discount offered: 30 to 50 per cent
Best buy: Body Skinny jeans from Fall/Winter 2014, $188 (usual price $268), or Fall/Winter 2015 collections, $279.30 (usual price $399)
Where: 01-103A; open: 10am to 9.30pm (Sunday to Thursday), 10am to 10pm (Friday and Saturday); tel: 6569-7600
IMM
2 Jurong East Street 21
What to expect: Brightly coloured and patterned purses, clutches and handbags from the Italian brand, as well as its famous jelly handbags and slippers. Designs are at least two seasons old and new designs arrive every three to six months.
Discount offered:30 to 70 per cent
Best buys: Jelly slippers, $43 (usual price $145); and Julia polka-dotted and striped crossbody bag, $399 (below, usual price $570)
Where: 01-122; open 10.30am to 9.30pm daily; tel: 6896-3536
IMM
2 Jurong East Street 21
What to expect: Apparel, shoes and bags from brands such as Blackbarrett, DKNY Jeans and Paul Smith Jeans that are carried by the designer multi-label retailer. Stock is replenished fortnightly and is between one and four seasons old.
Discount offered: 50 to 80 per cent
Best buys: Gold multi-strap sandals from DKNY, $88 (usual price $220); and Paul Smith Jeans men’s long-sleeve shirt, $130 (below, usual price $260)
Where: 02-01; open: 10.30am to 9.30pm daily; tel: 6304-3580
IMM
2 Jurong East Street 21
What to expect: Apparel, footwear, bags and accessories for women and children from the American brand. Stock is from at least two seasons ago and replenished every two to three months.
Discount offered: Up to 60 per cent
Best buys: Blue and pink printed slip-on shoes, $90 (below, usual price $210); and black velour jacket with gold sequins, $165 (usual price $330)
Where: 02-08; open: 10.30am to 10pm daily; tel: 6896-1830
IMM
2 Jurong East Street 21
What to expect: Tweed dresses, coats and scarves from the Hong Kong brand. The store also carries French women’s clothing brand Germain. Stock is usually one to two seasons old and is replenished twice a month.
Discount offered: 50 to 70 per cent
Best buys: Pink and beige woven sleeveless dress with beaded detail, $535.60 (usual price $1,339); and sleeveless pink tweed dress, $669.50 (below, usual price $1,339)
Where: 02-03; open: 10.30am to 9.30pm (Sunday to Thursday), 10.30am to 10pm (Friday and Saturday); tel: 6896-1344
IMM
2 Jurong East Street 21
What to expect: Apparel and footwear from brands such as Kurt Geiger, Scotch & Soda and John Varvatos, as well as make-up from British brand Illamasqua. Designs are about one to two seasons old and stock is replenished once a month. The store will close in August.
Discount offered: 50 to 60 per cent
Best buys: Scotch & Soda black pants with embroidered lip pattern, $109.50 (usual price $219); Kurt Geiger leopard print heels with metal ball detail, $75.60 (below, usual price $189)
Where: 02-05; open 10.30am to 9.30pm daily; tel: 6425-5838
IMM
2 Jurong East Street 21
What to expect: Linen shirts and dresses from the Malaysian lifestyle brand. Designs are from two to three years ago and stock is replenished weekly.
Discount offered: 30 to 70 per cent
Best buy: Men’s short-sleeved shirt, $185 (below, usual price $370)
Where: 02-07; open: 10am to 9.30pm daily; tel: 6563-2049
IMM
2 Jurong East Street 21
What to expect: Eyewear designs at least one season old from the Japanese optical brand. Stock is replenished once a week.
Discount offered: From $60 to $100 off frames and standard high-index aspheric lenses
Best buys: Air Ultem tortoiseshell frames, $178 (below); and clear framed Owndays sunglasses, $78 (prices before discount)
Where: 01-11/12; open: 11am to 10pm daily; tel: 6563-6150
IMM
2 Jurong East Street 21
What to expect: Casual and dress shoes and a small selection of leather bags from the American brand. Designs are at least two seasons old and stock is replenished once a week.
Discount offered: 30 to 50 per cent
Best buys: Women’s burgundy leather driving shoes, $119 (usual price $259); and woven leather handbag, $419 (below, usual price $599)
Where: 02-04A; open: 10.30am to 9.30pm daily; tel: 6425-5401
IMM
2 Jurong East Street 21
What to expect: Leather bags, clutches and purses from the Hong Kong bag label. Stock is from one to two seasons ago and replenished weekly.
Discount offered:30 to 70 per cent
Best buy: Pink leather handbag, $240 (below, usual price $480)
Where: 02-49; open: 10am to 10pm daily, tel: 6896-2856
IMM
2 Jurong East Street 21
What to expect: Casual and running shoes for adults and children from the American footwear brand. Stock can be as recent as one season ago and is replenished once or twice a week.
Discount offered:15 to 80 per cent
Best buys: Go Run 4 women’s running shoes, $79 (below, usual price $179); and Equalizer slip-on shoes in Mesmerized, $69 (usual price $89)
Where: 02-55/56; open: 10am to 10pm daily, tel: 6896-2920
IMM
2 Jurong East Street 21
What to expect: Shoes, socks and apparel from the Japanese brand. Stock is from one to two seasons ago and replenished once a week.
Discount offered:30 to 70 per cent
Best buys: Limited-edition Bruce Lee yellow sneakers, $215.20 (usual price $269); and green Corsair Deluxe sneakers, $249.50 (below, usual price $499)
Where: 02-47; open: 11am to 9.30pm (Monday to Thursday), 10.30am to 10pm (Friday to Sunday); tel: 6563-0050
CHANGI CITY POINT
5 Changi Business Park Central 1
What to expect: Backpacks, handbags, luggage and pouches in the Belgian brand’s famous crinkled nylon fabric. Designs from the most recent Spring 2016 range are already in store. New designs arrive every three months and stock is replenished about two to three times a week. Prices are before discount.
Discount offered: 30 to 50 per cent. As part of the brand’s Great Singapore Sale promotion until July 20, spend $199 and get an extra 20 per cent off; spend $299 and get an exta 30 per cent off; and spend $399 and get an extra 40 per cent off. Promotion is subject to change
Best buys: Emmalee handbag in sunset yellow with patterned strap and Cayleen small shoulder bag (below), both $108.50 each (usual price $155 each)
Where: 01-50; open: 10.30 to 9.30pm daily; tel: 6444-7746
CHANGI CITY POINT
5 Changi Business Park Central 1
What to expect: Running shoes, sportswear and bags for men and women from the American sports brand. Stock is replenished monthly and is from at least one to two seasons ago. There are two other New Balance discount outlet stores – one at IMM and another at Alexandra Retail Centre.
Discount offered: 20 to 50 per cent
Best buys: Men’s classic running shoes in black, pink and blue, $89 (usual price $129); and women’s purple sports T-shirt, $29 (below, usual price $35)
Where: 01-09; open: 11am to 9.30pm daily; tel: 6604-6905
CHANGI CITY POINT
5 Changi Business Park Central 1
What to expect: This multi-brand shoe store sells footwear from American and European brands such as Obermain, Democrata, Mikaela, Wanda Panda and Sebago. About 70 per cent of the items displayed are on discount – the rest are regular-priced items. Stock is at least two seasons old and is replenished weekly. There is another branch at IMM.
Discount offered: 20 to 70 per cent
Best buys: Men’s brown dress shoes from Obermain, $143.20 (below, usual price $179); and Wanda Panda ladies heeled sandals with green woven leather straps, $109 (usual price $159)
Where: 01-17; open: 10.30am to 9pm (Sunday to Thursday), 10.30am to 10pm (Friday, Saturday and public holiday); tel: 6443-5117
CHANGI CITY POINT
5 Changi Business Park Central 1
What to expect: The Japanese brand’s running shoes and sportswear for adults and shoes for children. Stock arrives weekly and can be as recent as the current season, provided the designs are already on discount at the regular retail outlets.
Discount offered: 20 to 70 per cent Best buys: Gel-feather Glide 3 orange running shoes, $118.30 (usual price $169); and men’s 33 DFA running shoes, $119.20 (below, usual price $149) Where: 02-20; open: 11am to 9pm daily; tel: 6538-2382 CLARKS
What to expect: Casual and dress shoes for adults and children from the British brand. Stock is at least two seasons old and arrives once a week.
Discount offered: 30 to 70 per cent Best buys: Girl’s pink shoes with flower appliques and velcro strap, $49 (below, usual price $79); and Orla Kiely red patent sandals, $169 (usual price $269)
Where: 01-33; open: 10.30am to 9.30pm daily; tel: 6444-6513
CHANGI CITY POINT
5 Changi Business Park Central 1
What to expect: Casual and dress shoes for adults and children from the British brand. Stock is at least two seasons old and arrives once a week.
Discount offered: 30 to 70 per cent
Best buys: Girl’s pink shoes with flower appliques and velcro strap, $49 (below, usual price $79); and Orla Kiely red patent sandals, $169 (usual price $269)
Where: 01-33; open: 10.30am to 9.30pm daily; tel: 6444-6513
JURONG POINT
1 Jurong West Central 2
What to expect: Shoes from popular brands such as Birkenstock, Timberland, Naturalizer, Ccilu and Papillio. There are also shoes for children from brands such as Polo Ralph Lauren and Guess. Stock is about four to eight seasons old and arrives monthly. Prices range from $3.90 for insoles to $258.30 for Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) ladies’ sandals (usual price $369). The store has another branch at West Coast Plaza.
Discount offered: 30 to 70 per cent
Best buy: Children’s velcro-strap plaid sneakers from Guess (below), $39 for a pair, $70 for two pairs
Where: B1-15; open: 11am to 9pm daily; tel: 6898-4960
JURONG POINT
1 Jurong West Central 2
What to expect: Slippers from brands such as Havaianas, and sneakers from brands such as Converse, Nike, Puma and Adidas. Sportswear and backpacks from brands such as Everlast and Converse are also on sale. Stock is from about two to three seasons ago and is replenished twice a week. There is a Zalora section selling heels, dress shoes and clothing for men and women.
Discount offered: 10 to 70 per cent
Best buys: Backpack from Japanese brand Anello, $169 (below, usual price $229); and black Adidas puffer jacket, $159 (usual price $269)
Where: 01-16; open: 11am to 10pm (weekday), 10am to 10pm (weekend); tel: 6790-8160