SINGAPORE EXPATS FORUM
Singapore Expat Forum and Message Board for Expats in Singapore & Expatriates Relocating to Singapore
The Great Singapore sale- Your take
- intellectualsmuse
- Chatter
- Posts: 333
- Joined: Sun, 20 Dec 2009 2:32 am
The Great Singapore sale- Your take
So is it worth it braving the crowds to go to town and shop? What do you think?
For those who fight for it, life has a flavor the sheltered will never know.
- sundaymorningstaple
- Moderator
- Posts: 39755
- Joined: Thu, 11 Nov 2004 1:26 pm
- Location: Retired on the Little Red Dot
The way I see it, if you go there and buy a bunch of stuff because it's on sale, then it's not. You didn't save anything but actually probably spent more than you would have if you only bought what you needed at any other time. I stay far, far away from Orchard Road and the entire CBD if I can avoid it. In fact, I don't go to sales at all, because of that human trait.
SOME PEOPLE TRY TO TURN BACK THEIR ODOMETERS. NOT ME. I WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW WHY I LOOK THIS WAY. I'VE TRAVELED A LONG WAY, AND SOME OF THE ROADS WEREN'T PAVED. ~ Will Rogers
- intellectualsmuse
- Chatter
- Posts: 333
- Joined: Sun, 20 Dec 2009 2:32 am
That is SO like a "guy" answer!sundaymorningstaple wrote:The way I see it, if you go there and buy a bunch of stuff because it's on sale, then it's not. You didn't save anything but actually probably spent more than you would have if you only bought what you needed at any other time. I stay far, far away from Orchard Road and the entire CBD if I can avoid it. In fact, I don't go to sales at all, because of that human trait.
Okay now, let me rephrase my question - Nothwithstanding your human tendencies to buy needless junk, do you think the GSS is a good time to buy stuff that you need. (Refer to Maslow's hierarchy for definition of "need").
For those who fight for it, life has a flavor the sheltered will never know.
- sundaymorningstaple
- Moderator
- Posts: 39755
- Joined: Thu, 11 Nov 2004 1:26 pm
- Location: Retired on the Little Red Dot
Yeah, self justification of "need" is okay. Every woman needs retail therapy occasionally, so I guess if it's gotta be, it's better then than at other times. I only need retail therapy if it's a hardware store. 

SOME PEOPLE TRY TO TURN BACK THEIR ODOMETERS. NOT ME. I WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW WHY I LOOK THIS WAY. I'VE TRAVELED A LONG WAY, AND SOME OF THE ROADS WEREN'T PAVED. ~ Will Rogers
- nakatago
- Moderator
- Posts: 8358
- Joined: Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:23 pm
- Location: Sister Margaret’s School for Wayward Children
don't you have problems finding clothes that fit you here in singapore (re: other thread)? if yes, i doubt that you going to the sale for clothes will be productive. also, some merchants tend to mark up the "before" prices. or bundle a bunch of useless stuff with the item you want. just sayin'.intellectualsmuse wrote:That is SO like a "guy" answer!sundaymorningstaple wrote:The way I see it, if you go there and buy a bunch of stuff because it's on sale, then it's not. You didn't save anything but actually probably spent more than you would have if you only bought what you needed at any other time. I stay far, far away from Orchard Road and the entire CBD if I can avoid it. In fact, I don't go to sales at all, because of that human trait.
Okay now, let me rephrase my question - Nothwithstanding your human tendencies to buy needless junk, do you think the GSS is a good time to buy stuff that you need. (Refer to Maslow's hierarchy for definition of "need").
disclaimer: I'm a dude.
"A quokka is what would happen if there was an anime about kangaroos."
- intellectualsmuse
- Chatter
- Posts: 333
- Joined: Sun, 20 Dec 2009 2:32 am
Well, what about shoes, handbags, accessories, soft toys, stationery? Any women out there wanting to replynakatago wrote:don't you have problems finding clothes that fit you here in singapore (re: other thread)? if yes, i doubt that you going to the sale for clothes will be productive. also, some merchants tend to mark up the "before" prices. or bundle a bunch of useless stuff with the item you want. just sayin'.intellectualsmuse wrote:That is SO like a "guy" answer!sundaymorningstaple wrote:The way I see it, if you go there and buy a bunch of stuff because it's on sale, then it's not. You didn't save anything but actually probably spent more than you would have if you only bought what you needed at any other time. I stay far, far away from Orchard Road and the entire CBD if I can avoid it. In fact, I don't go to sales at all, because of that human trait.
Okay now, let me rephrase my question - Nothwithstanding your human tendencies to buy needless junk, do you think the GSS is a good time to buy stuff that you need. (Refer to Maslow's hierarchy for definition of "need").
disclaimer: I'm a dude.

You're probably right about the sale thing being a gimmick. But I do think there could be some good deals out there which is why I posted this thread. Well, we'll find out

For those who fight for it, life has a flavor the sheltered will never know.
- Asian_Geekette
- Reporter
- Posts: 558
- Joined: Wed, 10 Jan 2007 4:07 pm
- Location: Still based in Singapore but wanders around...
If you've done your reconnaissance trip a few days before the GSS and done your covert price comparison... then you'll find it worth your while.intellectualsmuse wrote: Well, what about shoes, handbags, accessories, soft toys, stationery? Any women out there wanting to reply![]()
You're probably right about the sale thing being a gimmick. But I do think there could be some good deals out there which is why I posted this thread. Well, we'll find out
Seriously, I have only taken advantage of the GSS once, two years ago. This was when I was walking along Orchard Road and saw the offer in Giordano.
I typically tend to buy stuff from other countries because it's cheaper there.

My business is not to remake myself, but make the absolute best out of what God made. -Robert Browning
- road.not.taken
- Editor
- Posts: 1293
- Joined: Sat, 06 Oct 2007 9:24 am
I like sales I mostly buy shoes, handbags etc only on sale and check the prices before the GSS, and If I can get it for half I get it for half. However I just buy stuff on what I have decided that I really need it (e.g. I would not buy a 5th pair of black medium high pumps). So I genereally dont get that tempted
but things that are nice to have on sale and if I urgently need sth than I buy it without beeing on sale
I am a girl

I am a girl

I'd save the money to shop in usa sometime in the future. Living in north america made me realize that Singaporeans were paying $200+ for levis jeans that mexican workers pay $30 here. Some shrewd business men managed to create a luxury aura around certain really cheap brands and made a fortune in Singapore. Im also amazed at how Singaporeans got easily suckered into thinking polo as high end fashion when all avg americans buy them at giordano prices.
My advice is buy what you need in singapore, splurge when you are out of the country. The selection of fine fashion goods in singapore is pathetic and the price ridiculous, considering the govt's effort to discourage consumption through import duties and Singaporeans are just not fashionable enough to stimulate a broad selection. what else can you wear in this climate lol??
My advice is buy what you need in singapore, splurge when you are out of the country. The selection of fine fashion goods in singapore is pathetic and the price ridiculous, considering the govt's effort to discourage consumption through import duties and Singaporeans are just not fashionable enough to stimulate a broad selection. what else can you wear in this climate lol??
I love to look and buy household items as these are seldom on sale at regular times. And also other 'need' items such as undergarments, casual plain color t-shirts, etc.
As for clothes, I find it not so enjoyable when the store is crowded and there's a queue for the fitting room.
The thing with Singapore though is there're lots of pretty things and the key is to choose which to buy.
Definitely go on a weekday morning if you can.
As for clothes, I find it not so enjoyable when the store is crowded and there's a queue for the fitting room.
The thing with Singapore though is there're lots of pretty things and the key is to choose which to buy.
Definitely go on a weekday morning if you can.
- intellectualsmuse
- Chatter
- Posts: 333
- Joined: Sun, 20 Dec 2009 2:32 am
Well, my favourite accessories brand was on sale and I bought some pretty earrings at 50% off. Okay they were from last season but they go great with my outfit so who cares!
As for clothes, M&S on sale and found that some of the workwear shirts I bought last month were retailing for 15$ less
They have some new stuff in with purple being the theme colour-these are obviously NOT on sale. Dorothy Perkins has 50% off too but I thought that the clothes on sale were really sad
Shoes and handbags update: Went with my husband who's very short on patience so couldn't get a look at any
But will update this space later! 
As for clothes, M&S on sale and found that some of the workwear shirts I bought last month were retailing for 15$ less


Shoes and handbags update: Went with my husband who's very short on patience so couldn't get a look at any


For those who fight for it, life has a flavor the sheltered will never know.
Yeah that's the thing - there is always a sale saying "$$% off'. The question is 'off what'?
Like Koalabear says, things they put on sale here are more expensive when not on sale elsewhere. Yes you can get some cheap things cheap here, but not for a lot of things. And a lot of sales are pushing out old stock, like these PC and Electronics shows.
Who ever said Singapore was cheap? I would ask, 'compared to what'?
I haven't shopped in HK in a long while but I'd heard it was cheaper than here.
Like Koalabear says, things they put on sale here are more expensive when not on sale elsewhere. Yes you can get some cheap things cheap here, but not for a lot of things. And a lot of sales are pushing out old stock, like these PC and Electronics shows.
Who ever said Singapore was cheap? I would ask, 'compared to what'?
I haven't shopped in HK in a long while but I'd heard it was cheaper than here.
Ape Shall Not Kill Ape
-
- Similar Topics
- Replies
- Views
- Last post
-
-
Going to take a bank loan for one executive condo, about 750k, remaining 250k can take outside loan or ?
by tantan999 » Sun, 20 Mar 2022 11:43 pm » in Credit Card & Banking in Singapore - 4 Replies
- 2859 Views
-
Last post by KateshiBlack
Tue, 27 Sep 2022 1:22 am
-
-
-
What is your take on health supplements?
by Ariana » Tue, 19 Mar 2019 4:06 pm » in Beauty, Health & Fitness - 10 Replies
- 6541 Views
-
Last post by audrey_
Wed, 23 Oct 2019 1:17 pm
-
-
-
Recommendation for a great Gastro doctor
by Jgrif96229 » Wed, 15 Jul 2020 1:20 pm » in Beauty, Health & Fitness - 4 Replies
- 2957 Views
-
Last post by Jgrif96229
Wed, 02 Sep 2020 9:25 pm
-
-
-
The Great Barrington Declaration advocates that individuals at high risk should stay at home
by martincymru » Tue, 13 Oct 2020 3:53 am » in Staying, Living in Singapore - 2 Replies
- 1311 Views
-
Last post by martincymru
Tue, 13 Oct 2020 3:56 am
-
-
-
SJI student fell from great heights
by abbby » Thu, 22 Jul 2021 9:39 pm » in Latest News & Current Affairs - 3 Replies
- 3480 Views
-
Last post by Lisafuller
Wed, 28 Jul 2021 6:58 pm
-
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 30 guests