EVERY year, shopaholics lap up good fashion buys and dining deals when the Great Singapore Sale (GSS) hits town.
Last June and July, Master- Card customers spent over US$700 million (S$1 billion) during sale periods, up 19 per cent from 2007.
MasterCard Worldwide’s vice-president and country head, Ms Julienne Loh, said that cardholders here swiped their plasticmost for apparel, accessories and eating out, with Singaporeans forking out US$450 million during last year’s sale period. That’s almost double the amount that tourists spent.
And it seems that the current downturn has not dampened the shopping spirit. Most say that they are still willing to spend, given the good deals around town.
Recruitment consultant Patricia Tan, 25, counts herself as a serious shopaholic who takes advantage of the GSS every year.
Last year, she blew almost $6,000 during the sale period, compared to her $500 shopping budget for non-sale months. She ranks clothes and shoes as must-buys during each GSS period.
Her choice for work and casual togs?
“Anything from European labels Mango, River Island and Dorothy Perkins, because I love the variety they have,” she said. During sale periods, she is able to save as much as 60 per cent on various fashion buys.
Her best sale find last year was a $40 casual dress, down from $89.90, from River Island VivoCity.
This time, she can enjoy up to 50 per cent off selected items from the spring and summer collections at those brands.
Her advice? Go early, as sizes become harder to find as the sale period – from now until July 26 – wears on.
Another big shopper is marketing executive Loo Yingzhi, 23, who intends to spend as much as $200 for a dress, to $800 for a bag.
But she says she is being cautious this sale period.
“The desire to shop has not changed but the amount that I’m willing to pay for each item is less, compared to (that) last year,” she said.
But a branded bag may just entice her.
In fact, though big brands don’t usually give big discounts, those like Ms Loo and Ms Tan will be on the lookout for deals of any kind.
Ms Tan, who favours Italian brand Miu Miu, says she’ll take advantage of even a 15 per cent discount.
They’re both in luck – a quick check with bag brands like Miu Miu, Gucci, Kate Spade and Bally showed that 30 to 50 per cent discounts are the norm for selected items from their current spring and summer collections.
In fact, shoppers on the search for great deals will have lots to choose from.
Singapore Retailers Association’s executive director, Ms Lau Chuen Wei, said: “Retailers are focusing on giving consumers what they really want – great savings and great value – to help them buy more for less.”
SHOP WITH MASTERCARD AND WIN!
IT PAYS to shop with plastic. MasterCard cardholders enjoy up to 70 per cent off selected merchandise at Barang Barang and other shops.
They also stand to redeem $15,000 worth of Raffles City Shopping Centre shopping vouchers every week.
Lucky shoppers stand to win Subaru cars, cash, holidays to China and more in Singapore Press Holdings’ (SPH) Shop & Win 2009. Those who make purchases using MasterCard double their chances of winning.
From now till July 26, simply spend $30 or more in a single receipt at participating shops showing the Shop & Win decals or posters.
Then, SMS the relevant details to 77877. You may just be among the 12 to 21 weekly winners to walk away with various prizes, upon showing original receipts as proof of purchase at SPH News Centre (1000 Toa Payoh North).
For more information on participating outlets, go to www.greatsingaporesale.com.sg
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