Forget jostling with the crowds, pawing through messy racks and lackadaisical service from salesgirls who cannot be bothered.
There is another way to shop in Singapore, if you are in the know.
Boutiques and showrooms that accept customers by appointment only, that is.
A peek into this ultimate shopaholic's haven might spoil you for life.
Imagine a boutique filled with the most desirable clothes and accessories and open only for you. As you browse, you are offered champagne or coffee to sip, or chocolates or cupcakes to nibble on.
The ambiance is more like that of a boudoir, where you can sink into a comfy sofa and indulge in chi-chi chit-chat by the flattering light of designer chandeliers.
Best of all, there is a fashion designer or stylist on hand to offer advice, help you pick just the right piece, and, if you are in a Cinderella moment, recommend beauty experts who can transform you on the spot.
At by-appointment-only boutiques, VIP service like this is the rule, not the exception. They are a rarity in Singapore at the moment - Urban estimates that there about six such places.
However, they are a concept that could take off as consumers become more discerning about their shopping choices.
Glamour Inc, a multi-label fashion wholesaler, opens its doors to private clients twice a year to offer the works, from ordering one-of-a-kind pieces to providing styling and alteration services.
"With by-appointment-only services, our team can spend time learning what clients want and show them the new shapes and designs that will become the hot looks in future seasons," says Silvia Tan, 42, a stylist and consultant at Glamour Inc.
Also going to great lengths to pamper customers is designer Hayden Ng, 44, who made his boutique by-appointment-only when he moved to The Central last December.
"I hope more designers will look into this concept because shopping centres are becoming increasingly saturated," says Ng.
He attends to all his customers personally. "By having one-on-one sessions with my customers, I get the opportunity to understand their needs better."
Cover girl Amy Cheng, 40, who has been a regular at Hayden since 2005, loves being showered with his undivided attention.
"I don't have too much time for shopping, so with Hayden, who has taken the time to know my body type and preferences, I can get pieces that suit my needs," says the Fly Entertainment artiste and actress.
Ng even serves canapes to customers and Cheng says: "The pampering he gives adds to the shopping experience."
The personal touch is not all wine and roses.
Leslie Chia, 42, who owns bespoke menswear boutique Pimabs, has had to curtail expansion plans as he makes it a point to see each client who comes in for a consultation.
Over at high-end evening wear boutique Pois, head of operations Sharon Ngan, 32, says some walk-in customers insist on being allowed into the by-appointment-only VIP section for its most exquisite gowns.
However, that section is closed to all but the most serious shoppers since the expensive gowns need to be handled with care.
A sales assistant will explain to curious walk-in shoppers that the section is by-appointment-only because it has to be attended to by either the buyer or store manager, she says.
Still, shopping options like these help the local shopping scene to evolve.
Dr Lynda Wee, who is the chief executive of business management consultancy Bootstrap, says by-appointment-only shopping appeals to discerning shoppers who are on the lookout for 'the perfect fit, fabric or style'.
"Shoppers get undivided attention, privacy and full service which enhances their confidence in buying the right pieces that work with the expert's help," she adds.
Urban checks out five by-appointment only shopping experiences.
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This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times .
