Sim Lim Square (SLS) has been infamously reputed for being the cut-throat haven for tourists, to the extent of having this blacklisted list of shops ‘proudly’ displayed at the reception on the first level. It’s really the first time having seen such a notice in Singapore. The *Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) is brought kept busy throughout the year handling an abundant supply of cases from SLS.
Nonetheless, SLS (less off the black sheeps) is a also a tech haven for the techies and the IT-savvy. You can almost get anything you need from this building standing in the heart of bugis area.
By anything, I refer to IT and electronic products from the most common products such as digital camera all the way to accessories such as cables for your computer and stuff. You name it, they would have it. The picture below probably explains it. Its endless stream of traffic is the reason for some of the shop owners success despite having to bear an explosive rental cost.
For the locals, SLS is a place you can visit after your shopping at Bugis since it’s only a short distance away. You won’t need long before you sink in to the culture of SLS. Did I mention that there’s a culture in SLS? Oh yes, the bargaining culture. Singapore is a country with the the most prudent buyers and it takes a lot of experience to reach that level of prudence. The art of bargaining would be a good skill to have particularly if are set on purchasing almost all the products in the shop’s pricelist. It may or may not be a wise thing to purchase all products from the same shop. On one hand, it makes sense with the logic that the more you buy, the more discounts you enjoy. On the other hand, this may be wishful thinking on your part. However, there is always a general guide to doing your shopping in SLS.
1. The higher the level, the cheaper products tend to be. This is generally true given the rental reduces for the stall on each storey. Not necessarily so, if the product you intend to get is only carried by that particular store though. So it boils down still to the theory of supply and demand.
2. Be nice to the store owners/salesman even if they quote you a price you don’t agree. You never know how much more the other shops are selling. Leave on a happy note as you may find yourself coming back and you may have a surprise when they knock off a little off the previously quoted price.
3. Do your homework before you head off to SLS. Know an estimate of the price and specs of the products so that you end up looking like a noob or wasting anybody’s time. Noob don’t come to happy ending as they generally end up with their wallet much emptier than those who did their homework. Some shopowners may not have the patience to explain the specifications of each product, each brand and each model to you. So it’s important to have some background knowledge, else you are better off going to Harvey Norman.
4. Do a comparison between a few shops. I’m not saying to compare the prices between 101 shops but at least have 3 quotations like all procurement best practices in the government sector, particular when the product costs quite a bit. The quotations you obtain will give you an idea of the range of price that you are purchasing at and giving you the ease of mind that you are not being ripped off.
5. If you have the non-Singaporean look, try to prove you are local with a few mouthful of dialects and be chummy with the salesman. It’s all about having the Singapore Spirit.
6. Practice your bargaining skills at #chatuchak. Not every shop in SLS is willing to tolerate that though.
Essentially, the fun about going to SLS is really to experience the unique culture and a different shopping experience from the other shopping malls at Singapore. Even without a shopping list, you can head on down to SLS and be updated on the latest gadgets and you may be surprised that you even end up with a new toy or two.
Address: 1 Rochor Canal Rd, 188504
Nearest MRT: Bugis (Downtown Line coming soon)
Best Time to Visit: 12.00pm to 8.00pm daily
Recommended Things to Do: Experience the unique shopping experience, find out the latest gadgets, replace your broken cable that you never knew you can buy seperately
*The Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation that is committed towards protecting consumers interest through information and education, and promoting an environment of fair and ethical trade practices.
#chatuchak is a weekend market in thailand famous for being able to bargain for prices for up to 50% the quoted price.
Things to Do in Singapore 