Singapore’s longest running annual sale is back as ‘GSS: Experience Singapore’

[Editor’s note: The Great Singapore Sale is back this year as GSS: Experience Singapore. The event will run from June 21 – July 28. Below is the event press release.]

MANILA, Philippines – The Singapore Retailers Association (SRA) joins forces with One Kampong Gelam (OKG), Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA), Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS), Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC), and Textile and Fashion Federation (TAFF) to bring locals and tourists a vibrant retail experience that integrates fashion, entertainment, lifestyle design, technology and art.

In its refreshed form, GSS: Experience Singapore, takes place from June 21 to July 28, 2019.

After 25 years, SRA is spicing things up to meet the demands of today’s experience-seeking shopper. As part of a six-week-long event, GSS: Experience Singapore will run shopping sprees such as ‘TGIF!’ (held every Friday) where retailers and F&B Operators will dish out tempting sales and discounts to get you shopping for more.

On July 7, expect to save an additional 7% on GST (Singapore’s version of Value Added Tax), which will be absorbed by participating outlets. GoSpree Members can also expect additional savings with exclusive GoSpree deals. All these will be in addition to the many promotions and exclusive offers that retailers and F&B operators island-wide will run during the 38-day long GSS: Experience Singapore.

Beyond the mega sales and discounts, the event will boast a host of interactive activities and experiences at Orchard Road and Kampong Gelam.

Mark your calendars and join in the festivities at the GSS: Experience Singapore kick-off event, the Orchard Road Fashion Scramble on Friday 21 June, 3 pm – 5.30 pm.

The fashion show, curated by SRA and TAFF, will transform Orchard Road into a performing arena and an interactive runway for 300 dancers and models – showcasing an exciting array of threads and trends from local and foreign designers. The opening segment will feature designs by popular, up-and-coming local designers, followed by leading international fashion houses, before closing off with a bang with award-winning creations by our student talents from selected Institutions of Higher Learning.

Other experiences to look out for at Orchard Road

• The Great Singapore Stories – featuring local films by local filmmakers and students and music concerts by local artists at Design Orchard (Rooftop) and at The Great Singapore Street Pop-Up (Grange Road Carpark)

• The Great Furniture Showcase – featuring new limited-edition designs at Robinsons The Heeren (Level 3), curated by SFIC. Participating design studios include: 11H, Creativeans, Fraction Design Studio, Modu Designers, Nextofkin Creatives, and OON.

Discover local delights at Kampong Gelam

Kampong Gelam which is known for its rich heritage, textile shops, unique food options, and street art, will showcase a myriad of activities from July 5 – July 14. Immerse yourself in multi-sensory journeys such as the specially curated OKG Precinct Tours ‘Sultan of Spice’.  Snag unique lifestyle products and handcrafted goodies at the OKG Home & Lifestyle Bazaar, and search for vintage pieces or preloved items at the OKG Car Boot Sale.

Unwind with music, have fun with traditional games and learn more about the rich heritage of Kampong Gelam through curated activities such as cultural talks at Souq@OKG (July 5 – 7). Fashion steps up at ProjekGlamway (July 6) with a twist where models will sashay down the runway wearing fabric and materials available at textile stores along the historic Arab Street.

Scour the island and check out stores and restaurants which have embraced new retail concepts and digital technology to give shoppers more memorable experiences. For example:

• At the newly opened Decathlon Singapore Lab, shoppers can test all the products in-store, enjoy free sports sessions at its free-to-play areas including a futsal court, a basketball court, and a multisport zone. The almost 5000 sqm lab which opens 24-hours daily comes with connected fitting rooms, mobile payment solutions and a conveyor belt system that manages online orders in the store.

• Design Orchard is fitted with interactive mirrors and allows one to check items out using a mobile application.

• Commune, Lifestyle has a three-dimensional floor planner and virtual reality simulation that allows shoppers to recreate their home and visualize how the furniture will fit inside it.

In a bid to nurture the next generation of retail experts, Singapore Retail Association has spearheaded a new initiative called Windows ALIVE!  This new scheme, formulated to grow and support the capabilities of the retail industry, will see students from the Visual Merchandising, Interior Design and Fashion Apparel courses of various tertiary educational institutions apply classroom learning to real-life situations. Their creative works will be featured on the shop fronts of participating retailers such as Echo of Nature, Playdress, and The Commune Life. The general public will get a chance to pose with the installments and win shopping vouchers upon uploading their photographs onto Instagram.

GSS: Experience Singapore is supported by Enterprise Singapore (ESG), Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).

Retailers keen to participate in GSS: Experience Singapore can sign up at https://gss.sra.org.sg/.

The Great Singapore Street Pop Up will also launch alongside the Orchard Road Fashion Scramble and will line the shopping belt from ION Orchard to Mandarin Gallery and at Robinsons The Heeren, and the Grange Road Carpark to offer experiential retail experiences and culinary delights for 10 days from 21 June – 30 June. – Rappler.com