7 Things That Make GSS 2019 Even More Special Than Usual

If you’re anyone like me, you probably don’t think Great Singapore Sales are a big deal. Let’s be honest. That’s because it is true, especially since anybody can just slap GSS at their storefront and anyhowly extend or start the GSS early for their store.

So, here’s a little good news: GSS is now a little bit more special this year, being cut half in duration (officially) and is more than just shopping discounts (in theory). GSS will last from 21 June to 28 July 2019 this year and a bit more local themed.

Since it is part of the nature of GSS that it takes place all over the island and stores, price, and timing can be anyhow, it doesn’t make sense to give you specific stores or items for GSS.

1. Shop on Fridays and 7/7

The first tip is all about timing to maximise your GSS. We have already covered about the GST free day here, which doesn’t need much more explanation.

But to maximise your shopping, you would also want to shop on Fridays, which they have appropriately named TGIF on their website. There isn’t much elaboration on what this actually is, nor is there a comprehensive list of merchants.

Checking in on TOPMAN, their TGIF deals for 30% off are only on selected Fridays on 12 July, 19 July, and 26 July. Other retailers are doing similar things, so expect exclusive deals on Fridays.

2. Download GoSpree App

I’m a little skeptical about this app since it asks for a lot of information, including your NRIC in order to use it.

Basically, this is an eCoupon app that allows you to find merchants nearby and enjoy savings off exclusive deals. Going a little into the app, I found an example deal for Cambridge Audio Yoyo M.

I’m a skeptic by heart, so I crossed checked prices at Lazada and found that the discount is actually kind of legit. Lazada lists the price at S$550, while I can redeem the e-coupon only at their outlet at Millenia Walk to buy the speakers at S$349.

Though there are also deals like AquaMarine Buffet at S$50 nett (U.P. S$60++) that you don’t have to download the app for, and just need to quote GSS.

So, if you are unwilling to give away your information just to check out the app exclusive deals, your best bet is to ask any store you happen to be in if a GSS sale is available.

But if you’re a cheapo, there’s another reason to download the app – there are free gifts you can redeem at the GSS Pop-up.

3. GSS Pop-up along Orchard

When you think of shopping, you think of Orchard. That is probably still true even when all your shopping is done online.

Already ongoing since 21 June, Great Singapore Street Pop Up will stretch from Ion Orchard to Robinsons The Heeren. The event will end on 30 June, running from 11 am to10 pm daily.

And remember the GoSpree app? You can redeem a tote bag if you spend a minimum of S$100 in one day!

Here’s the list of pop-ups:

• Aldo
• Aldora Essentials
• Cash Converters
• Chomel
• Downtown East
• Evisu
• Fatimah Mohsin
• Punk Candy
• Green Genie “The Concious Concept”
• Haylee
• Kampong Gelam Gallery
• Melissa Shoes
• Noir Hom
• On Cheong Jewellery
• Pick A Plant
• Playdress
• Reole
• SingTel
• Slesta
• The Golden Rule Barber
• The Kettle Gourmet
• The Shirt Bar
• Trove of Gaia
• Under Armour
• VT Cosmetics
• 25 Degrees
• Ah Hoi’s & J65
• Alley SG
• Asia Pacific Breweries
• Beiruit Grill
• Bodacious
• Keisuke
• Ooh SG
• Oishi Taro
• Quarters
• Streetfeed.SG
• TCC
• The Claw
• The 6ixes
• The Flying Squirrel
• Ugly Food
• Wawa SG

Huh, all these stalls can fit into that 550m long street meh? Still need space to walk leh.

Actually yes, cause the food will be located at Grange Road Carpark, where other than the food we already listed will also have jazz bands and…

4. Local films at Grange Road Carpark

Also called the Great Singapore Stories (because they are trying to make everything into the GSS acronym), they will have 10 short films made by Temasek Poly students and 2 special screenings from Singapore Film Commission: ‘Forever Fever’ (Design Orchard Rooftop on 22 Jun) and ‘A Great Great World’ (Grange Road Carpark on 28 Jun).

If you want to feel a little nostalgia, just look at these faces, who will appear in ‘A Great Great World’. The full lineup is an article on its own and can be found here.

5. Furniture sale at Robinsons, The Heeren, Level 3

Continuing the theme of local, they have limited edition furniture by local designers at Robinsons The Heeren, Level 3. Curated by Singapore Furniture Industries Council, participating studios will include 11H, Creativeans, Fraction Design Studio, Modu Designers, Nextofkin Creatives, and OON.

This will go from June 21 to July 28.

6. Experience Kampong Gelam

Huh, I thought it’s Kampong Glam, not Gelam?

Either way, it’s that old area with heritage lah.

It’s packed full of events in July:

5 to 14 July, Kampong Gelam’s Precinct Tour where you get to ride on a Vespa.

What is a Vespa? One of these:

And for the same 5 to 14 July, there is also Home & Lifestyle Bazaar on Baghdad Street, and KG SOUQ in Kandahar Street to experience music, arts and food.

On 6 July, Arab Street will also turn into a fashion show for ProjeKGlamway, with 5 local designers using traditional fabric from textile stores and other ethnic materials in the Kampong Gelam area.

If you’re still not feeling enough nostalgia or just like old school stuff, the public carpark at Baghdad street from 6 to 7 July will also be selling pre-loved clothing, collectibles and antiques in a car boot sale called KG Nostalgia. There will be food trucks nearby too!

7. Animatronic Mannequin and Augmented Reality

If you still need a little more convincing to go to a physical store, here’s something a little special for the future: Stores are using robots and augmented reality to make physical stores cooler.

Under Armour’s popup at the Great Singapore Street (see above) will allow you to enjoy painting in 3D Virtual Reality. And if you manage to perform a 1-minute kettlebell curl, you get a S$10 Under Armour voucher!

And then at their Orchard Central’s brand house, they will be showing this:

An animatronics robot so you can see how your outfit looks while running!

So, the question is whether other retailers will be doing the same. Atomi Lifestyle & Furniture boutique at Mandarin Gallery will be using Augmented Reality, and The Shirt Bar will use AI driven technology with Inspify. As for others? I guess we have to walk walk see see and find out ourselves.