Everyone says Singapore is the place to buy electronics but we admit, we’re a little bamboozled by the whole idea. It’s not a gender thing, but we enlisted a man who wears many hats, Zin Cattell – creative, designer, brand specialist, entrepreneur and tech head, to walk us through the maze of gadgetry right in our back yard. Here is Zin’s pick of electronic shops in Singapore.
Take your time to explore the various electronics shops and compare the competitive prices and “packages” or “freebies”. It’s tempting to go for the deals at Sim Lim Square but – especially if you’re visiting Singapore, there are other better, ‘safer’ options. Here we go!
Sony Flagship Store
They have a faux stuffed animal safari in the middle of the shop for you to try out their amazing video and photography equipment. Need I say more? Fine, they also have large- screen racing set up for anyone to experience gaming with their Sony PlayStation 4. A true techie’s playground, there you can find the most advanced gadgets for digital imaging, mobile, displays, cameras, sound systems and gaming, all under one massive (just under 10,000 square feet) roof. Stylishly dressed and friendly staff, that don’t bother you until you need help.
Sony Store, 313@somerset, 313 Orchard Road #02-28 to 37, Singapore 238895. Open daily from 10am – 10pm.
X-mini
I swear by these small but mighty portable speakers. I have recently upgraded from the older model to the new wireless ones and they are amazing. A Singapore start up, X-mini speakers are also affordable enough for me buy a few for my friends when I go back to the UK for holidays.
X-mini, 38 Maxwell Road 04-01 Singapore 069116. P. 62242595 (Strictly by appointments only) Monday to Fridays 11am-6pm.
Funan DigitaLife IT Mall
My “go to” for computer and studio stuff. Unlike Sim Lim Square, the whole mall is well designed and most shops are trustworthy. Take your time to shop around as well, the prices don’t differ a lot but watch out for specials and it doesn’t hurt to ask for “freebies”. One stop shops like South Asia Computer are great for most computing needs and Nubox for all Apple compatible products and roving “Geniuses” for Mac help.
Funan DigitaLife IT Mall, 109 North Bridge Road Singapore 179097. P. 6336 8327. Open daily from 10am – 10pm.
Mustafa Center
It’s a “must go” if you have never been (at any time of the day or night as it never shuts). Apart from them stocking things you never knew you wanted, Mustafa Center has a very wide range of competitively priced computing and white goods at the basement. I dare you to leave without a single purchase.
Mustafa Center, 145 Syed Alwi Road Singapore 207704, p. 6295 5855. Open 24 hours.
Best Denki
Ok this is the mecca for all things that require electricity. The fluorescent lighting adds to the clinical spaciousness (Matrix’s white room springs to mind) of the shop that has row after row of the latest gadgets. The best place in Singapore to kill time and also the best one stop shop to get multiple items all at one go. Very friendly and attentive staff that have the habit of following you around like you’re in the maze in Pac Man.
Best Denki, 391 Orchard Road, #05-01/04 Ngee Ann City Podium, Singapore 238872. P. 6835 2855. Open daily from 10am – 10pm. Click here for alternate locations.
Thanks Zin!
Images taken in the Sony Store @313somerset, 313 Orchard Road #02-28 to 37, Singapore 238895