June may be one of the hottest months to shop, what with sales going on and all, but mainstream brands aren’t the only ones you ought to pay attention to. We’ve got plenty of indie markets and shopping fairs coming up, offering everything from swap meets and lush beauty products to pet-friendly goods and locally-made crafts. So loosen those purse strings — you might as well just give in to your retail therapy temptation already.
GSS: The Great Singapore Swap
Nope, this ain’t the Great Singapore Sale. Instead, it aims for sustainability in fashion with a swap meet that could very well spark joy in your life by decluttering and introducing new clothes to your wardrobe. You just have to register and drop off your pre-loved goods before the event, then show up on swap day (with your own bag) to nab new finds. Highlights up for grabs include pieces by local brand Matter, accessories from Boheme Style Nomads, and even F&B vouchers from Munch SaladSmith.
June 28, 11am-4pm at L2, One Raffles Place. $25 registration fee.
L’Atelier Rouge
Sky high nightclub Bar Rouge dips its toes into the shopping market with its first boutique fair featuring clothes, jewelry, home decor pieces, and food. In a bid to go the eco-friendly route, the market encourages shoppers to bring their own bags (or purchase a limited edition L’Atelier Rouge canvas tote). Expect it to be filled with mostly ethically-sourced and sustainable products from brands such as Olive the Shop, Sole Superior, W.ant Skincare, Goodluck Bunch, and The Luxe Collective.
When the hunger pangs come growling, you can grab hotdogs, sushi, salads, and ice cream cones to go with your choice of wine, beer, or champagne.
June 30, noon-6pm at Bar Rouge Singapore, Swissotel The Stamford. Free entry.
L’Occitane Beauty Market
A beauty pop-up done in a farmers’ market setting? Sure, why not. The likely-to-be-photogenic space at Ion Orchard features stations that pamper, including a “reset fountain” where you may or may not find the answer to everlasting youth, a shea butter creamery with games and prizes to win, the “walk of aroma” that sprays scented popping bubbles, and a booth of fresh blooms. You can also try your hand at the complimentary bath salt workshop, get a hair and scalp consult, or blend your own tea brew with L’Occitane’s ingredients.
June 27-July 9 at Ion Orchard B4 station. Pre-register to skip the queue.
Pasar Pink!
Billed as a “truly inclusive social market where everyone is welcome,” this Sunday pop-up displays home ware, apparel, accessories, and pink goodies galore. Brands joining the party include Pixaluna, Papa’s Grove, Freshly Pressed Socks, The Clean Attempt, Heckin’ Unicorn, and Bus Detour, a line of clothes made with fabric off-cuts from the costumes of local drag queen Becca D’Bus. Set to the beat of house tunes by a rotating line-up of DJs, the event will also feature bakes from Tiong Bahru Bakery and bites by Open Farm Community, plus the latest Alfa Romeo Stelvio making an appearance for on-site test-drives.
June 16, 11am-10pm at Open Farm Community. Free entry.
Pet Street Gang
Here’s where you can go all shopaholic for your furry friend, as Sentosa plays host to more than 80 stalls of pet-friendly stuff. Think merch and feeds, accessories, animal services, and light bites. Of course, you’re welcome to bring along your fur kids and keep ’em entertained with pet pilates and a dress-up contest, too. Other activities include music performances, beach laser tag, beach archery, bubble soccer, and an adoption drive.
July 20-21, 9am-10pm at Palawan Green, Sentosa. Free entry.
Summerfest at Sprmrkt
A farmers’ market comes to Sprmrkt’s Cluny Court outlet for one weekend, with fresh produce from around the region, organic poultry, plant-based meats, cage-free eggs, and house-made baked goods such as madeleines, muffins, and cupcakes. Local chicken farmers from Toh Thye San will share about ethical farming methods while Beyond Meat puts on a cooking demonstration with its products, and little ones can join craft activities to learn how to design cards with veggie stamps or make their own gluten-free pasta.
June 13-16 at Sprmrkt Cluny Court. Free entry.
Wheeler’s Market
Buskers, makers, and crafters are put in the spotlight at this food, music, and shopping market, where you can pick up knick knacks as you take in the quiet surroundings of Seletar Aerospace Park. Brands selling their wares include Rouge Trinkets, Kikiko Organics, Dancing Scent, and Rabitti.
June 23, 10:30am-6pm at Wheeler’s Estate. Free entry.
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