When The Social Space first opened up shop at Kreta Ayer Road last year, we were in for a treat. Here was a multi-concept store that not only gave us chic goods that advocated for a socially-conscious and eco-friendly lifestyle, it also housed a cozy cafe and a nail salon nook for manis and pedis.
We’ve been fans ever since.
So upon hearing the brand was expanding with a second, larger branch at Marina One, we just had to swing by and check it out. Bright and airy, with an abundance of natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows, the new outlet is kitted out with natural and recycled decor elements. And it’s a haven for Earth-loving individuals wanting to make a social impact.
Just like its Chinatown sibling, this place features a cafe, but with a bigger retail area and an additional second floor used for sustainable design pop-ups and the occasional workshop or film screening.
No matter if you’re new to the world of fair-trade or zero-waste — The Social Space is a breezy introduction to conscious living, and it eases you in starting with a corner of shelves showcasing reusable containers, beeswax wraps, and stainless steel straws.
After you’ve begun your journey of saying no to disposable and plastic items, head to the expanded “refillery”, now a self-serve section, with an entire rack of EcoStore plant- and mineral-based household and skincare goods.
Next to it, you’ll find a new range of Vermont’s Castile Soap, a natural and organic alternative made with saponified olive oils and purportedly good for, well, any use. The all-purpose product claims to work as a face wash, deodorant, laundry detergent, and even ant spray.
For more natural home cleaners, take a look at Soapnut Republic and its non-toxic, biodegradable items made with natural soapnut berry extract, or Happy Earth Farm’s “edible wash” (yes, you can ingest it, but it may not taste great), solid shampoos, and non-packaged bar soaps.
If you’d like to give yourself a little treat for being a good citizen of the world (or at least trying to), browse through the rows of woven storage baskets, home ware, organic skincare, and essential oils.
Highlights include social enterprise Center Pottery’s handmade ceramic wares crafted by individuals with mental health conditions, upcycled plastic coasters and trays from Bope, Indosole’s flip flops made of rubber tire soles, Left-handesign’s sustainable stationary that can grow pens and notebooks into herbs, and sleek jewelry shaped from waste magazines by Quazi Design.
On the upper level, The Lounge by online platform Zerrin will display its wares till the end of July, with an Insta-worthy selection of ethically-made apparel, socially-conscious accessories, and cruelty-free skincare by brands such as Alcheme, Manava, Dorsu, and Baliza. Also look out for weekly events hosted here, including panel talks, themed brunches, and workshops.
Once you’re all shopped out, take a breather at the Bali-inspired cafe, where baked goods come courtesy of Flour Power and the Association for Persons with Special Needs (APSN).
Championing a healthy diet, the menu also includes salads, overnight oats, and yogurt parfaits in glass jars that you can return for a discount on your next purchase. Plus, you’ve got the usual open-faced toasts, smoothie bowls, and coffees, with Fizzicle kombucha on tap for your dose of probiotic goodness.
FIND IT:
The Social Space is at #01-03 Marina One Residences (Garden Tower), 5 Straits View.
Daily 8am-8pm.
MRT: Downtown/Marina Bay
