City Plaza is one of Singapore’s oldest surviving shopping centres that’s been around since 1981. To the uninitiated, it might look like a relic of a bygone era—a bit dim, slightly confusing to navigate, and decidedly un-Instagrammable. But for the seasoned Singaporean shopper, City Plaza is a gold mine. It is a place where the blogshop clothes you see online for a premium are sold here at a fraction of the cost, as well as many other quality finds that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
For those who want to explore beyond the same brands in every mall, here are seven reasons why City Plaza is the most underrated spot in Singapore for a bit of retail therapy.
1. Wholesale Fashion at its Finest
For years, City Plaza has been the worst-kept secret among savvy fashionistas. Have you ever wondered why so many local online boutiques seem to stock the exact same trendy Korean-style dresses and tops? The answer is often found on the third and fourth floors of this mall.
City Plaza is one of the few places in Singapore that operates on a genuine wholesale model. Shops like Ms.U Fashion and Fashion Scale are packed to the rafters with the latest cuts, from oversized blazers to dainty floral midi-dresses. Because many of these shops supply the online retailers, you are essentially cutting out the middleman.
If you are buying just one piece, the price is already lower than what you’d find at Orchard Road. But here is the pro tip: if you go with a couple of friends and buy three or more items from the same shop, you can often negotiate a “wholesale” price. It is a thrill that modern, fixed-price malls simply cannot offer.
Ms.U Fashion
Location: 810 Geylang Rd, #02-111 City Plaza, Singapore 409286
Opening Hours: Operating hours publicly unavailable
Fashion Scale
Location: 810 Geylang Road #01-110, City Plaza, Singapore, Singapore
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10 AM – 9 PM | Sunday: 9 AM – 9 PM
2. The Sample Sale & Independent Boutique Scene
While big names like Refash have moved on to more modern pastures, City Plaza’s spirit of re-commerce and affordable fashion remains alive through its independent boutiques. The mall has evolved into a hub for sample sales and clearance outlets for independent designers.
Instead of one giant thrift store, you now have a treasure hunt experience. Many of the boutiques, such as June Quek Fashion, often set up clearance racks or sample bins where you can find high-quality garments that never made it to the mass market. There is a specific satisfaction in digging through a rack and finding a unique piece for $10 that no one else will be wearing at the next wedding or office party. It requires a bit more comb-through effort than a curated vintage shop, but the financial rewards are far greater.
June Quek Fashion
Location: 810 Geylang Rd, #03-68B City Plaza, Singapore 409286
Opening Hours: Operating hours publicly unavailable
3. The Analog Haven: Mahjong, Poker, and Physical Media
In our digital-first world, City Plaza remains a stubborn, wonderful bastion for those who love tangible things. If you are a fan of game nights, Tong Cheong (Soon Kee) Trading is a mandatory stop. Run by a patient and incredibly kind auntie and uncle duo, this shop is legendary for its high-quality mahjong sets.
They don’t just sell tiles; they sell craftsmanship. Whether you want a basic set or a professional-grade A1 set with heavy, satisfying tiles, they will guide you through the options without any hard-selling pressure. They also stock Bicycle playing cards and high-end poker chips that make your weekly home game feel like a night at the Marina Bay Sands.
Just a few units away, you’ll find Everlasting Entertainment. In an era where streaming services dominate, this shop is a rare survivor. It is a library of physical media, specialising in music CDs and a massive array of films in various languages. If you are a cinephile looking for a specific Cantonese drama or a classic film that isn’t on Netflix, the staff here are walking encyclopedias who are more than happy to help you track down a brand-new copy.
Everlasting Entertainment
Location: 810 Geylang Rd, #01-36 City Plaza, Singapore 409286
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10:30 AM – 8 PM | Sunday: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Tong Cheong (Soon Kee) Trading
Location: 810 Geylang Rd, #02-68 City Plaza, Singapore 409286
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 12 PM – 8 PM | Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM
4. Head-to-Toe “Glow Ups” on a Budget
Retail therapy isn’t just about the items you carry home; it’s about how you feel. City Plaza is home to a cluster of beauty salons and hair studios that offer CBD-quality services at heartland prices.
If your nails need some attention, Cantik Nails Spa is a local favourite known for its meticulous work and friendly atmosphere. For those looking for a hair transformation, JW Hair Studio and Selin Hair & Beaute Salon provide everything from trendy ash-grey dyes to traditional rebonding. Because these salons have lower overheads than their counterparts in the city, they pass those savings on to you. It is the perfect place to spend a Saturday afternoon getting pampered without the dreaded “bill shock” at the end.
Cantik Nails Spa
Location: 810 Geylang Rd, #01-104a city plaza, Singapore 409286
Opening Hours: Wednesday-Sunday: 10 AM – 8 PM | Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays
Selin Hair & Beaute Salon
Location: 810 Geylang Rd, Singapore 409286
Opening Hours: Operating hours publicly unavailable
JW Hair Studio
Location: 810 Geylang Rd, #01-67 City Plaza, Singapore 409286
Opening Hours: Operating hours publicly unavailable
5. Specialised Goods You Can’t Find Anywhere Else
One of the most charming aspects of City Plaza is its dedication to niche trades. You won’t find twenty different bubble tea shops here; instead, you’ll find experts in their craft.
Take Sultanah Bridal & Boutique, for instance. This is a destination for those seeking exquisite, traditional Malay wedding attire and modest fashion. They have managed to bridge the gap between heritage and modern style, making them a go-to for generations of families.
Then there is Maze Leather Goods, where you can find durable, well-made leather accessories that actually age well, unlike the “vegan leather” (read: plastic) found in most fast-fashion outlets. If you need footwear that isn’t just a generic sneaker, Midas Shoes offers a variety of styles that prioritise both comfort and affordability.
Sultanah Bridal & Boutique
Location: 810 Geylang Rd, #01-84 City Plaza, Singapore 409286
Opening Hours: Open Daily 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Maze Leather Goods
Location: 810 Geylang Rd, #02-98 City Plaza, Singapore 409286
Opening Hours: Open Daily 11 AM – 8 PM
Midas Shoes
Location: 810 Geylang Rd, #02-96 City Plaza, Singapore 409286
Opening Hours: Operating hours publicly unavailable
6. Investment Shopping: Jewellery and Trusted Services
City Plaza isn’t just for cheap buys; it’s also a hub for serious investments. The mall houses several reputable goldsmiths and jewellery stores like JJ Gold Fine Jewellery and Starlight Jewellery.
Local shoppers frequent these spots for 916 gold pieces, often finding that the workmanship fees are more reasonable here than at the big-chain jewellers. The staff in these shops often have decades of experience, offering a level of trust and “old-school” service that is hard to find in newer malls. Additionally, the mall is famous for its money changers, which often offer some of the most competitive rates in the east—perfect for a quick currency swap before you head to the airport.
JJ Gold Fine Jewellery
Location: 810 Geylang Rd, #01-47 City Plaza, Singapore 409286
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 12:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Sunday: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM | Closed on Saturdays
Starlight Jewellery
Location: 810 Geylang Rd, #01-29 City Plaza, Singapore 409286
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 12:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Sunday: 11 AM – 6:30 PM | Closed on Mondays
7. The Nostalgic “Uncle and Auntie” Vibe
Finally, the most underrated reason to visit City Plaza is the atmosphere as there is a specific kind of raw Singaporean vibes here that is slowly disappearing everywhere else. It’s the sound of shopkeepers chatting across the corridors, the lack of pretension, and the ability to strike up a conversation with an uncle about the best places to get good eats in the plaza. Here’s a tip: check out Arnold’s Fried Chicken on the second floor since it’s an absolute must-visit.
The layout might be a bit of a maze, but that is part of the charm. You aren’t being funnelled through a pre-determined path designed by a corporate marketing team. You are exploring. Whether you’re browsing through outfits or checking out the gadgets at a miscellaneous stall, the experience feels authentic and human.
Arnold’s Fried Chicken
Location: 810 Geylang Rd, #02-99 City Plaza, Singapore 409286
Opening Hours: Open Daily 11 AM – 10 PM
Why City Plaza is Your Best Bet for Budget Retail Therapy
In today’s economic climate, retail therapy can often feel more like retail stress. We go to modern malls, see the price tags, and feel a sense of guilt before we’ve even reached the cashier. City Plaza flips that script.
It is arguably the best spot for budget retail therapy because it removes the luxury tax of the modern shopping experience. When you shop here, you aren’t paying for the mall’s million-dollar light installations or the piped-in designer fragrance in the corridors. You are paying for the product. This creates a psychological shift: suddenly, $50 goes a long way. You can get a new outfit, a manicure, and hearty meals on the fifth floor, and still have change for the bus ride home.
Furthermore, the hunt involved in City Plaza shopping provides a genuine dopamine hit. Finding a high-quality outfit or a hidden vintage gem in a pile of clothes feels like a victory. It’s an active form of shopping that engages your brain, unlike the passive scrolling of online shopping. It’s tactile, it’s social, and most importantly, it’s kind to your bank account.
Final Thoughts
City Plaza isn’t for everyone. If you need perfectly polished floors and high-end luxury brands, you’re better off staying at PLQ. But if you value character, craftsmanship, and the thrill of a bargain, this 1981 classic is waiting for you.
To make the most of your trip, try to visit on a weekday afternoon to avoid the weekend crowds. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and certainly don’t be afraid to bargain (politely!) in the clothing and hobby shops. It’s a place that rewards the curious.
In a city that is constantly rushing toward the next big thing, there is something quite satisfying about a mall that knows exactly what it is: a humble, hardworking, and incredibly rewarding place to spend an afternoon. So, the next time you’re in Paya Lebar, skip the glass towers for once and step into the orange-and-white time capsule.