The Hindu Business Line : `Singapore most affordable tourist shopping destination'

CONTRARY to the common perception that Singapore is among the most expensive Asian shopping destinations, the city has emerged as the most affordable tourist shopping destinations in the Asia-Pacific region in a study conducted by Euromonitor International on retail pricing.

The study covered eight destinations in the Asia-Pacific region, namely, Bangkok, Dubai, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Shanghai, Sydney and Tokyo.

According to an official statement from the Singapore Tourism Board, the study aimed at determining how Singapore fared within the group of shopping destinations in retail pricing for five product groups — electronics and electrical goods; cosmetics; perfumes and toiletries; watches and jewellery; and handbags, wallets and other leather goods.

The comparisons in the study were based on three price categories: price inclusive of value added tax (VAT); price with VAT excluded; and effective prices, where effective prices reflect the retail list prices after taking into account; where applicable, the VAT rebates offered by the cities.

Singapore ranked first in two of three price categories — the VAT-excluded and effective price. Hong Kong came in second while Bangkok came in third in both categories. For the VAT-included category, Singapore ranked second after Hong Kong while Kuala Lumpur ranked third.

The study covered 50 brands including Sony, Apple, Levi's, Swatch, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci. Products were selected based on their appeal to shoppers, classic value, international appeal, and availability in at least six of the cities that were surveyed.

The statement quoting Ms Sulain Tan-Wijaya, Director, Tourism Shopping, Singapore Tourism Board, said: "The survey results affirm Singapore's all-round competitiveness as a shopping destination. Beyond pricing, Singapore also offers quality assurance, after-sales service, authentic products and brands, a safe shopping environment, and a convenient transportation system."

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