Top Department Stores in Singapore: Takashimaya, Tangs, & Where to Shop in Orchards

Department stores in Singapore are more than just giant air-conditioned buildings—they’re practically national landmarks.

From the legendary Takashimaya Singapore to the ever-reliable Tangs Singapore and Isetan Singapore, these shopping giants have been quietly holding the retail scene together while everyone else obsesses over pop-ups and TikTok shops. Whether you’re hunting for a good deal during a Singapore department store sale or just pretending you’re in Tokyo while browsing at BHG Singapore, there’s something oddly comforting about the glitz and chaos of these multi-level playgrounds. Especially if you’re roaming Orchard Road department stores and wondering how many escalators one human can ride in an afternoon. So if you’re looking for the best department stores Singapore has to offer—or perhaps just a cool escape from the sun—we’ve got your retail therapy sorted.

What is the difference between a mall and a department store?

Department Store

• Definition: A single large store that sells a wide variety of products across different categories (like clothes, electronics, cosmetics, home goods) under one roof.
• Examples: Takashimaya, Isetan, Robinsons (RIP), Tangs.
• Structure: Split into departments (hence the name) — e.g., women’s fashion, men’s shoes, kitchenware — but it’s still one store.
• Payment: You usually check out at one main cashier system for all departments.
• Ownership: Owned and run by a single company or brand.

🛍️ Mall (Shopping Mall)v

• Definition: A large complex or building that houses many different stores, including department stores, restaurants, cafes, salons, and entertainment spots.
• Examples: ION Orchard, VivoCity, Plaza Singapura.
• Structure: Like a marketplace of stores, each operated separately — e.g., Zara, Uniqlo, Sephora, H&M.
• Payment: You pay at each individual store.
• Ownership: Owned by a developer or property group; tenants rent space.

🔍 TL;DR: A department store is one store with many departments. A mall is many stores in one place.

What makes department stores unique?

• All-in-one shopping experience – Whether you’re wondering where to buy clothes in Singapore or need new curtains, department stores let you do it all under one roof (with aircon!).

• Diverse product categories – From department store cosmetics Singapore to electronics, toys, and luggage, they cover every category without making you walk too far—unless you’re at Takashimaya, then bring comfy shoes.

• Kitchenware paradise – If you’ve ever googled where to buy kitchenware Singapore, chances are a department store came up first. There’s everything from budget basics to chef-level tools.

• Seasonal mega sales – Nothing gets the heart racing like a good Singapore department store sale, where discounts are deep and crowds are deeper.

• Touches of luxury – While some stores keep it functional, luxury department stores Singapore offer high-end fashion, premium skincare, and brands that make your wallet cry (in a good way).

Top department stores in Singapore by location

🏙️ Orchard Road Department Stores

• Takashimaya Singapore (Ngee Ann City) – The gold standard of Orchard Road department stores, with luxury brands, Japanese food halls, and more escalators than necessary.

• Tangs Singapore – A homegrown icon offering everything from beauty counters to fashion and quirky homeware.

• Isetan Scotts – A smaller but sleek Japanese department store with well-curated selections.

🛍️ Department Stores in Bugis

• BHG Bugis Junction – Among the best department stores in Bugis, with fashion, beauty, and even quirky lifestyle gadgets.

• OG Albert Complex – A slightly old-school spot, but where else can you get everything from bedsheets to Korean makeup in one go?

📍 City Hall Department Stores Singapore

• Raffles City Isetan – A central favourite among city hall department stores Singapore, known for premium beauty brands and modern home goods.

🌊 VivoCity Department Store

• Tangs at VivoCity – A VivoCity department store with a beachy vibe and great mix of fashion and home essentials—plus it’s right next to Sentosa, in case shopping gets too exhausting.

📌 Department Stores Near Me (Islandwide)

If you’re searching for department stores near me Singapore, you’ll likely stumble upon Metro, which has branches in suburbs like Causeway Point and Paragon—perfect for avoiding Orchard crowds.

Why are so many department stores Japanese?

• The Japanese invented shopping as an art form – Department stores like Isetan and Takashimaya aren’t just retail hubs; they’re temples of quiet consumerism where socks, skincare, and sashimi coexist in perfect harmony.

• Brand trust and obsession with quality – Japanese department stores built their reputation on polite service, impeccable organization, and not selling you a shirt that falls apart after one wash. In other words, they’re the answer to “why can’t everything just work properly?”

• Food basements (Depachika) are life-changing – Once you’ve experienced the prepared meals, snacks, and Japanese fruits that cost more than your rent, it’s easy to understand the appeal. Singapore said: “Yes, we’ll take that. Put it in Orchard Road.”

• Cultural connection and consumer demand – Singaporeans love Japan. Japan loves retail. It was only a matter of time before Japanese department stores became local favourites—especially among those who plan their holidays around Don Don Donki openings.

• Local stores needed an upgrade – No shade to the old-school local names, but the arrival of Japanese department stores injected style, precision, and just enough quirk to make going to a Singapore department store sale feel like a lifestyle choice.

🇯🇵 1. Takashimaya Singapore

• Opened: 1993
• Location: Ngee Ann City, Orchard Road
• Fun fact: The first and only Takashimaya department store in Southeast Asia. It helped redefine Orchard Road department stores with its massive size, Japanese service, and that glorious basement food hall.

🇯🇵 2. Isetan Singapore

• Opened: 1972
• Locations: Scotts (Orchard), Katong, Serangoon (NEX), Tampines (Tampines Mall), City Hall (Raffles City)
• Fun fact: The first Japanese department store to enter Singapore. It’s now one of the most widely distributed, with multiple outlets answering everyone’s “department stores near me Singapore” search.

Are department stores struggling in Singapore?

Yes—and it’s not just your imagination or the echo in a half-empty cosmetics hall.

1. Declining Footfall & Sales According to a 2023 report by Statista, retail sales in department stores in Singapore fell by over 30% between 2018 and 2022. While there was some recovery in 2023 with a 9.6% year-on-year increase (thanks to revenge shopping), sales still haven’t returned to pre-pandemic levels.

2. E-commerce eats everything E-commerce in Singapore was valued at SGD 6 billion in 2023, and is projected to hit SGD 10 billion by 2027. Meanwhile, department stores are still trying to convince people their online catalogues won’t crash on checkout.

3. The Robinsons Fallout When Robinsons closed in 2020 after 162 years in Singapore, it was a sign of the times. The once-iconic chain couldn’t keep up with rising costs and changing shopper habits—despite being one of the most recognised city hall department stores Singapore ever had.

4. Store Closures Between 2020–2022, OG and Metro scaled down by shuttering multiple outlets. Metro now operates fewer stores, focusing mainly on suburban malls (a.k.a. hoping to catch you right after your bubble tea run).

5. The Japanese Exception Meanwhile, Takashimaya Singapore’s revenue reportedly crossed SGD 500 million in 2022, thanks to loyal shoppers, Japanese food halls, and the general vibe of being better at everything. Isetan, despite store closures in other countries, continues to operate 5 outlets across Singapore—holding the fort in the age of “department stores near me Singapore” searches.

Which department stores have the best deals?

If you’re hunting for the best department store deals in Singapore (and you’re not above comparing prices like a spreadsheet wizard), here’s where to go:

🏷️ 1. BHG Singapore

Why it’s great for deals: Regular clearance sales, especially during festive periods like GSS and year-end. Their Singapore department store sale events often have 50–70% markdowns.

Pro tip: Check the Bugis outlet—always buzzing with discounts on clothes, household items, and that one brand of blender everyone suddenly wants.

🧴 2. Isetan Singapore

Why it’s great for deals: Their Japan fairs and seasonal warehouse sales offer rare finds at slashed prices—especially food and beauty.

Pro tip: Head to Isetan Scotts during their private member sales. Stock up on department store cosmetics Singapore loves, minus the guilt.

🛋️ 3. Metro Singapore

Why it’s great for deals: Known for their frequent homeware and bedding sales, and they love bundling things (buy 1 get 2 free, anyone?).

Pro tip: Great if you’re searching where to buy kitchenware Singapore on a budget that screams “I don’t want to overpay for a non-stick pan.”

💳 4. Tangs Singapore

Why it’s great for deals: Best for TANGS cardholders—loyalty points, rebates, and exclusive previews.

Pro tip: Not the cheapest all the time, but during big events like 11.11 or CNY, the discounts can be impressive. Think of it as luxury department stores Singapore style… but with flash sales.

🛒 5. OG

Why it’s great for deals: Old-school but dependable. Known for discount fashion, travel gear, and senior-friendly offers.

Pro tip: Great for “hidden gem” deals and random “3-day specials” that somehow include everything from thermals to tableware.

🥇 Honorable Mention: Takashimaya Singapore

Why it’s (sometimes) great for deals: Their Takashimaya sale events—especially the Taka GSS—are legendary. Just don’t expect markdowns on that $400 Japanese knife unless it’s a once-a-year miracle.

What loyalty programs are there in Singapore department stores?

🟡 TANGS – TANGS Membership Program

How it works: Earn rebates (typically 6%) and get member-exclusive discounts. Perks: Birthday treats, early access to sales, private events. Good for: Beauty lovers and fashion shoppers. Bonus if you’re easily swayed by limited-edition gift-with-purchase sets.

🔵 Takashimaya – Takashimaya Card

How it works: A charge card that doubles as a loyalty card. Spend more, get better privileges. Perks: Points on purchases, exclusive sale previews, parking rebates (yes, really). Good for: Serious shoppers who treat Orchard Road department stores like a second home.

🟣 Isetan – Isetan Privilege Card

How it works: Spend $500/year to qualify. Earn rebates and receive vouchers. Perks: Private sales, Japanese food fair previews, vouchers with no expiry. Good for: Frequent Isetan-goers and low-key Japan enthusiasts who like a little soba with their skincare.

🔴 Metro – Metro$ Rewards Program

How it works: Earn Metro$ (their in-house currency) with every purchase. Perks: Member-only sales, vouchers, birthday privileges. Good for: Families shopping for homeware, fashion, or looking for where to buy kitchenware Singapore deals.

🟤 BHG – BHG One Card

How it works: Free to join. Earn points and unlock tier-based rewards. Perks: Up to 10% rebate during sales, exclusive gifts, members-only previews. Good for: Value-hunters who love a Singapore department store sale and don’t mind queues.

⚪ OG – OG Membership

How it works: Spend $100 to join. Points for every purchase, with vouchers sent periodically. Perks: Targeted discounts and promotions (often for seniors too). Good for: Budget-conscious shoppers or those who still enjoy the charm of a no-frills department store.

If you shop at department stores in Singapore more than twice a year, there’s absolutely no reason not to sign up for at least one of these. Just don’t be surprised when your wallet starts bulging with membership cards, or your inbox becomes a second home for “exclusive sale just for you!” emails.

Happy shopping!