Everytime I go to Takashimaya, I find myself drawn to the basement level where time to time there are strange fairs like toy fairs, New Year Goodies Fair, sometimes even a fashion show with the runway and everything trendy. To be frank, it's not that I am interested in these events or what but no matter what, I find myself walking past and hanging out in this area.
I wonder, is it that I always hope something different will happen down there or is it the ice cream and all those snacks? You know, I can just go down there all the time and not buy anything cause everthing is so expensive but still go down there the next time even though I know I am not going to buy anything. (Although time to time I get some ice-cream from Gelare). Something about the level of food and snacks just draw me there. And then there is Kinokuniya. I can just walk around the whole bookstore and not buy anything. And I will always do that every time I go Taka. Some kind of sick obssessive disorder I bet.
There is just something about these shopping malls that make us young people do unproductive and senseless routines that could actually bore us but don't. Geez, shopping malls just corrupt young people - not by making them spend money but by spending time.
So is there such thing as a favourite place? Home? The mall? School? Or Macdonald's? I am sure one confused person...
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Making An Entrance
Going into a shopping mall seems to be an unexciting experience, apart from the blast of cold air that soothes our hot and sweaty bodies. Nowadays, it feels like the only reason I enter a shopping mall is because of the air con. Other than that, it is either I find myself in the shopping mall before I even know it. (Think of Orchard MRT... Go figure)
And because Singapore is so small, we can close our eyes and find ourselves in a shopping mall within hundred NORMAL steps from any MRT. (I wish... but soon I believe this will be the case). Now the thing is that the transition from the outdoors into a shopping mall, take for example Centrepoint, is nothing spectacular or fun. Why can't they have nice entrance effects like nice waterfalls and fountains that project out long strands of water like that in Bugis Junction? Instead, we find ourselves boggled down by countless of human traffic.
Everybody likes to walk on a red carpet, in all, to feel invited. This is something that malls in Singapore lack. It's more like we invite ourselves into the mall. Couldn't the malls just have a nice entrance effect where we know that we are actually entering a specific mall? It seems as though we enter malls that are all the same and identical.
Well, at least improve the facades like what Wisma Atria did. Compare it with Taka - hey even an idiot can tell the difference. Although the entrance to Wisma Atria still bugs me because it forces me to go up to the food court level and higher levels which can be quite irritating.
And because Singapore is so small, we can close our eyes and find ourselves in a shopping mall within hundred NORMAL steps from any MRT. (I wish... but soon I believe this will be the case). Now the thing is that the transition from the outdoors into a shopping mall, take for example Centrepoint, is nothing spectacular or fun. Why can't they have nice entrance effects like nice waterfalls and fountains that project out long strands of water like that in Bugis Junction? Instead, we find ourselves boggled down by countless of human traffic.
Everybody likes to walk on a red carpet, in all, to feel invited. This is something that malls in Singapore lack. It's more like we invite ourselves into the mall. Couldn't the malls just have a nice entrance effect where we know that we are actually entering a specific mall? It seems as though we enter malls that are all the same and identical.
Well, at least improve the facades like what Wisma Atria did. Compare it with Taka - hey even an idiot can tell the difference. Although the entrance to Wisma Atria still bugs me because it forces me to go up to the food court level and higher levels which can be quite irritating.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Is FOOD the only thing that attracts us?
Frankly, if Singaporeans, young or old were to be given judgement of which sin we had flouted the most it would be gluttony. The second most committed sin would be pride - that we are proud to be gluttons. Just relying on this fact, shopping malls should just focus on food. You know even for Takashimaya, there is just not enough food despite a whole level of food. The way that things should be should be an entire block of food outlets, not like food courts but serious food restaurants and cafes that serve totally yummy food.
Why can't Singapore have some building that is just focusing on food? We have Funan IT mall and Sim Lim which is totally just gadgets and electronic stuff. Then we have Paragon that seriously sells high end goods and high class brands. And we also have Far East Plaza where small fashion stores retail imported brands from overseas or maybe some local designers. Then we have Lucky Plaza where maid agencies are the main highlight. The thing is that all these shopping centres have food courts, food facilities which means FOOD IS IMPORTANT!!!!
So why can't we have a shopping centre that just focuses on food, snacks or food related services where people can get their catering services, buffets from? Where is Singapore's Food Paradise?
Why can't Singapore have some building that is just focusing on food? We have Funan IT mall and Sim Lim which is totally just gadgets and electronic stuff. Then we have Paragon that seriously sells high end goods and high class brands. And we also have Far East Plaza where small fashion stores retail imported brands from overseas or maybe some local designers. Then we have Lucky Plaza where maid agencies are the main highlight. The thing is that all these shopping centres have food courts, food facilities which means FOOD IS IMPORTANT!!!!
So why can't we have a shopping centre that just focuses on food, snacks or food related services where people can get their catering services, buffets from? Where is Singapore's Food Paradise?
Chinese Names Do Matter...
Have you ever thought of what shopping centres and retail malls are named after? What do their names signify? Some are named after the area and location they are within like Jurong Point and Tampines Mall, some are named after the developer in order for them to create a brand name like Centrepoint and Causeway Point (Point here, Point there), some are named with a sense of historical and cultural element. Some are even named after some sophisticated words or phrases that you don't really use. Like how often do you actually use the word "Paragon" in real life? I bet most of us don't really know that "Paragon" is defined as:
1. an ideal instance; a perfect embodiment of a concept or ideal: model of excellence or perfection of a kind; one having no equal
2. A large spherical or nearly spherical pearl weighing 100 grains or more.
And then now we know it. Probably it's just some egoistic and snobbish developer who wants to create this snob appeal for Paragon. Nobody says he can't do it. And this name does fit the shopping mall, considering that it boasts high end retailers. But being the multilingual society that we are living in, there is a Chinese translation for its name. (One wonders why there isn't a Malay translation, an Indian translation, and I could go on. Hey, we are trying to be a global city, aren't we)
Now the thing is that the Chinese translation doesn't really seem to mean anything except sounding like its English Name. So long for a suitable English Name. If every shopping centre in Singapore had its Chinese name sound like its English name, imagine what Wisma Atria's and Palais Renaissance's Chinese Name would be... (Don't even bother trying to find a translation)
But the bigger issue here is that most shopping centre's names, even their English ones, are a total bore. Yes, they are easy to remember but don't you think they should be more funky and unique. It's always something something "mall", something something "Place or Plaza". Geez, you developers spend millions of bucks and end up with cheesy names. And darn, you guys still make money...
1. an ideal instance; a perfect embodiment of a concept or ideal: model of excellence or perfection of a kind; one having no equal
2. A large spherical or nearly spherical pearl weighing 100 grains or more.
And then now we know it. Probably it's just some egoistic and snobbish developer who wants to create this snob appeal for Paragon. Nobody says he can't do it. And this name does fit the shopping mall, considering that it boasts high end retailers. But being the multilingual society that we are living in, there is a Chinese translation for its name. (One wonders why there isn't a Malay translation, an Indian translation, and I could go on. Hey, we are trying to be a global city, aren't we)
Now the thing is that the Chinese translation doesn't really seem to mean anything except sounding like its English Name. So long for a suitable English Name. If every shopping centre in Singapore had its Chinese name sound like its English name, imagine what Wisma Atria's and Palais Renaissance's Chinese Name would be... (Don't even bother trying to find a translation)
But the bigger issue here is that most shopping centre's names, even their English ones, are a total bore. Yes, they are easy to remember but don't you think they should be more funky and unique. It's always something something "mall", something something "Place or Plaza". Geez, you developers spend millions of bucks and end up with cheesy names. And darn, you guys still make money...
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
LOST!!!
It is no hidden truth that malls are designed to "trap" consumers, to keep them walking to and fro, increasing and tempting them about the possibilities of what they can purchase. Signboards that point to a certain direction and depict "MORE SHOPS" are one of the silliest things that you can see in a shopping mall. You see a signboard that says more shops doesn't tell you much about where you are going to get to. Ironically, it happens to be one of the most effective tools that ingeniously coax our gullible minds to shop more, and more senselessly. Of course, most of us don't really feel it because hey, we are in Singapore.
Shopping Malls in Singapore, even the larger ones like Ngee Ann and Suntec City, we can't really get lost. And when they put up signs like "More Shops", after a while, they kind of lose their effect because we do know where we are getting to. (Although I can be quite blur at times and actually seriously get lost for a few seconds, but I always find my way). Unless all Singaporeans are direction idiots, I don't think anyone can get lost in a shopping mall in Singapore. Look nowadays, we rarely hear announcements of reception counters notfiying of lost children or do we see children lost and crying. Well, perhaps parents nowadays are too protective, but the main issue is that we do not have enough space in shopping malls to conjur an elusive walking layout.
But underpasses in Orchard do seem to create this "lost effect", just by the hordes of people walking around, and signboards that are not too appealing at all, the underpass connecting CK Tangs, to Shaw Tower, to Wisma Atria and Ngee Ann City and to Wheelock Place. Perhaps by creating a network of underpasses that links shopping malls, and having some shops in the underpasses can create this mystical effect of getting people lost.
Shopping Malls in Singapore, even the larger ones like Ngee Ann and Suntec City, we can't really get lost. And when they put up signs like "More Shops", after a while, they kind of lose their effect because we do know where we are getting to. (Although I can be quite blur at times and actually seriously get lost for a few seconds, but I always find my way). Unless all Singaporeans are direction idiots, I don't think anyone can get lost in a shopping mall in Singapore. Look nowadays, we rarely hear announcements of reception counters notfiying of lost children or do we see children lost and crying. Well, perhaps parents nowadays are too protective, but the main issue is that we do not have enough space in shopping malls to conjur an elusive walking layout.
But underpasses in Orchard do seem to create this "lost effect", just by the hordes of people walking around, and signboards that are not too appealing at all, the underpass connecting CK Tangs, to Shaw Tower, to Wisma Atria and Ngee Ann City and to Wheelock Place. Perhaps by creating a network of underpasses that links shopping malls, and having some shops in the underpasses can create this mystical effect of getting people lost.
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Spot the Curvy Escalators...
Let's try to spot CURVY ESCALATORS in Singapore Shopping Malls. As long as there is an angle of turning, even if it's 0.000001 degrees (no, actually for a distinct curvature, you need more than that), just post it on the list and I will try to get the photos for it.
Well, don't they just look lovely?
These are from Wheelock Place. Rather inconspicuous, I must say. But really, they are fascinating aren't they? Well, curvy escalators are surely one unique thing that you don't see everyday. Wish more shopping malls had strange, weird building services. Wouldn't that be nice?
Well, don't they just look lovely?
These are from Wheelock Place. Rather inconspicuous, I must say. But really, they are fascinating aren't they? Well, curvy escalators are surely one unique thing that you don't see everyday. Wish more shopping malls had strange, weird building services. Wouldn't that be nice?
You Can't Go Shopping With a Car
One thing necessary about shopping is the journey to the destination. Of course, there are many ways to get to a place that we want to get to, like walking there, cycling there, taking the train, taking a bus or taking a taxi. And one of the most fulfiling method is driving your own car, where you can almost be free of the tussle of squeezing into a crowded and smelly train cart or bus, or having to stand listlessly till your legs get sore and numb, and you can shop endlessly as you know you have the ability to carry all the shopping bags home.
But who am I kidding? Once we take into account the ERP road charges, the "surely got" traffic jams, the carpark charges, the carpark spaces and the petrol cost, having a car can become a nightmare when you want to go shopping for stuff. Just last Sunday, I was just watching some weekend movie flick at home when my parents got back from "shopping" (or rather more, getting groceries and snacks from IMM at Jurong East.) The funny thing was that they were gone like for about TWO and A HALF HOURS, and they were like empty handed with frustrated expressions on their faces.
Then I asked them:"I thought you went shopping? How come never buy anything?"
Apparently, they didn't even shop at all. In fact, they were actually STUCK in the carpark, trying to inch their way out of a neverending "mini traffic jam" in the carpark. And they spent TWO and a HALF HOURS, just trying to get out of that traffic mess. And $2. And petrol.
And so the morale of the story is that CAR PARKS are BAD NEWS. And I think most people know that, that's why they will either just take public transport or get a two way car service from your closed ones when going shopping. Perhaps until the time when car parks get much more efficient (like they ever will), GOING SHOPPING WITH A CAR IS VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE with the exceptions of good samaritans or taxi drivers.
And we haven't talked about the traffic jams yet...
But who am I kidding? Once we take into account the ERP road charges, the "surely got" traffic jams, the carpark charges, the carpark spaces and the petrol cost, having a car can become a nightmare when you want to go shopping for stuff. Just last Sunday, I was just watching some weekend movie flick at home when my parents got back from "shopping" (or rather more, getting groceries and snacks from IMM at Jurong East.) The funny thing was that they were gone like for about TWO and A HALF HOURS, and they were like empty handed with frustrated expressions on their faces.
Then I asked them:"I thought you went shopping? How come never buy anything?"
Apparently, they didn't even shop at all. In fact, they were actually STUCK in the carpark, trying to inch their way out of a neverending "mini traffic jam" in the carpark. And they spent TWO and a HALF HOURS, just trying to get out of that traffic mess. And $2. And petrol.
And so the morale of the story is that CAR PARKS are BAD NEWS. And I think most people know that, that's why they will either just take public transport or get a two way car service from your closed ones when going shopping. Perhaps until the time when car parks get much more efficient (like they ever will), GOING SHOPPING WITH A CAR IS VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE with the exceptions of good samaritans or taxi drivers.
And we haven't talked about the traffic jams yet...
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Why Do We Shop Till We Drop?
How do you unleash the secret, hidden obsession for shopping in people? Having the answer to this question can make you really rich or it could make you obsessed with shopping. Is it the mere practicality of being able to touch and feel everything you ever desired and indulge in the potential to actually buy it, or is it the emotion of trying to find that very particular dress or skirt or shoes, knowing it is out there somewhere? Whatever the reason is, the fact lies that people can shop till they drop. And some are proud of it. Actually, I strangely admire these people due to their neverending stamina and everlasting endurance (although their patience at some other things can be horrible)
And most importantly, the passion they have for getting what they like, that they will stop at nothing to get what they want. I don't know whether it's a bad thing that I see less people shopping like there is no end in the world, mainly due to the economic problem of scarcity. (scarce of money...)Of course, it is common sense that people stop buying once they run out of cash (though some resort to unethical means, something that I find quite disturbing), but what keeps them doing the same activity until they form this certain ritualistic need to shop - a shopping obsession.
Is it the spatial experience of the shopping mall (the deceiving and alluring lights and designs, attractive signboards, hustling, bustling crowd, the image of endless possibilities and choices) or is the everchanging products that shoppers, especially the younger crowds, that they must update themselves with in order to keep with the flow of fashion?
Take for instance, Queensway Shopping Centre. You can find almost every design and variety of sport equipment and sportwear, and true enough, we do see countless amounts of people hunting for such products, despite the gloomy and rather dismaying facade and interior design of the shopping centre. One can argue that it is the cost of the goods, the prices that are much lower than branded sports shop but is it really all to it? Does the price of the goods determine everything, rather than the place we are shopping at?
Wonder anyone has any idea of a mall in Singapore that solely attracts people not for the purpose of shopping, but for the sake of just entering the mall? (Just like when we enter a park)
Anyway, I guess the reason why people shop, for some till they drop, is because it validates their choices. The process of choosing, buying and owning can give one, at a subconscious level, a sense of accomplishment and in effect, temporal release from scarcity. Maybe scientists should investigate the amount of "happy hormones" people create when they shop... what other reasons do you think make people shop so much?
And most importantly, the passion they have for getting what they like, that they will stop at nothing to get what they want. I don't know whether it's a bad thing that I see less people shopping like there is no end in the world, mainly due to the economic problem of scarcity. (scarce of money...)Of course, it is common sense that people stop buying once they run out of cash (though some resort to unethical means, something that I find quite disturbing), but what keeps them doing the same activity until they form this certain ritualistic need to shop - a shopping obsession.
Is it the spatial experience of the shopping mall (the deceiving and alluring lights and designs, attractive signboards, hustling, bustling crowd, the image of endless possibilities and choices) or is the everchanging products that shoppers, especially the younger crowds, that they must update themselves with in order to keep with the flow of fashion?
Take for instance, Queensway Shopping Centre. You can find almost every design and variety of sport equipment and sportwear, and true enough, we do see countless amounts of people hunting for such products, despite the gloomy and rather dismaying facade and interior design of the shopping centre. One can argue that it is the cost of the goods, the prices that are much lower than branded sports shop but is it really all to it? Does the price of the goods determine everything, rather than the place we are shopping at?
Wonder anyone has any idea of a mall in Singapore that solely attracts people not for the purpose of shopping, but for the sake of just entering the mall? (Just like when we enter a park)
Anyway, I guess the reason why people shop, for some till they drop, is because it validates their choices. The process of choosing, buying and owning can give one, at a subconscious level, a sense of accomplishment and in effect, temporal release from scarcity. Maybe scientists should investigate the amount of "happy hormones" people create when they shop... what other reasons do you think make people shop so much?
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