Singapore’s mall culture is well known for its unwavering dedication to perfecting it. There’s a constant sprouting of new shopping malls and the revamping of old ones. Just a weekk ago, I was shopping (yes, I admit I am a shopaholic), at Plaza Singapura and realised that the interior landscape has changed quite a bit. They had a facelift in 2012 to integrate the neighbouring Atrium@Orchard mall to offer shoppers like us more choices. Nowadays, in 2024 – there are even more malls than before, with our beloved Changi Jewel being a fixation by international tourists worldwide!

Nowadays, we use the term megamalls to describe malls like ION or Vivocity. They offer an all-in-one experience where they can shop, eat, watch movies and indulge in retail therapy. You can actually spend an entire day there without getting bored, and it isn’t uncommon to see entire groups of people spending their entire day within or near one!

How we developed a connection to Singapore’s mall culture

But how did we develop such a strong connection to Singapore’s mall culture? I believe it’s all because of the veteran shopping malls that set the tone for the future. During the 70s and 80s, those malls were the place to be and be seen. That started a mall movement that many considered revolutionary, innovative or even award winning. Sadly, their glory days are way past them though they are still surviving.

Here’s an infographic depicting 10 of the oldest shopping mall that might still or not be in operation anymore:

Before they are gone for good and they take remnants of Singapore’s mall culture heritage with them, take some time off to pay a visit to these pioneer malls. You never know, there might be some hidden gems to be found there. In any case, it’ll surely bring back some fond memories or it might even create new ones!