GSS 2017: Are Singaporeans Impulsive Buyers?

Jasmine Tham
GSS 2017: Are Singaporeans Impulsive Buyers?

On a regular day, we usually spend more than our budget, mainly due to impulse buys. Can you imagine the damage to your pocket with the upcoming GSS 2017? According to a Shoppers Trend Report, Singaporean shoppers are the second most impulsive buyers in Southeast Asia.

Singaporean shoppers are ranked as the second most impulsive group of shoppers in Southeast Asia, after the Philippines (35%) – Singapore Business Review

Let’s all be frank, we are promotion-seekers. GSS 2017 can get us excited and prompt us to make impulse purchases. Therefore, let us help you with 5 tips for avoiding tons of impulsive purchases lying around the house!

Illustration with a flamingo, tropical plants, and text that reads "5 Tips for Great Singapore Sale gss 2017" on a light background.

1. Bring Along a Thrifty Friend

You might think that GSS 2017 is the best time to overhaul your wardrobe for a fashion makeover. But are the deals reasonable? A small promotion can elevate our excitement and happiness. With great deals this GSS, can you imagine how crazy our purchases can get?

Hence, this is where a thrifty friend will come in handy and give you a hand in controlling your impulsive buys. The trendy off-the-shoulder top is on sale, but it’s still overpriced. This friend will be the one who will stop you from buying it, no matter how good the top looks on you. They will come out with various reasons or nagging to prevent you from buying.

We believe the most common one will be: “This money I can buy (an exaggerated amount) plates of Chicken Rice!

2. Create A To-Buy List

A hand holding a pen writes on a notepad at a desk during a gss 2017 meeting, with blurred people and a laptop in the background.

Shopping during GSS 2017 is going to be like a war with other busy shoppers around. It is definitely no easy feat to get your items. That’s when you need to do your homework!

Almost one in four Singaporean shoppers (23%) admit that they usually do not plan what they will buy – Singapore Business Review

Without proper planning, there is no doubt that impulse buying will happen. Creating a to-buy list will help speed up your shopping process, and with a budget, you can shop without overspending.

For instance, you can do all these with:

  • Google Keep – it’s an effective tool for keeping track of your lists and ticking them off as you finish.
  • Ticktick – a checklist app for you to “tick” what you have purchased
  • Your phone’s notepad

Crucial reminder: DO NOT be tempted by the savings on the price tag; focus only on shops that sell what you need.

Now that you have a budget together with an advance to-buy list, you’re good to go!

3. Delete All Online Shopping Apps

Illustration of a hand holding a mobile phone with a "Buy Now" button, surrounded by online shopping icons like a credit card, sale tag, and shopping basket—perfect for highlighting trends seen during GSS 2017.

With online shopping apps on our phones, we browse catalogues when we’re bored.

54% of consumers indicated that having the option to shop on their mobile devices has caused them to spend more than ever before, with 4 in 5 admitting to purchasing online on impulse. – Singapore Business Review

Hence, forget about all the online shopping apps that were with you. Delete them all and download something else to keep yourself occupied. Here are some common online shopping apps we have:

  • Sephora
  • Zalora
  • Shopee
  • H&M
  • Zara

For example, find some games that can keep you entertained for a long time! These are our favourite apps to play during boredom:

  • Fun Run
  • Candy Crush
  • Mobile Legends

 4. Keep Your Cards At Home

A close-up of several credit and debit cards, including a limited edition GSS 2017 card, partially pulled out from a decorative purse.

Bringing your credit cards with you to shop will only cause numerous swipes. Before you even decide if you need the item, you will see yourself at the counter paying for that impulse buy.

Totally impossible to leave your cards at home? Different credit cards can get you better deals, making it key to know your cards well. Otherwise, you will miss out on rebates, reward points, or even discounts! It might be a good idea to check out a forum to see the reviews on different credit cards.

Unsure of the deals this GSS 2017? Keep a lookout on the GSS website to check out the special discounts at participating outlets this year. As a result, you can freely roam around the mall and not swipe your credit card everywhere!

5. Comparing deals

A red, rectangular stamp with the words "BEST DEAL" in bold, capital letters on a white background—perfect for highlighting gss 2017 promotions.

Constantly missing out on great deals or realising it when it is too late? Always research the ongoing deals!

Go online or even read the newspaper to find out the cheapest deals! Pick the deals that will best meet your needs before making an expensive purchase.

However, note that discounts will increase over time, so be patient if you want to grab something but the deal isn’t that attractive yet!

ikeda spa logo crest divider

GSS 2017 at Ikeda Spa

Banner reads "10 Amazing GSS Deals at Up to 50% Off" with illustrated Singapore landmarks, fireworks, and a sun in the background, capturing the excitement of GSS 2017.

This Great Singapore Sale, Ikeda Spa will be showcasing 10 exciting deals with savings of up to 50%!

How does it work? Every week, a new deal will be revealed in our promotion page, be sure to check it out regularly to see which fits you. Alternatively, sign up for our newsletters to receive weekly notifications of our current promotions. And if you happen to miss out on our GSS offers, don’t worry. You can always look forward to our massive Black Friday Sale Singapore promotion to pamper yourself for less!

We hope these tips are a great help to you! Now that you are well-equipped for the Great Singapore Sale 2017, you’re all good to go!

Array

Marketing Manager

About the author:

Jasmine Tham is the marketing manager of Ikeda Spa and a mother of two. She plans her family life around trips to Japan. Jasmine writes about family-friendly travel, onsen etiquette for kids, and easy J-beauty routines that fit into busy schedules. When she’s not trying out sheet masks, she enjoys eating Japanese snacks, taking photos of vending machines, and teaching her kids to say polite “arigatou” to please obaa-chan (grandma) shopkeepers. Expect honest reviews, kid-friendly travel plans, and easy guides that make visiting Japan enjoyable and welcoming.