Buying ties in Singapore can be a challenge. Unlike apparels for women, accessories for men are not as easily available. And becuase it is so hard to earn money from men, such accessories are normally priced higher.
After spending a weekend analysing the prices of ties, here's my little 2cents worth.
If you do not wish to go through the hassle of comparing prices of ties and getting the best bargain (men do tend to get ripped off because they are more likely than women to be clueless when it comes to the art of shopping), ties at G2000 range from $19 and are pretty decent.
Departmental stores like Robinsons and Metro sell theirs at $39 and above. But honestly, I can't tell one tie from another. Apart from the difference in prices, every tie looks the same.
The most expensive ties we have seen cost $89 and above (I wonder if there are men who would splurge on a tie that expensive. I would rather take the money and feast on a good seafood meal!) and are supposedly made of wools. But I must say, these ties are classier and more chic. These can be bought at men's boutiques like Benjamin Barker or Raoul.
If you are not looking for quality ties, but ties for one-off events like matching ties for your 兄弟 at your wedding, there are cheap (not just merely affordable) ties you could get at pushcarts in Singapore.
One such pushcart is at Suntec City. It's on the second floor near Carrefour where the OCBC/DBS ATM machines are. There is a money-changer there I think.Apparently, this pushcart has been there for a long time (permanent fixture).
1 tie cost $12.90. 2, $22 and if you buy 3, it will set you back by $30. This shop, when we visited, was manned by a PRC lady. She didnt seem very friendly. But she answered when spoken to, which I guess was good enough. She wasn't upset when we accidentally messed up the ties displayed too. Bow-ties are priced the same. Cuff-links are $20-$49.90 (if I didnt recall wrongly).
But just in case you think the above was a bargain, we stumbled upon a pushcart at the Changi Airport Terminal 3 (outside NTUC Fairprice) that sells the exact same ties at... *drum rolls*... $5!!! GASP!
Don't you just feel like killing yourself if you had bought from Suntec City?!
That was how we felt. It was a good $6 cheaper (we bought 2)!!
This pushcart was manned by 2 young chaps who were definitely locals. They were earnest and very helpful in helping us pick our ties. Gawd, I wished we had chanced upon them earlier. Their bow-tie selection was a little disappointing. So don't bother, if your focus is on bow-ties. Cuff-links are so-so too and cost $12.90 per pair.
Well, good things must be shared: If you do want to save a penny here and there on your ties, please try the pushcart at the airport. If it is no longer there, then perhaps Suntec City can be your next option.
Cheers!
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