Why I love Heartland malls
Gone are the days when heartland malls only catered to the older generation. Today’s heartland malls meet all your needs and wants and give you a sense of familiarity and nostalgia that the supermalls of today lack. The next time you need to get something, skip the hour long journey to town and the needless effort to dress-up. Just head on down wearing something comfortable to your local heartland mall.
Here is why we love heartland malls, using what you can expect to see at Hougang Mall as an example.
– Heartland Mall Niche shops –
Save yourself from the same overpriced branded stores copy and pasted all across Orchard road. Heartland malls are where you can find niche shops, with products that are less pricey and feel more unique to you.
1. The Paper Stone
The Paper Stone features the liveliest and cheeriest designs and illustrations on stationeries and paper goods, which you can buy without emptying your pocket. It’s the place to go for “Back to School” or gift shopping with your friends.
Location: #03-01
2. KIYO
KIYO offers a wide range of ladies’ apparels and shoes, with an emphasis on smart casual and business wear. Focusing on comfort and durability, Kiyo has an exclusive collections at affordable prices.
Location: #01-09
3. Japan Home
Japan Home has Japanese products with a little Western touch, which fit perfectly into Singapore’s cosmopolitan society. Everyone goes crazy over Japanese household appliances, and what’s offered here are Japanese household products of incredible quality and value.
Location: #05-13/14
– Favourite International Brands –
Forget squeezing public transport to get that blouse you want so much. Heartland malls like Hougang Mall typically bring in the popular and not overly expensive international brands to satisfy your retail craving.
1. Cotton On
Cotton On may no longer be a novelty, but it is still an all-time favourite for many of us for it’s decent quality and affordable clothing.
Location: #01-10/11
2. Harvey Norman
Harvey Norman is a technology and household appliances haven for most of us with electrical appliances computers and furniture and bedding all under one roof.
Location: #02-13/14/15
3. Goldlion
While there are many boutiques catering to females, Goldlion from Hong Kong has the men taken care of. Guys will be happy to know that there are a variety of sensible shirts on sale here.
Location: #03-10
– Common space and communal activities –
To foster a more intimate community, Heartland malls organises events to foster spirit in the neighbourhood. Hougang Mall events such as Health Checks for residents, Movie Screening sessions on the roof and the eco amazing race have been huge hits. Here are some upcoming events to look out for in 2014.
1. Upcoming Event: Works of Art Flea Market
Date: 15th – 17th August 2014 (Friday to Sunday)
Time: 11am – 9pm
Venue: Main Atrium, Level 1, Hougang Mall
2. Upcoming Event: The Community Canvas Art Competition
Date: 16th August 2014
Time: 11am – 6pm
Venue: Hougang Central Hub
3. Weekly Bargain Buys @ Atrium Fairs
There are weekly sales by the pushcart vendors at the atrium.
4. Parking space at an affordable price
Though parking fees aren’t a communal activity or even part of your shopping list, it’s frustrating to end your family outing with a two-digit deduction from your cashcard. Hougang Mall’s car park fees won’t burn a hole in your pocket so park your car and shop away!
– All rounded food choices –
Food is something that defines us as Singaporeans and we often crave different cuisines. The stalls listed below won’t blow your mind but it’s nice to see Hougang Mall offers many different types cuisines at your doorstep.
1. Shilin Taiwan Street Snacks
Source Location: #01-40
2. Yu Zhen Xiao Chu
Source Location: #02-24
3. Mugiya Bakery
Source Location: #B1-08
4. The Manhattan Fish Market
Source Location: #04-10/10A
5. Ichiban Sushi
6. Lena’s Restaurant
Location: #02-20/22
– Appreciating Heartland Malls –
I hope this improves your shopping experience and your mindset on heartland malls. Nowadays, I spend more time at heartland malls with my friends, since these malls are essentially more accessible versions of Orchard Road.
I wouldn’t say they’re perfect replicas, but for those of us who don’t live downtown, having such a conveniently located mall is not something I’ll ever complain about.
This post was brought to you by Hougang Mall.