Parkway Parade – Hidden gem in the East
A hidden gem to go jalan-jalan in the East is Parkway Parade. Depending on your age, you may either remember it or have heard stories about how it housed the iconic Funworld amusement park in the past. The mall has been through quite the glow-up over the decades, and is now more accessible than ever thanks to the new Marine Parade MRT station.
Featuring a bunch of specialty stores that are either exclusive to the region or have levelled-up offerings, here are some highlights that make Parkway Parade a must-visit along the freshly opened Thomson-East Coast Line.
Things to do at Parkway Parade
FairPrice Xtra
Trust us when we say a trip to Parkway Parade’s FairPrice Xtra won’t be your usual grocery store experience. This outlet goes beyond just selling produce and snacks, with 5 stalls to get ready-to-eat and cooked-to-order dishes, as well as a dining area.
At Ban Tong Seafood, watch chefs grill, steam, or pan-sear ingredients that you’ve picked from the supermarket’s selection. Alternatively, put on the chef’s hat yourself at the self-cooking ramen station. You’ll get to whip up single-servings of your favourite instant noodles with toppings like onsen egg and duck breast.
For meals to go, there are maki and bentos from Kai Japanese Sushi, European artisanal breads and pastries from Enjoue, and cups of joe from Tiong Hoe Coffee.
Before you check out, make sure to swing by The Bar. You heard that right, we now get to sip on some delicious concoctions right in the middle of a supermarket. Add this to your list of affordable date spots, with cocktails priced $10-$15 and special events like oyster nights.
Location: #03-28
Opening hours: 8am-11pm, Daily
Whittard of Chelsea
It’s time to get your pinkies up for some brews with Whittard of Chelsea. At their only standalone store in Singapore, you can find an umpteen range of teas, hot chocolates, curated gift sets, as well as tea-party-ready crockery.
Whittard’s star product is their Tea Discoveries range, with delectable blends and mixes of British tea. Grab teas in tea bags or loose leaf tea caddies for every level of tea enthusiast, each in beautiful Bridgerton-esque floral packaging.
For the indecisive folks or last-minute buyers, Whittard of Chelsa has a variety of gift sets to score you extra brownie points during holiday seasons.
The other must-buys here are the hot chocolate and biscuits. Their smooth and creamy hot cocoa has unique flavours like cookies and cream, as well as dairy-free options for vegans. As for the biscuits, they are perfect for dunking being buttery and crumbly, complementing some of the sharper, bitter drinks.
Location: #01-K31
Opening hours: 10.30am-9.30pm, Daily
Key Power Sports
Image adapted from: @zoggs_int via Instagram
Stay true to your fitness goals by making a trip to Key Power Sports, a multi-sports equipment retailer for both professionals and casual enthusiasts. Yoga buffs can hit up their Manduka PRO Mat section, with mats of different textures and sizings, while swimmers can get ready for meets with ZOGGS products.
Try on some new kicks with their collection of the latest sporting shoes, such as KANE shoes which combine planet-friendly materials with an athletic-ready design. After you head here, you won’t have an excuse not to recommit to your New Year’s resolution to be healthier.
Location: #01-71/72/73
Opening hours: 11am-9pm, Daily
JOLLY ECO
Being eco-friendly has never been this stylish thanks to JOLLY ECO, a local brand which provides sustainable alternatives to daily disposables. Think colourful mesh bags in place of plastic ones, and long-use hygiene products so you’re dumping less disposables in the trash.
Be more conscious when dabao-ing food when you use their collapsible silicone containers, which are easy to clean and store while reducing waste. This is also their only physical store in Singapore, allowing you to get a better gauge of the products before purchasing by touching and feeling them.
Location: #B1-70/71
Opening hours: 11am-9pm, Daily
Bottles & Bottles
There’s nothing more relaxing after a long week than with a glass of wine. Grab a bottle for the next unwinding session at Bottles & Bottles, a go-to wine retailer in Singapore. Though wine is their speciality, this flagship store also has a variety of other spirits and liquors if the burgundy drink isn’t your poison.
Why wait till you get home when you can tipple at the back of the store? Bottles & Bottles has a cosy corner for you and your friends to have a mini-get-together over your favourite pours, at no extra cost.
If you’re not sure where to start, enquire about their best-sellers. The red wine selection encompasses the light and crisp Faustino 1 Gran Reserva 2012 ($60), while the Wakefield Masterstroke Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 ($56) is smooth with hints of spice. Their Champagne Lombard Brut Nature Chouilly Grand Cru ($147) is a solid bubbly choice with citrus and mineral notes.
Location: #B1-83K/83L
Opening hours: Sun-Fri 11am-9.30pm | Sat 10.00am-9.30pm
MUJI
MUJI is the store embodiment of the “clean girl” aesthetic. Parkway Parade’s outlet is their biggest store in the East, so you’ll surely find everything here, from fluffy animal cushions to aesthetic household gadgets to zhuzh up your home.
One of the coolest offerings of the Parkway Parade’s outlet is their bike selection. The MUJI Mini Velo series, crafted by Ascent Singapore, are designed for city biking, being smaller-wheeled and lightweight. You can KIV them for your next ride in East Coast Park.
It’s not homeware and minimalist decor that MUJI has to offer. Head over to their food section to find an extensive catalogue of frozen meals, adding meal prep to another aspect of how this store helps organise your life.
From unique dishes like chestnut and red bean glutinous rice balls to indulgent pizzas and curries, they’ve got a whole menu of multi-cuisine options for you to choose from.
Location: #B1-153 to 155D
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer is known for their high-quality home and fashion offerings, from chic office wear to classy decor pieces. Browse their timeless apparel selection for foolproof staples that’ll take you from brunch to the boardroom. M&S fans in the East can rejoice, because the Parkway Parade is the first and only outlet in the East – bringing great fashion options to the region.
Don’t forget to make a trip to their M&S Food section, with a range of English snacks, wines, and frozen foods that’ll give you a taste of the UK. Their impressive bakery section has doughnuts, sourdough bread, and croissants, should you need a quick bite.
Location: #02-28/29/30/31/32
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Harvey Norman
Here’s something to cheer about: Parkway Parade has a huge Harvey Norman for all your housing needs. In fact, it’s the 2nd largest outlet in the whole of Singapore! With departments for electronics, bedding, kitchen appliances, and furniture – to name a few, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Find the perfect couch-potato-approved sofa from their furniture department or the perfect bunk beds for your children’s new room from the bedroom section. There are always deals to snag here, so keep your eyes peeled to score huge bargains.
Best of all, you can try out their appliances before buying to make a more informed choice. For instance, you can try out different vacuum cleaners to see whether the weight, handle, and reach will work for your home.
Location: #02-01 to #02-36
Opening hours: 11am-9.30pm, Daily
Timezone
No mall is complete without an arcade, and Parkway Parade doesn’t fall short with its expansive Timezone outlet. There are countless games, simulators, and prizes for all ages, whether you’re letting your toddler play whack-a-mole, or trying to score the most hoops at the basketball games.
For more competitive fun, Timezone’s social bowling is a swell option for the gang to go and spend the day, betting on who can get a strike first. The best part? You don’t have to change out of your shoes here, so you won’t waste any time before stepping onto the alleys and knocking the pins down.
The Parkway Parade outlet is also the only one in the East that offers bookings for parties and celebrations. So for the next birthday or corporate bonding event you’ve been arrowed to plan, head here to tackle thrilling simulation-racing games, or just battle it out at the good ol’ air hockey.
Location: #03-27
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-10pm | Sat, Sun, P.H. and school holidays 10am-10pm
MANGO
The European stylings and designs at MANGO are ideal for a style reinvention. The store teems with class and fashion, from its Mediterranean-inspired interior design to its selection of trendy fits.
Whether you’re shopping for an upcoming beach vacay or a fancy anniversary dinner, there’s something to suit both casual and formal situations. This includes getting your little one all dressed up with adorable outfits from their kids section.
Location: #01-88 to #01-90
Opening hours: 10am-9pm, Daily
Spend your day in the East at Parkway Parade
With the Thomson-East Coast Line opening its Stage 4 stations on 23rd June 2024, Parkway Parade is sure to move up from hidden gem to hotspot not just for the Easties, but everyone else.
Spend the day exploring the mall’s offerings, from big brands to lesser-known retailers, including homegrown businesses to support.
Find out more about Parkway Parade
Address: 80 Marine Parade Road, Singapore 449269
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 6344 1242
This post is brought to you by Parkway Parade.
Photography by Shawn Loh.
