Mustafa Centre Shopping Guide
Normally, I do not really talk about visiting larger shops, just the larger malls and some very niche stores, but this place is a special case; it's a combination of a chaotic market and a department store. In short, it's an experience well worth having.
I was not even aware that the Mustafa Centre existed until I was referred by someone in Sim Lim Tower, who told me it's one of the places that needs to be seen to be believed.
The plan was to visit later in the week, but fate intervened, as while I was wandering around Little India, taking photos, I turned a corner, and there it was. So I headed in.
Exploring the Electronics and Department Store Floors top
Heading in past the security, who looked me up and down, maybe they do not see many tourists going in. Talking of security, it's not unusual to see them at entrances to some places, but in this case, there were several at the entrance I used.
Now I have seen signs warning about theft, usually a cardboard cutout of a police officer with a "do not steal" message, but in this case, there was a large sign. Maybe they have a worse problem with theft than some other stores.
Heading inside, the first thing I noted was the crowds; it was packed and looked more than a little rabbit warren-like, but it looked interesting to wander around. And me being in the tech business, that's the first thing I looked for.
Before moving on, I was not sure if I could take photos inside, but I had my phone and made sure not to get any people in the shots I did take, plus I did see some others taking photos.
Oh well, it seems photos are allowed as I did not get thrown out or even told "no photos" by any of the many security guards I saw. And yes, at least one of them saw me taking photos.
Interesting, I have been in stores like this in many countries, and usually expect to see unknown brands at supercheap prices, with the odd known brand mixed in.
Here, there were the usual named brands such as TP-Link, Canon, Cudy and Orico, with some of the generic one mixed in.
From my wanderings, the prices were close to those at Sim Lim Square, with some being cheaper, others being the same as those in other places. Yes, my sample size was small, but still worth mentioning.
After making a few purchases, it was time to see what else was here outside the technology area, so I headed for the other floors.
Shopping Chaos, Shoes, and Food Section top
Moving to another floor, I found the shoe department, which immediately brought back memories of some Indian stores I visited back in the day, pile it high, sell it cheap was as evident here as it is possible to get.
While it looked like total chaos, with zero chance of finding anything, but nope, on my shopping list were sandals. I found a style I liked, and approached the staff for my size. And yes, I was expecting it to take a while to find my size, but nope, the staff knew exactly where they were and went straight to the size. Now that's impressive service.
With that purchase made and feeling hungry, I headed for the food level. While thinking about it, after each purchase, my products were put into a plastic bag and sealed with a zip tie. Interesting, and something I have never seen before.
That's more evidence that they have a problem with theft, not good, but even with that, while wandering around, I did not feel like I was being watched, although there were security all over the place.
Some trivia: the worst case of over-the-top security was in Malaysia, where staff in a shop followed me around, not to help me, but to keep an eye on me. Not good, and another sign of the times.
Arriving in the food area, it was even more crowded than the rest of the place, and a quick look at the prices and what's on offer, I understand why. They have everything, including some very obvious grey imports, but all at much lower prices than elsewhere.
Well, that's two of the primary food groups, the Chocolate and Chips covered, and wow, I did not know they made some of those Pringles flavours, and I have never seen so many in a single place ever.
And yes, that includes the US, but saying that Hong Kong gets close.
Given how crowded the food area was, I went hunting for a cashier to finish purchases, and ended up in a different area before finding one without the impressive queue.
That done, and yet another plastic bag sealed with a zip tie in hand, it was time to head back to the hotel.
Final Thoughts & Verdict top
Final thoughts on this place: well, it's definitely on my must-visit list for every Singapore trip moving forward. The atmosphere and the discounted Pringles make it a no-brainer.
So if you are in Singapore, pay Mustafa a visit: bargains, atmosphere, chaos, and Little India right outside the door what more do you want?