Singles' Day sales bonanza in Singapore

Singles' Day.

Observed every Nov 11 or 11/11, it was started in China in the 1990s by students at Nanjing University as a way to celebrate being single.

Now, it's a massive online sale event.

In 2009, BBC reported that Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba decided to hold a huge sale on the day, because it was an easy date to remember.

That decision proved to be a stroke of genius as the sale event was a massive hit.

Sales grew at a breakneck pace and by 2014, Alibaba reported that they recorded a staggering US$9.3 billion (S$13.2 billion) worth of sales on that day alone. 

Naturally, with so much money up for grabs, other online retailers are also keen to take part.

JD, Alibaba's competitor in China, are also getting in the act by offering deep discounts on the same day.

The event has also found its way to online retailers here in Singapore.

We round up some of the retailers here that are offering Singles' Day sales (we are pretty sure you can enjoy them even if you are not single).

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Mi Singapore

Mi Singles' Day Promotion. PHOTO: MI FACEBOOK

The Chinese electronics company is having its very first Singles' Day sale here in Singapore.

If you have a Mi account, you can redeem Mi cash coupons worth between $2 and $10.

You can use these coupons on Nov 11, between 10am-10pm.

Mi is also launching three new products, the Redmi Note 2, its in-ear headphones and a 10,000mAh power bank on the same day.

On top of that, Mi is also selling certain products at just $1 at specific times of the day.

For example, at 6pm, they will be selling three sets of the Mi Note for $1 (it usually goes for $569)

Head on over to their Facebook page for full details.

Zalora

PHOTO: ZALORA FACEBOOK

The online clothing outlet boasts that you can shop from over 500 clothing labels on its site.

On Singles' Day, they are offering over 50 per cent discount on many of these items.

The best part?

If you spend more than $40, delivery is free.

Lazada

Online retailer Lazada is starting a month-long sale period starting from Singles' Day.

The online retailer sells a variety of consumer items from cellphones and tablets to luggage and sporting goods. 

Calling its sale the "Online Revolution", Lazada is offering up to 90 per cent discounts on some items. 

Like Zalora, they are also offering free shipping when you purchase from them.

Crocs

 

Yes, those Crocs. PHOTO: ST FILE

The company known for making those multi-coloured rubber shoes are also getting in on the act.

While its sale is not as extensive as the others on this list, Crocs is offering discounts on some of its items.

For example, there is a 20 per cent discount if you purchase two or more pairs of its Animal Print Clog. 

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts

This one is an offer with a slight difference.

Shangri-La is offering discounts of at least 20 per cent off its best available rates as well as a chance to win unique travel experiences through its website, Love Journey.

To participate, you have to answer eight questions. At the end of it, the luxury hotel group would recommend a specific type holiday according to your personality.

Examples of these experiences include a trip to Mount Bromo in Indonesia or a ride on a jet boat in Cairns, Australia.

Guests can book through the site until Nov 11 and for stays before July next 2016. 

Shopback

The year-old Singapore based online shopping reward site offers cashback to shoppers when they make purchases with partner merchants on their store.

For Singles' Day, users get more money back on purchases with selected partners.

For example, they were offering up to 8 per cent cashback on Foodpanda, which is a partner merchant.

For Singles' Day they are offering up to 30 per cent cashback on your Foodpanda purchase.

For more details on their Singles' Day deals, head on over to their site.

Sources: BBC, Telegraph, Facebook