The hipster shopping scene is getting hotter. At least 50 retail stores at two locations are set to open this year to cater to the young adult crowd. Relatively unburdened by mortgages, kids and retirement concerns, this group is still thronging the malls. One of the new locations is at Ngee Ann City, where the space that housed the former Sparks disco will be turned into a chic lifestyle cluster called the Eighth Floor at the end of the year. Next month, a new retail enclave with a concept of small stalls called The Ramp will woo shoppers at the new Orchard Central mall. It is called The Ramp because stalls will be located on the connecting ramps of the fifth and sixth floors. The new shopping locations add to other established locations in town targeting the youth dollar.
They include the first on the scene, the Level 4 and Level 5 enclave at The Heeren Shops. Both levels (formerly The Annex) are known for their indie and cult fashion retailers such as the multi-label Queen's Couture and target young adults aged 19 to 35. Then came the street-themed LevelOne at Far East Plaza followed by LevelOne@Central shopping mall near Clarke Quay.