Singapore’s first permanent lifestyle market opens in Bukit Timah

Over 20 brands and labels are gathered together under one roof.

High rental prices, tightened manpower requirements, and competition from large chains and franchises are typical challenges for many small businesses. In response, homegrown retailer Gezel Group thought of building a permanent lifestyle market that allows collaboration amongst small businesses. It believes that by working collaboratively with a pool of other small businesses, tenants get to have a permanent physical space without the risks of overheads they would otherwise be unable to afford.

Inspired by popular markets around the world like London's Portobello Market, Gezel Group launches Chillax Market that says ‘worry about your permanent stall space no more’ for they will house vendors of different brands and labels under one roof in Singapore.

Located on the third floor of The Grandstand (Bukit Timah), Chillax Market bills itself as Singapore’s first permanent lifestyle market. The 6,900 sqft space is a European-inspired market that brings together a selection of Singapore’s independent designers and labels. The store’s focus is on fashion and apparel, children's wear and toys, as well as furniture and home accessories. The one-stop, family-friendly destination further boasts an art gallery, flower bar, nail bar, hair salon, and cafe.

Chillax Market retails brands and labels that are mostly either available only online or at pop-up fairs. Like London's Portobello Market, vendors have their own 'stall' space, but there are also central display areas where complementary products from different vendors are set on display together. Much like a market, the display in Chillax will also change every 6 months. More than just a retail destination, Chillax Market also offers complimentary lifestyle workshops and activities for children periodically. 

Chillax Market is a venture between Nana Stuurman and Marie Tran before it was bought over by Gezel Group. It began as a pop-up market concept in late 2012. Inspired by the response and energized by the enthusiasm of the participating vendors, Nana wanted to go one step further and turn the pop-up concept into a permanent market while still supporting small, young, and independent brands.

Chillax Market’s future plans include launching a mobile app for shoppers to shop Chillax Market 24/7 and plans to expand regionally in the coming years.

Just to name a few, Chillax Market houses brands like Gezel Home Accessories, run by Nana herself and offers European-inspired homewares and soft furnishings; Bowerbird, which offers Fair Trade certified ceramics handcrafted and handpainted by Vietnamese artisans. In terms of women's fashion, Chillax Market has abi and joseph offering active wear for yoga, pilates, and high-impact physical activities; Ria Menorca, a Spanish line of handcrafted leather sandals for the family; and Wattletree Asia that carries top Australian labels with a focus on prints. Brands such as Zimmermann and Camilla are mainstays of Wattletree Asia.

Call for retail stores in the market: Have you recently opened, renovated, and/or expanded etc., this section is made just for you. We would like to hear your stories. Just send a message to Lee Anne Babierra at research@charltonmediamail.com.