If you love to shop (like we do), and love spending time in a carefully curated retail space which spoils you with some of the island’s coolest goodies – then it’s time to Chillax.
The amazing Chillax Market* situated at Turf City (Singapore) was designed by the uber-cool British design firm Elliot James who was obviously given a very specific brief – to create something warm and inviting. The perfect lighting and well groomed staff make the space an absolute joy to experience, the minute you step foot inside.
Selling everything from children’s clothing, furniture, and some great household items like sexy cushions and delicious scented candles, Chillax Market* also comes complete with a hip florist, coffee shop, salon and built-in art gallery. All infused to create a multi-sensory experience that’s hard to duplicate in Singapore. Infact – you could easily be in London, New York or Paris.
We caught up with Chillax Market* founder Nana Stuurman and asked her a few questions..
Pic courtesy: Linkedin
L360: Hi Nana, thanks for taking the time to speak with us today.
It’s my pleasure, thanks for stopping by.
L360: Can you share with us a little about your interesting background and how you got into this business?
Sure. I grew up in Vietnam and came to Singapore in 2004 to further my studies in Multimedia at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. After graduation, I worked in the animation industry for 5 years before taking a gap year when my first child was born. I later went on to become the founder of the Gezel Group and also co-founded Chillax Market* – but most importantly, I’m a proud mother of two beautiful girls.
Pic courtesy: Chillax Market*
Pic courtesy: Chillax Market*
Pic courtesy: Chillax Market*
L360: Why should retailers decide to become tenants at Chillax Markets* instead of setting up their own retail space?
The challenge for many startups and small business owners is the difficulty of scaling without taking on substantial risks and long term commitments. High rental prices, tightened manpower requirements, competition from large chains and franchises – these are huge deterrents that prevent small businesses from growing. 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.
The beauty of being housed under one roof is that tenants also get to leverage on each other’s promotional efforts. Being part of the Chillax Market brand/community also offers the different tenants an ecosystem of support that’s synergistic rather than competitive.
Pic courtesy: Chillax Market*
L360: How are tenants picked?
Chillax Market is a European-inspired lifestyle retail market with a focus on fashion and apparel, children’s wear and toys, as well as furniture and home accessories. It is positioned as a one-stop, family-friendly destination that will also house an art gallery, cafe (furnished by Modern Eclectic Living, one of our vendors), as well as a beauty bar for the ladies. Tenant selection is based not only on the type of products each vendor carries to suit our vibe and positioning, but also on whether their products are unique, trendy, practical, well priced (mid to high end), and well made. We want to offer customers a retail experience unlike any they’ve ever had.
Pic courtesy: Chillax Market*
L360: Why did you pick The Grandstand as the location?
The Grandstand is a great lifestyle destination that’s outside the central shopping belt yet still reasonably accessible. The food and beverage landscape/ scene within the area draws in a good crowd and we feel that the entry of Chillax Market will add to the vibrancy of The Grandstand.
L360: Well, thanks for creating this amazing space and helping entrepreneurs get the edge they need when starting out – we love what you guys have achieved and wish you mega-success moving forward.
That’s so sweet, thanks so much for dropping by!
Pic courtesy: Chillax Market*
Pic courtesy: Chillax Market*
If you are looking for a scented candle that stands out from the rest, come checkout this display…..MAISON by Amanda Dyer is a chic homeware brand that produces the highest quality products for the modern home. Organic soy wax and natural essential oils used to create the hottest luxury candle line in Asia. Come checkout the display at Chillax Market*
(Chillax Market is at Level 3, The Grandstand at Turf City, 200 Turf Club Road.)
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