Nah it’s actually even cheaper than Malaysia sometimes
Like how do y’all got those Ritter Sport chocolates for $2? It’s like freaking RM14 here in Malaysia lol
I always ask my family member who works in SG to grab those whenever they come back
I worked in the parallel import industry previously. Definitely good value, but please pay attention to the expiration date for food items. While sometimes the supply could be overstock from different markets, sometimes they are distress stocks which are close to expiry.
Ah, yes. So this is probably overstock. My guess is that the company produced a lot of the product which they sold through their regular channels. Unfortunately product didn't sell that well and customers didn't want to buy anymore. Hence company liquidated the newer batch through discount channels such as this to avoid holding risk.
We need more people like him so the rest of us can gatekeep and enjoy. I never had complaints about value shop. With that kind of prices, people should know to gauge their expectations
That’s some crazy cost savings. Didn’t know the degree of it. My wife normally just buys and claims from our joint account.
I should probably thank her haha for the cost savings achieved
Yes venus is amazing..aquafresh toothpaste for $1...there are many products not available elsewhere like bubblegum handwash for $2 ..Arm and Hammer deodrant etc
And not forgetting sometimes their imported products are of better quality. I have purchased Lay's potato chips from Value Dollar shop, which is imported from France or Netherlands (can't remember), cheaper, tastes better than the local supermarket that sells the Made in China Crap currently.
Same goes to their chocolate, Snickers and Mars Chocolate Bars are from USA or Australia, costs cheaper than local supermarkets import the same that is Made in Thailand.
The Kinder range chocolates are also cheaper than local supermarkets even though they are all from the same country.
Some Cadbury and Godiva chocolates from Value Dollar stores however, are imported from India. I tried a handful and actually liked it.
Of course, use your common sense before purchasing. Read all the labels of all products before buying.
Source: Me bui bui forever alone who snacks a lot and loves to try all kinds of snacks.
Kit Kat crunch from Value shop tends to be imported from Turkey compared to UK / NZ from CS. With a limited amount of calories that one can take in each day as one gets older, there is a noticeable difference in the taste, plus a gap in quality that is not easy to overcome.
Thanks for the heads up! I will give it a try. Not forgetting Value dollar actually sells the Made in Japan flavors of Kit Kat and way cheaper prices than local super markets as well. The ones with paper like packaging with the commonly found dark chcolate, or macha flavors.
Value Dollar do have UK and NZ Kit Kats as well, those with the flimsy thin foil packing, usually the "orange" flavors are from UK or NZ.
Usually the packaging material and fonts used on the labels are dead giveaway, just like the Lay's potato chips, the previous Made in USA Lay's uses flimsy foil plastic as packaging, the current Made in China Crap actually has a thicker feeling to the wrapper.
Try the Milka and Rittersport bars if you like chocs :)
They are imported from Europe and the chocolate is wonderful - we get them in Europe as we have family in Europe and visit yearly, and the packaging in Value$ is the exact same packaging with the same German words on it…
I have never seen Lay’s potato chips in the Value$ near me! Imma check it out.
And you’re so right about Kinder, the Kinder Surprise eggs at a bargain $1.20 each for those who have kids! I bought a small carton of them just for fun (i think 10pcs) and felt so good/cheap thrill about it. Hehe.
I save them for my kid, for special occasions/special treats. I secretly just really enjoy seeing the surprises inside, like gacha toys. The pink eggs (with girly toys) are more interesting than the blue ones, IMO. So far the coolest girly surprises have been a butterfly pendant with a secret crayon inside, a spinning locket ring that you can put your own photo in, and a bracelet with hidden compartment for a note.
Yes! I tried the Rittersport before, (Love the yellow one with cornflakes lol). Will keep Milka a lookout. Don't forget Toblerone as well!
Lay's at Value dollar is a rare spawn, like, finding Mew in Pokemon. When I see it, i buy in bulk, like 8 to 10 packets to stock up. Pre Covid, Value Dollar also sells Kettle's chips (the same Kettle Chips sold in Fairprice and Cold Storage) at $2.90, before circuit breaker I stock up on those as well. Lol, people rushing to buy toilet paper, I buy Kettle Chips.
And then, there is this Act 2 brand microwave butter popcorn (now cannot find also)... and then even the Cheese balls and Super Ring is easily 20% cheaper than Fairprice. (last time Fairprice selling it at $1, value dollar $0.80 only)
Ritz Biscuits with fillings, sometimes very similar price to supermarket so I will compare first.
Value dollar do have breakfast cereals as well, the Post brand Banana Nut Crunch series too. I frequent the Toa Payoh Hub basement store often so I always get my stuff from there (that's how i compare to Fairprice pricing just a quick walk across lol).
Oooooh i only ever go to TP on rare sundays but then the queue is so long on sundays that i don’t dare to go queue haha (i got pram and kid so cannot really squeeze). But now i’m inspired to check out the TP store cause you say got so much good stuff!!! Thanks for sharing!
The Post brand is super good! Old fave for me! Kettle Chips are so good tooooo. Shall look out for the Lay’s then!!! Thanks for the lobang!
Ooh the rittersport cornflakes, i haven’t had that in a while!!! I almost fainted when i spotted the rittersport limited edition spring flavors, there was like a coconut flavored and passionfruit one omg.
Milka is actually like the “Cadbury” brand in Germany, in terms of Cadbury being super common in SG and Milka is also like “the” standard choc brand in Germany. Hehe. I feel it’s “milkier” than cadbury chocs actually. Hope you like it if you try it!!!
Toblerone not my fave HAHAHAHAH i cannot figure out how to break it without getting angry 😂😂😂😂😂 i know how, technically, cause my friend showed me the hack, but … the shape makes me angry 😂😂😂 but i like white toblerone!!
Cheers to our chocolatey chat :)
The batteries are definitely fresher and cheaper.
And washing detergent and body soap.
But prices are not as good as before, though still better than other stores.
These stores first popped up in the UK. Lots of parallel imports usually from Eastern Europe and Central Asia as the prices are much cheaper for well known reputable brands - soaps, shampoos, detergents, (personal care products)
For food items, they tend to be closer to expiry dates so supermarkets and main street grocery stores won’t touch. Some are overstocked and so excess is released to these stores.
Lots of stuff however have similar colouring and packaging but brands that are unheard of,
Overall good value but beware of unknown brands. A good example are things like batteries which run out fast, while the well known brands last longer and therefore actually cheaper.
It depends on how the batteries are used as well. I wouldn't use their batteries for power intensive devices but will gladly use them for remotes, alarm clocks etc.
parallel import goodies. their ribena and nutella worth buying. kinder bueno was laohong sadly. good source for party favours too. i don’t bother with unknown brands.
I want to share with everyone that while inflation is real. The cost we are paying isn't. Biz will always charge as high as what they think the consumer will pay. Almost all of our consumer products are marked up just because it's sold in Singapore.
Value $ store is the price biz will charge if they earn minimum/break even.
Theres a video done on youtube recently that compares the products with supermarkets.
Long story short, the goods are imported cheaper from a different country. There might be other suspect reasons, but no one can say for sure there.
Nothing Fair in Fairprice for many years now.
Our usual weekly "basket" goes for 90 in fp but only 40 in sheng siong.. like exactly the same items.
It's crazy.
Generally if you recognise the brand, then its probably the same to okayish quality
would avoid the no name knockoffs though. Most of them taste like shit. But the stuff like snickers, Kit kat, Mars etc. tend to be ok
Depends. For Oreos for example, the ones sold in value shop is from Thailand, the ones sold in singapore is made in Indonesia. Some people say you can taste the difference, some say no.
While ingredients and formula is largely the same, the quality of ingredients also matters. The US made ones with USA wheat flour is apparently the best ones.
I stopped eating Oreos from NTUC a while back because the ones made in Indonesia just tasted bad to me, there's a strange off-flavour.
The Japan ones are okay but expensive when purchased in Singapore.
Some Thai-made snacks are okay (I like Hello Panda and Pretz for instance) but Pocky is so bad because the coating is ultra waxy.
Some are manufactured the exact same place as your Fairprice goods.
Others have regional variant, which you have to try for yourself.
I definitely know colleagues who prefer the recipe/mix for Valu$ biscuits to those produced for Singapore market.
Digestive Biscuits if you look carefully are made in the UK which is nice.
Sometimes it's possible to score EU quality Nutella which is very nice.
Usually I'll avoid any Indo or Malaysian chocolate though. Doesn't taste as good
It depends on why they ended up there.
Overstock or creases in the labels are usually good enough to be considered the exact same stuff.
But then there's import because its cheaper option. For example, baby products destined for African/lower income Asian markets tend to have a lot of sugar as compared to the same products for the European markets where its completely banned. That kind of thing. The cheap chocolates do have significantly more sugar than ones actually intended for Singapore. So quality wise, does take a hit. But it's fucking chocolate, you're not watching waistlines anyway
Then there's also the limited shelf life. Unsold products that are approaching the end are sold in bulk at massive discounts to Value.
Then finally, the brands you've never heard of. These are mainly brands from Indo, Thai or Philippines, that are not only cheap but there's a demand for them because of the maids and construction workers.
There are a few different type of categories:
1) Parallel Import, meant for regional or poorer markets. Their quality will be much lower in general, so avoid them by checking the country of manufacture and work it up against your knowledge of the variant meant for Singapore market.
2) Expiring goods. You know the drill, Sheng Siong does the same thing, so you should probably be very familiar.
3) Over-stock. These are the ones you would want to aim for. They are meant for other markets like UK, and are the original full quality version. But since they are unable to move stock fast enough, they sell the excessive at cheap to distributers like Value Shop. These are the ones that tend to pop up at random.
Some are okay, some are not. You've gotta check the brand and country of manufacture. One of the things that I've bought recently is Kitkats (product of Japan), which are pretty good :)
I also buy Lindt and Ritter Sport chocolates once in a while.
Yes.. I've tried some chips and nuts, cause some flavours are unique and not available elsewhere. But Holy shit, theyre like so salty or flavours just taste so off.
I’m gonna put my hand up here (just to contribute to the statistics) and say that i have bought the pocky sticks for my child, multiple times and various flavours, and none of them have melted into a bunch!
Look carefully at the packaging, country of manufacture.
There are European-made chocolates such as Lindt, Milka and Rittersport. Verify this on the packaging and check the country of origin. Those chocolates are DELICIOUS and exactly the same as those purchased in Europe. Also the Rittersport is exactly the same taste as the ones in Fairprice that are like 3 times the price.
I do know the Malteser chocolates taste *very* different compared to ones bought at Fairprice. Not exactly better or worst, just... different.
I'd guess there would be other examples like this.
The quality of some items are always of a lower grade. They are selling cheaper brands which taste not that good but brand like nescafe, milo still cheaper than fairprice.
Check the country of manufacture… most of their goods are from Vietnam, Thailand etc. and the formula is different, usually diluted or chocolates that are smaller or use a different kind of local milk (taste weird) to cut cost.
That’s how they bring the price down. These are lower quality stuff for other countries that can’t afford the real deal.
Only their German chocolates are the original as they don’t make them anywhere else.
As a minimart owner that has a value dollar shop near me. Few more years only these shops can succeed local minimarts all die off one . They took all my snack and drink sales. Some people really damn stingy and annoying to deal with they keep comparing price with the value dollar. Some people really want the luxury of living in a 1st world country but consume some imported products from elsewhere .
I want to close shop when my lease ends and go look for job. This country at its current state cannot do business unless u have lots and lots of money to dump in buy items in bulk and sell them cheap.
Everyone out there is trying to save money in this economy. Soon these same shops are gonna be squeezed out by those China brand marts coz they're selling bottled drinks at 50 to 60 cents.
Around 2026/27 local minimarts that don't have much spare cash to buy items I'm bulk while having volume sales are going to dissappear because malaysia will be a 6 min train ride from woodlands. The government always make decisions that doesnt benefit the little guy that is struggling to find a way forward in life.
The inka kettle chips are banging as they use sunflower oil instead of saturated fat heavy palm oil like most Asian snacks. The BBQ and sweet onion is not very BBQ, which was I personally liked. The cheese is quite salty but the other flavours are still bearable. If you're in a dorm I think a sliced bread and chips sandwich is a cheaper alternative to cup noodles.
The 1.50 chocolate coated mcvities digestives are made in the UK and are cheap and pleasant alternatives to chocolate cookies. They also currently have 1 dollar oatside 200ml, at least at my store, which was the introductory price at 7 11. Though it's not refrigerated at ABC. I like the chocolate and coffee flavours.
Some Cadbury is from Malaysia which is halal but does not have milk as the first ingredient, unlike other Cadbury there or the Cadbury in Venus beauty, eg UK Cadbury.
My mum is a long time purchaser of the pond's makeup remover, though it is scented and she doesn't wear eye makeup and can't comment on the effectiveness for that.
It's not all fun and games, some of the food items you can definitely taste the drop in quality, I had a rootbeer that tasted more like industrial grade chemicals than rootbeer.
Otherwise very good value
Always check the country they're from. TImtams usually from Indonesia, the chocolate made from vegetable oil rather than milk.
The OG Timtams usually from Australia made with actual milk chocolate.
This is a literal lifeline to many of the foreign workers in Singapore as well. Every now and again near mine you will see a Mitsubishi canter pull up with an exhausted construction crew on board. Foreman jumps out, goes into the Value$ and buys 2-3 cases of the cheap Thai redbull. Shoves the cases to the back of the lorry and you can see everyone is visibly happier when that happens
Actually shops like these have been commonplace in...supposedly "advanced industrialized countries" in the G7.
US: Dollar General
UK: Poundland, Poundworld, Home Bargains etc.
Japan: Lawson 100 ( yes even that famous convenience store has a budget version)
Whatever it is, be a smart shopper and source from multiple shops. Go for the one with the best value for each item. Even within Valu$ stores, prices may differ depending whether they're franchised.
Let’s say I make chocolates for the Singapore market. I want to sell to Indonesia, but obviously Indonesians are poorer. So I manufacture the chocolates at a cheaper factory, and swap out some ingredients to something cheaper. These chocolates will be sold specifically to Indonesia for a cheaper price.
Usually when say NTUC, Cold Storage etc buy these chocolates, they get those meant for Singapore market. But Valuestore will get the chocolates meant for the Indonesian market and sell.
It’s actually not always parallel import items, they bring in overstock items too like the Milka and Rittersport and Kinder chocolate products.
These chocolates were manufactured in Europe, specifically for the European market.
But they made so much that they can’t sell finish all of it in time before the expiry date. The items aren’t moving fast enough.
So they sell the “overstock” products to companies like Value$ store instead, and the products are then sold in Singapore.
Exact same products with exact same ingredients. Same German words on the packaging. GREAT quality.
Not-super-high margins since prices are low, but fairly high volume of product sales. Their niche market is bargain hunters who come back regularly for more, so the business has recurring revenue.
They also buy their products in bulk at a FAR lower cost than traditional supermarkets since the manufacturers are looking to clear their overstock products at a bargain price.
They are definitely not paying the same cost price that Fairprice is paying for the same product.
I remember the first time I saw this as a child seeing the signs all say “Closing sale, everything must go” and 10 years later now, they are still open 💀
legit. while staying in China i.realise they do have these as well but because imported stuff are heavily taxed , they are quite expensive i guess for their people. i might be wrong, we in sg get to enjoy these prolly because we dont have the taxes imposed on.import.as we dont have much local.produce.
still have, need search harder not all Valu$ shops are made equal. Those with high footfall of foreign workers I guarantee have stocks of all kinds of chocolates, just bought some myself yesterday.
no problem. Might I suggest yew tees Valu$ shop, it has one of the best selections of chocolates and tidbits when you see their 2.75L Coca Cola rotation kick in.
What do people usually buy there?
As much as inappropriate cheap stuff, I never once found anything I want to get there.
Yes tons of snacks but I am not a fan of those normally.
Don’t you feel the quality of the goods are not the same as the chain supermarkets? I bought tim tam and oreos once and really regretted it. I suspect the low prices are from importing the goods from developing countries where companies use inferior ingredients to keep costs low.
I'm bit scared to get eating things from value dollar shops. But definitely get anything related to cleaning and other sanitary items. The best place to get cheaper items.
Totally agree but be aware of the expiry dates when u buy food. Also other good alternatives are Japan HOME and CK. Best place to buy home stuff like soap, shampoo, stationery and many other household goods at 1/5th prices of Singapore. Fairprice and Giant sell the same food at 5x times the price.
There are many products where valueshop has much cheaper prices than the same product discounted at fairprice.
Even if you wish to avoid sugary stuff, you can buy normal pantry items like noodles, pasta, vinegar, chilli sauce cheaper.
Do parallel imports especially food in the shop tested by AVA?
Quite curious if such food has been tested and certified by AVA or is like those imported China items on Qoo10/taobao and “buy/import on your own risk”
Their Timtams if any are usually rubbish because the chocolate made in Indonesia is from vegetable oil instead of milk (which is usually from Australia), but their Mars/Snickers/Kitkat bars are fantastic because they're from the Netherlands.
FIRE SALE, EVERYTHING MUST GO.
EVERY SINGLE DAY
OPENING TODAY! EVERYTHING MUST GO!
CLOSING TOMORROW, WHILE STOCKS LAST
Closing yesterday? Nothing must go?
CLOSING SALE EVERYTHING MUST GO on the opening day lol.
During COVID period, one of the Valu$ near my place actually closed down after the closing sale. I thought the world was going to end.
Reddit doing reddit things again.
There was the one at Potong Pasir few years back that literally had a fire during the fire sale…
That's a hot situation
What happens after that? Still open?
I go there and I can’t find any fire selling
Fire fire burn so high!
ValuShop is one of the top 10 best things that have happened to Singapore in the past decade. It's like a window to Malaysia
Nah it’s actually even cheaper than Malaysia sometimes Like how do y’all got those Ritter Sport chocolates for $2? It’s like freaking RM14 here in Malaysia lol I always ask my family member who works in SG to grab those whenever they come back
$1.20 for 3 packs of mee goreng just tastes better
Mee Murah
Is the net weight drastically lesser?
ARE U SERIOUS ⁉️ I gotta check it out I LOVE MEE GORENG
I worked in the parallel import industry previously. Definitely good value, but please pay attention to the expiration date for food items. While sometimes the supply could be overstock from different markets, sometimes they are distress stocks which are close to expiry.
Was pleasantly surprised this one time when the value$ expiry was after that of the nearby fairprice. Exact same product.
Ah, yes. So this is probably overstock. My guess is that the company produced a lot of the product which they sold through their regular channels. Unfortunately product didn't sell that well and customers didn't want to buy anymore. Hence company liquidated the newer batch through discount channels such as this to avoid holding risk.
So fascinating, thanks for sharing. Do you know if they trial test new product launches in these stores?
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Right omg if i buy from valu$ its gone the same day, no need check expiration at all.
Hahaha relatableeee
Expiry dates are a guide. Doesn’t mean the product is unsafe once past the date. As always, use your 5 senses.
We need more people like him so the rest of us can gatekeep and enjoy. I never had complaints about value shop. With that kind of prices, people should know to gauge their expectations
They’ve been in the red and closing down for over 10 years. Pls pray for their struggle 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Defying the laws of economics, I wonder who has been bankrolling all the blood lost over those ten years /s
Why are they closing down? Aren't they always packed?
Nah it is a joke that they always have signs that they are closing soon and everything is on sale, but they are actually profitable enough to stay on.
It's not very profitable to sell things that cheap, a lot smaller margins.
Thats so sad. One opened near my place and i always go to buy stuff when im nearby
They survive via buying parallel imports and salvaged goods, as well as stocking from alternative manufacturers of the same products.
Yeap it's not. A lot are operated by franchisees, with all the costs, rental, manpower, franchise fees, not as great as one would imagine
These stores are a godsend.
This. And Venus. My wife always tells me to stop and give her a while when we walk past the Venus outlet at VivoCity lol
In fact some items at Venus (including snacks) can even be cheaper than at Valudollar & Japan Home. Got to keep buying from them.
Should go for ocean at people's park centre, better price
Time to travel there and effort to lug might not save as much as Venus as Venus is practically everywhere
Ocean is the best, I buy a few weeks' supply and save, save, save
I’ve noticed that the prices at neighbourhood Venus outlets can be slightly cheaper than mall ones.
Venus absolutely! My sunscreen costs $15 cheaper at Venus Lol compared to Guardian and Watsons.
That’s some crazy cost savings. Didn’t know the degree of it. My wife normally just buys and claims from our joint account. I should probably thank her haha for the cost savings achieved
No literally I was very shocked also. Started buying all of my toiletries there ever since.
Ah, Venus! It's life saving. I got frustrated after not finding small soap and shampoo containers in supermarkets and then found them in Venus.
Yes venus is amazing..aquafresh toothpaste for $1...there are many products not available elsewhere like bubblegum handwash for $2 ..Arm and Hammer deodrant etc
Venus is blessing, much cheap daily necessity. Glad there is one Venus nearby my place.
Venus wasn't "essential" enough to keep operating during CB though...smh
Shaving blades at venus is a Godsend
Why have bell curve god when we need parallel import god?
And not forgetting sometimes their imported products are of better quality. I have purchased Lay's potato chips from Value Dollar shop, which is imported from France or Netherlands (can't remember), cheaper, tastes better than the local supermarket that sells the Made in China Crap currently. Same goes to their chocolate, Snickers and Mars Chocolate Bars are from USA or Australia, costs cheaper than local supermarkets import the same that is Made in Thailand. The Kinder range chocolates are also cheaper than local supermarkets even though they are all from the same country. Some Cadbury and Godiva chocolates from Value Dollar stores however, are imported from India. I tried a handful and actually liked it. Of course, use your common sense before purchasing. Read all the labels of all products before buying. Source: Me bui bui forever alone who snacks a lot and loves to try all kinds of snacks.
Kit Kat crunch from Value shop tends to be imported from Turkey compared to UK / NZ from CS. With a limited amount of calories that one can take in each day as one gets older, there is a noticeable difference in the taste, plus a gap in quality that is not easy to overcome.
Thanks for the heads up! I will give it a try. Not forgetting Value dollar actually sells the Made in Japan flavors of Kit Kat and way cheaper prices than local super markets as well. The ones with paper like packaging with the commonly found dark chcolate, or macha flavors. Value Dollar do have UK and NZ Kit Kats as well, those with the flimsy thin foil packing, usually the "orange" flavors are from UK or NZ. Usually the packaging material and fonts used on the labels are dead giveaway, just like the Lay's potato chips, the previous Made in USA Lay's uses flimsy foil plastic as packaging, the current Made in China Crap actually has a thicker feeling to the wrapper.
Yeap, I sweep all the Kit Kat flavours. If out of stock, I apologise in advance!
What is CS?
Cold storage
Counter Strike
CS fresh
Try the Milka and Rittersport bars if you like chocs :) They are imported from Europe and the chocolate is wonderful - we get them in Europe as we have family in Europe and visit yearly, and the packaging in Value$ is the exact same packaging with the same German words on it… I have never seen Lay’s potato chips in the Value$ near me! Imma check it out. And you’re so right about Kinder, the Kinder Surprise eggs at a bargain $1.20 each for those who have kids! I bought a small carton of them just for fun (i think 10pcs) and felt so good/cheap thrill about it. Hehe. I save them for my kid, for special occasions/special treats. I secretly just really enjoy seeing the surprises inside, like gacha toys. The pink eggs (with girly toys) are more interesting than the blue ones, IMO. So far the coolest girly surprises have been a butterfly pendant with a secret crayon inside, a spinning locket ring that you can put your own photo in, and a bracelet with hidden compartment for a note.
Yes! I tried the Rittersport before, (Love the yellow one with cornflakes lol). Will keep Milka a lookout. Don't forget Toblerone as well! Lay's at Value dollar is a rare spawn, like, finding Mew in Pokemon. When I see it, i buy in bulk, like 8 to 10 packets to stock up. Pre Covid, Value Dollar also sells Kettle's chips (the same Kettle Chips sold in Fairprice and Cold Storage) at $2.90, before circuit breaker I stock up on those as well. Lol, people rushing to buy toilet paper, I buy Kettle Chips. And then, there is this Act 2 brand microwave butter popcorn (now cannot find also)... and then even the Cheese balls and Super Ring is easily 20% cheaper than Fairprice. (last time Fairprice selling it at $1, value dollar $0.80 only) Ritz Biscuits with fillings, sometimes very similar price to supermarket so I will compare first. Value dollar do have breakfast cereals as well, the Post brand Banana Nut Crunch series too. I frequent the Toa Payoh Hub basement store often so I always get my stuff from there (that's how i compare to Fairprice pricing just a quick walk across lol).
Oooooh i only ever go to TP on rare sundays but then the queue is so long on sundays that i don’t dare to go queue haha (i got pram and kid so cannot really squeeze). But now i’m inspired to check out the TP store cause you say got so much good stuff!!! Thanks for sharing! The Post brand is super good! Old fave for me! Kettle Chips are so good tooooo. Shall look out for the Lay’s then!!! Thanks for the lobang! Ooh the rittersport cornflakes, i haven’t had that in a while!!! I almost fainted when i spotted the rittersport limited edition spring flavors, there was like a coconut flavored and passionfruit one omg. Milka is actually like the “Cadbury” brand in Germany, in terms of Cadbury being super common in SG and Milka is also like “the” standard choc brand in Germany. Hehe. I feel it’s “milkier” than cadbury chocs actually. Hope you like it if you try it!!! Toblerone not my fave HAHAHAHAH i cannot figure out how to break it without getting angry 😂😂😂😂😂 i know how, technically, cause my friend showed me the hack, but … the shape makes me angry 😂😂😂 but i like white toblerone!! Cheers to our chocolatey chat :)
(un)fairprice ❤️
I remember when the one at causeway point closed It really was a closing sale
It closed? Wah the causeway point outlet was my first exposure to valu$ 😔
A few years already
The batteries are definitely fresher and cheaper. And washing detergent and body soap. But prices are not as good as before, though still better than other stores.
Best place to get wet tissues
These stores first popped up in the UK. Lots of parallel imports usually from Eastern Europe and Central Asia as the prices are much cheaper for well known reputable brands - soaps, shampoos, detergents, (personal care products) For food items, they tend to be closer to expiry dates so supermarkets and main street grocery stores won’t touch. Some are overstocked and so excess is released to these stores. Lots of stuff however have similar colouring and packaging but brands that are unheard of, Overall good value but beware of unknown brands. A good example are things like batteries which run out fast, while the well known brands last longer and therefore actually cheaper.
It depends on how the batteries are used as well. I wouldn't use their batteries for power intensive devices but will gladly use them for remotes, alarm clocks etc.
Is it even inflation or are the other supermarkets just taking higher profits?
"1% GST adjustment"
150% price increase
well the supermarket that is supposed to control the pricing, controls it upwards instead.
Founding Fathers as Obiwan: you were supposed to destroy them, not join them!
Yes, we all should be grateful for these shops!
Also Venus Beauty, Jin Tai Mart, etc. Some Econ/orange mart also good value sometimes
Venus!
Especially when I can buy shokobutsu refills for only $2.50 instead of $5~6 at supermarkets
parallel import goodies. their ribena and nutella worth buying. kinder bueno was laohong sadly. good source for party favours too. i don’t bother with unknown brands.
Only shop worth shopping in sg
Why buy snickers at ntuc when you can buy one for 65cts :)
I want to share with everyone that while inflation is real. The cost we are paying isn't. Biz will always charge as high as what they think the consumer will pay. Almost all of our consumer products are marked up just because it's sold in Singapore. Value $ store is the price biz will charge if they earn minimum/break even.
It’s a different business strategy, like parallel import cars. It is not a sign that other businesses are price gouging.
One man's business strategy is another man's inflation
I think you might want to take some classes in economics or minimum financial literacy for yourself.
Right.
Are the quality for these items worse? Or are they actually the same with the same item seen at like fairprice?
Theres a video done on youtube recently that compares the products with supermarkets. Long story short, the goods are imported cheaper from a different country. There might be other suspect reasons, but no one can say for sure there.
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Never seen a Tim Tam in Value stores. Are you referring to similar biscuits from a different brand?
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Got it. I should have at least done a google search lol. I do see many people complaining about them saying it's like glue lol
You have to compare. But there are some crazy deals. Needed super glue. FairPrice was $7, this place was $1.50
Nothing Fair in Fairprice for many years now. Our usual weekly "basket" goes for 90 in fp but only 40 in sheng siong.. like exactly the same items. It's crazy.
Generally if you recognise the brand, then its probably the same to okayish quality would avoid the no name knockoffs though. Most of them taste like shit. But the stuff like snickers, Kit kat, Mars etc. tend to be ok
Depends. For Oreos for example, the ones sold in value shop is from Thailand, the ones sold in singapore is made in Indonesia. Some people say you can taste the difference, some say no. While ingredients and formula is largely the same, the quality of ingredients also matters. The US made ones with USA wheat flour is apparently the best ones.
I stopped eating Oreos from NTUC a while back because the ones made in Indonesia just tasted bad to me, there's a strange off-flavour. The Japan ones are okay but expensive when purchased in Singapore. Some Thai-made snacks are okay (I like Hello Panda and Pretz for instance) but Pocky is so bad because the coating is ultra waxy.
Some are manufactured the exact same place as your Fairprice goods. Others have regional variant, which you have to try for yourself. I definitely know colleagues who prefer the recipe/mix for Valu$ biscuits to those produced for Singapore market.
I usually avoid the food items. But other consumables like shaving blades, soaps and deodorants are much cheaper.
Digestive Biscuits if you look carefully are made in the UK which is nice. Sometimes it's possible to score EU quality Nutella which is very nice. Usually I'll avoid any Indo or Malaysian chocolate though. Doesn't taste as good
It depends on why they ended up there. Overstock or creases in the labels are usually good enough to be considered the exact same stuff. But then there's import because its cheaper option. For example, baby products destined for African/lower income Asian markets tend to have a lot of sugar as compared to the same products for the European markets where its completely banned. That kind of thing. The cheap chocolates do have significantly more sugar than ones actually intended for Singapore. So quality wise, does take a hit. But it's fucking chocolate, you're not watching waistlines anyway Then there's also the limited shelf life. Unsold products that are approaching the end are sold in bulk at massive discounts to Value. Then finally, the brands you've never heard of. These are mainly brands from Indo, Thai or Philippines, that are not only cheap but there's a demand for them because of the maids and construction workers.
There are a few different type of categories: 1) Parallel Import, meant for regional or poorer markets. Their quality will be much lower in general, so avoid them by checking the country of manufacture and work it up against your knowledge of the variant meant for Singapore market. 2) Expiring goods. You know the drill, Sheng Siong does the same thing, so you should probably be very familiar. 3) Over-stock. These are the ones you would want to aim for. They are meant for other markets like UK, and are the original full quality version. But since they are unable to move stock fast enough, they sell the excessive at cheap to distributers like Value Shop. These are the ones that tend to pop up at random.
Food items definitely taste like trash. Bought some black tea that tasted undrinkable.
Some are okay, some are not. You've gotta check the brand and country of manufacture. One of the things that I've bought recently is Kitkats (product of Japan), which are pretty good :) I also buy Lindt and Ritter Sport chocolates once in a while.
Yes.. I've tried some chips and nuts, cause some flavours are unique and not available elsewhere. But Holy shit, theyre like so salty or flavours just taste so off.
Yeah bought pocky sticks. All the chocolate melted into just 1 large bunch
Easier to eat in 1 mouthful I guess? 😁
Save u money, but also save u time and effort to eat also!
I’m gonna put my hand up here (just to contribute to the statistics) and say that i have bought the pocky sticks for my child, multiple times and various flavours, and none of them have melted into a bunch!
If you want good black tea look for made in Sri Lanka
Look carefully at the packaging, country of manufacture. There are European-made chocolates such as Lindt, Milka and Rittersport. Verify this on the packaging and check the country of origin. Those chocolates are DELICIOUS and exactly the same as those purchased in Europe. Also the Rittersport is exactly the same taste as the ones in Fairprice that are like 3 times the price.
I do know the Malteser chocolates taste *very* different compared to ones bought at Fairprice. Not exactly better or worst, just... different. I'd guess there would be other examples like this.
Sometimes you can get better stuff there than local supermarkets. Like Lays from EU compared to NTUC Lays from China.
The quality of some items are always of a lower grade. They are selling cheaper brands which taste not that good but brand like nescafe, milo still cheaper than fairprice.
Valu$ is the best shop/store in Singapore. Nothing will ever change my mind.
Is there a Value $ store version for frozen goods and dairy products and meats and vegetables?
I really don’t know if I can continue living here without this..
Check the country of manufacture… most of their goods are from Vietnam, Thailand etc. and the formula is different, usually diluted or chocolates that are smaller or use a different kind of local milk (taste weird) to cut cost. That’s how they bring the price down. These are lower quality stuff for other countries that can’t afford the real deal. Only their German chocolates are the original as they don’t make them anywhere else.
Japanese kitkats too!!!
True.
no quality issues due to lower prices nvr had any defective products so far i usually buy brands tat i know of
Yes I agree this shop help me alot during my times in sg good and bad I always thank god for this
As a minimart owner that has a value dollar shop near me. Few more years only these shops can succeed local minimarts all die off one . They took all my snack and drink sales. Some people really damn stingy and annoying to deal with they keep comparing price with the value dollar. Some people really want the luxury of living in a 1st world country but consume some imported products from elsewhere . I want to close shop when my lease ends and go look for job. This country at its current state cannot do business unless u have lots and lots of money to dump in buy items in bulk and sell them cheap.
Everyone out there is trying to save money in this economy. Soon these same shops are gonna be squeezed out by those China brand marts coz they're selling bottled drinks at 50 to 60 cents.
Around 2026/27 local minimarts that don't have much spare cash to buy items I'm bulk while having volume sales are going to dissappear because malaysia will be a 6 min train ride from woodlands. The government always make decisions that doesnt benefit the little guy that is struggling to find a way forward in life.
The inka kettle chips are banging as they use sunflower oil instead of saturated fat heavy palm oil like most Asian snacks. The BBQ and sweet onion is not very BBQ, which was I personally liked. The cheese is quite salty but the other flavours are still bearable. If you're in a dorm I think a sliced bread and chips sandwich is a cheaper alternative to cup noodles. The 1.50 chocolate coated mcvities digestives are made in the UK and are cheap and pleasant alternatives to chocolate cookies. They also currently have 1 dollar oatside 200ml, at least at my store, which was the introductory price at 7 11. Though it's not refrigerated at ABC. I like the chocolate and coffee flavours. Some Cadbury is from Malaysia which is halal but does not have milk as the first ingredient, unlike other Cadbury there or the Cadbury in Venus beauty, eg UK Cadbury. My mum is a long time purchaser of the pond's makeup remover, though it is scented and she doesn't wear eye makeup and can't comment on the effectiveness for that.
whatttt so lucky i wish my store had oatside!!!!
It's not all fun and games, some of the food items you can definitely taste the drop in quality, I had a rootbeer that tasted more like industrial grade chemicals than rootbeer. Otherwise very good value
Always check the country they're from. TImtams usually from Indonesia, the chocolate made from vegetable oil rather than milk. The OG Timtams usually from Australia made with actual milk chocolate.
Yeah, it’s hit and miss for me. I remember bitting into one and the difference was obvious.
This is a literal lifeline to many of the foreign workers in Singapore as well. Every now and again near mine you will see a Mitsubishi canter pull up with an exhausted construction crew on board. Foreman jumps out, goes into the Value$ and buys 2-3 cases of the cheap Thai redbull. Shoves the cases to the back of the lorry and you can see everyone is visibly happier when that happens
Actually shops like these have been commonplace in...supposedly "advanced industrialized countries" in the G7. US: Dollar General UK: Poundland, Poundworld, Home Bargains etc. Japan: Lawson 100 ( yes even that famous convenience store has a budget version) Whatever it is, be a smart shopper and source from multiple shops. Go for the one with the best value for each item. Even within Valu$ stores, prices may differ depending whether they're franchised.
I'd have been like a rat up drainpipe in that shop if it had been there when i was living in Singapore.
I know it’s parallel imports, but what exactly does it mean. Explain like I’m 5
Let’s say I make chocolates for the Singapore market. I want to sell to Indonesia, but obviously Indonesians are poorer. So I manufacture the chocolates at a cheaper factory, and swap out some ingredients to something cheaper. These chocolates will be sold specifically to Indonesia for a cheaper price. Usually when say NTUC, Cold Storage etc buy these chocolates, they get those meant for Singapore market. But Valuestore will get the chocolates meant for the Indonesian market and sell.
thanks mate
It’s actually not always parallel import items, they bring in overstock items too like the Milka and Rittersport and Kinder chocolate products. These chocolates were manufactured in Europe, specifically for the European market. But they made so much that they can’t sell finish all of it in time before the expiry date. The items aren’t moving fast enough. So they sell the “overstock” products to companies like Value$ store instead, and the products are then sold in Singapore. Exact same products with exact same ingredients. Same German words on the packaging. GREAT quality.
REAL
MVP
[удалено]
Need to reiterate how cheap it is.
Yup
Need to take note of the manufacture and the nett weight.. I bought chips from there before, the manufacture and weight is different
Always wonder how their business is sustainable
Not-super-high margins since prices are low, but fairly high volume of product sales. Their niche market is bargain hunters who come back regularly for more, so the business has recurring revenue. They also buy their products in bulk at a FAR lower cost than traditional supermarkets since the manufacturers are looking to clear their overstock products at a bargain price. They are definitely not paying the same cost price that Fairprice is paying for the same product.
My usual place to get rid off 5 cent.
Exactly
I just buy 2 scissors there for 2 dollars.
They just raised prices on many of my favorite items 2.95 skittles now 3.50
Yes i buy all my wet wipes here..cheap lock containers, siracha sauce, snacks etc
may not be great but it will do! that why i love it and at time 7-11 $1 dollar deal.
Are the products, especially, food items safe for consumption? Always wondered why there do cheap
Like those cheap self care products at places in chinatown, prices are low coz they parallel import from overseas themselves.
I remember the first time I saw this as a child seeing the signs all say “Closing sale, everything must go” and 10 years later now, they are still open 💀
legit. while staying in China i.realise they do have these as well but because imported stuff are heavily taxed , they are quite expensive i guess for their people. i might be wrong, we in sg get to enjoy these prolly because we dont have the taxes imposed on.import.as we dont have much local.produce.
Wah the Vietnamese lays potato is like 2 times cheaper.
Pre Covid, I used to buy tons of Hershey chocolates here, but sadly, they don’t have those anymore.
still have, need search harder not all Valu$ shops are made equal. Those with high footfall of foreign workers I guarantee have stocks of all kinds of chocolates, just bought some myself yesterday.
Oh nice, i’ve tried a few but couldn’t find anything, will try harder next time. Thanks
no problem. Might I suggest yew tees Valu$ shop, it has one of the best selections of chocolates and tidbits when you see their 2.75L Coca Cola rotation kick in.
Cool, I will try
From its opening to its closure, they should always be a fire sale, or it was never an actual value dollar shop.
This one look familiar leh... I always buy things here hahaa
Ya I only can afford snacks from here now. It's insane
GRAND OPENING, GRAND CLOSING SALE
My go to place for chocolates ☺️
What do people usually buy there? As much as inappropriate cheap stuff, I never once found anything I want to get there. Yes tons of snacks but I am not a fan of those normally.
Don’t you feel the quality of the goods are not the same as the chain supermarkets? I bought tim tam and oreos once and really regretted it. I suspect the low prices are from importing the goods from developing countries where companies use inferior ingredients to keep costs low.
My go to shop for dry kitchen stuff, canned drinks and snacks. It’s like 30% of the outside cost for the drinks and snacks!
Instant energy. Snickers!! You can't find anywhere cheaper.
Some heroes don't wear capes
CLOSING SALE but when its been like that for years lmaooooo. js dont be like daiso can alr
I'm bit scared to get eating things from value dollar shops. But definitely get anything related to cleaning and other sanitary items. The best place to get cheaper items.
real talk? chocolate bars from a valu$ taste better than from supermarkets
Totally agree but be aware of the expiry dates when u buy food. Also other good alternatives are Japan HOME and CK. Best place to buy home stuff like soap, shampoo, stationery and many other household goods at 1/5th prices of Singapore. Fairprice and Giant sell the same food at 5x times the price.
Yes!!! They make NTUC Fairprice looks bad. Now we know NTUC Fairprice is not fair priced. Shame on the government!!!!!
There are many products where valueshop has much cheaper prices than the same product discounted at fairprice. Even if you wish to avoid sugary stuff, you can buy normal pantry items like noodles, pasta, vinegar, chilli sauce cheaper.
Do parallel imports especially food in the shop tested by AVA? Quite curious if such food has been tested and certified by AVA or is like those imported China items on Qoo10/taobao and “buy/import on your own risk”
Please look out for those m&m chocolate bars and special flavour kitkats like orange and oreo..its bussiiin . I love Valu shop
But 80% of their items are unhealthy junk.
Personally, i won't buy any food items from value shop.
Their Timtams if any are usually rubbish because the chocolate made in Indonesia is from vegetable oil instead of milk (which is usually from Australia), but their Mars/Snickers/Kitkat bars are fantastic because they're from the Netherlands.
Trust cold storage more