A new normal is in place – after months of not being able to step into retail shops and boutiques, we can now do so with safety precautions in place. While there are many who would jump at this newfound freedom to head out and shop, I still don’t fancy the idea of crowds and would prefer to shop online where possible. If you’re somewhat like me, here’s a pretty neat service that I recently used to buy a Chloé bag (and more actually) - the Changi Shopping Concierge Service! 

The Changi Shopping Concierge is a complimentary service that provides shoppers with personalised attention while shopping from the comforts of home! I was introduced to many luxury products such as bags, shoes, watches, jewellery, accessories and fashion wear from brands such as Chloe, MCM, Tumi and DFS Fashion Avenue (which houses over 20 luxury fashion brands) at tax-absorbed prices by a friendly concierge personnel called Valentina. Just name the brand and she’ll know what to recommend. Valentina also shared with me some insider tips such as a special sale of up to 50% off selected luxury brands. Read to find out more!

Think of the Changi Shopping Concierge as your online personal shopper!

I’ve been on the lookout for a luxury bag that is functional yet sophisticated and suitable for everyday use, but never really found ‘It’.

When I learnt about the Changi Shopping Concierge and its complimentary personalised service that came with recommendations at tax-absorbed prices, I knew I had to check it out. To me, this is definitely a huge plus point as you seldom or almost never get to preview the items that you are buying online. Anyway, no obligations, right?

The conversations with Valentina were easy and instantaneous. Chatting via WhatsApp, I rambled off a list of requirements and before long, Valentina was sending me pictures and even videos of bags that fit the bill. We eventually got on a WhatsApp video call which allowed her to show me more products in the store, which was a really enjoyable experience! To be honest, it felt like I was on a virtual shopping tour, which in my opinion was faster than photo and video exchanges as I could interact in real time with Valentina, pointing out to her which bags I would like to take a closer look.

Shopping Concierge doing a video call in a MCM store Shopping Concierge doing a video call in a MCM store

Valentina in action at the MCM store!

Chloé C Square Bag in shiny & suede calfskin (Sepia Brown) Chloé C Square Bag in shiny & suede calfskin (Sepia Brown)

Sleek yet exquisite, I love how timeless this Chloé C Square bag looks!

I eventually decided on a Chloé C square bag in sepia brown, which doubles up as a handbag and a crossbody bag. Details, details, details. Really love how sleek yet exquisite the bag looks!

Valentina also recommended a Tumi Harper Leather backpack, which is great for everyday use! I decided to get this too, which I can use on days when my outfit is more casual or when I would need more bag space. A great plus point is that it fits my laptop perfectly too!

Tumi Harper Leather Backpack Tumi Harper Leather Backpack

Functional yet stylish, perfect for a casual day out!

Did I mention that I have a soft spot for all things lace? I casually shared with Valentina that I’ve got a collection of clothes and accessories in lace designs and she recommended me this pretty Chloé sneakers with scalloped lace. While the shoes look feminine with its lace design, the canvas finish exudes style and chicness! I... eventually bagged this gorgeous pair as well.

Chloé Lauren Sneakers in lace (Mild Beige) Chloé Lauren Sneakers in lace (Mild Beige)

The scalloped lace design adds a feminine touch to the sneakers. Love love love!

Kudos to Valentina for understanding my needs and providing great recommendations. Payment was seamlessly made through a secured link sent to me via WhatsApp, and all I had to do was to wait for the items to be delivered to my home! Watch the video below on a quick guide on how to shop using the Changi Shopping Concierge.

Shop brands like Chloé, MCM, Tumi and DFS Fashion Avenue and more at tax-absorbed prices even if you are not flying!

Valentina was able to recommend me a good mix of brands that had bags that fit my requirements. But if you’re looking for other items such as watches, accessories and shoes, they are available as well! The best part is that these products are tax-absorbed, where the stores absorb 7% GST from the retail price so that you pay less, even if you are not flying! If you are a Changi Rewards member, you can enjoy earning 5X bonus points with a min. spend of S$500 in a single transaction*!  Valentina also shared that there is a special sale of up to 50% off selected luxury brands which means more savings! You can have a chat with the Concierge to find out more.

*Valid from 13 August – 12 September 2020. T&Cs apply.

Here is the list of brands available at the Changi Shopping Concierge:

 

ParticipatingTax-Absorbed Luxury Brands                                                                                                                    

Multi-Brands
Burbery

-

Chloé

-

Coach

-

DFS’ Fashion Avenue Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Bulgari, Chloe, Fendi, Loewe, Marc Jacobs, Salvatore Ferragamo and Stella McCartney as well as Eyewear brands: Bolon, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Chloe, Fendi, Givenchy, Gucci, Kate Spade, Maui Jim, Moncler, Oakley, Prada, Rayban, Saint Laurent, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tom Ford and Vedi Vero only.
Fendi -
Gassan Watches Alexander Christie, Anne Klein, Calvin Klein, Casio, Cerruti, Coach, Daniel Wellington, Emporio Armani, Elle, Esprit, Fiyta, Flik Flak, Fossil, Gassan, Gucci, Guy David, Hanowa, Kenneth Cole, Maserati, Michael Kors, Oris, Police, Scuderia Ferrari, Skagen, Superdry, Swatch, Swiss Military, Timberland, Timex, Versus and Watch Up only.
Max Mara 

-

MCM

-

Moncler

-

Tory Burch

-

Tumi

-

 

Here are some other bags that caught my eye too! I had a hard time deciding between the MCM mini backpack and Chloé C Square bag... both are so functional yet stylish!

MCM Stark Side Studs Bebe Boo Backpack in Visetos (Cognac) MCM Stark Side Studs Bebe Boo Backpack in Visetos (Cognac)

Doesn’t look like it but this MCM mini backpack can be used 4 ways – crossbody, shoulder, waist, and tote styles!

This logo mini crossbody bag from Stella McCartney caught my eye too. The neutral colours and sleek design makes this bag a perfect wardrobe staple since it would be an easy complement to many outfits. But I was looking for something with more bag space, so I decided to give this a pass for now!

Stella McCartney Logo Mini Crossbody Bag (Moss) from DFS’ Fashion Avenue Stella McCartney Logo Mini Crossbody Bag (Moss) from DFS’ Fashion Avenue

The neutral colours and sleek design makes the Stella McCartney bag an easy complement to many outfits, but I was looking for something with more bag space.

A couple of other products caught my eye while Valentina was bringing me around the stores on the WhatsApp video call. Here are some other items that I have KIV-ed for future references. 😉

Tom Ford Sunglasses from DFS’ Fashion Avenue Tom Ford Sunglasses from DFS’ Fashion Avenue

I think this frame design would complement my face shape really well!

Max Mara Silk Taffeta Dress and MCM Patricia Satchel Medium in Visetos Max Mara Silk Taffeta Dress and MCM Patricia Satchel Medium in Visetos

The pop of red from this Max Mara piece would be great for dressier days, accompanied by the classic MCM satchel bag for an elegant look.

Stella McCartney Eclypse Sneakers (White) from DFS’ Fashion Avenue Stella McCartney Eclypse Sneakers (White) from DFS’ Fashion Avenue

The different colours and textures come together in this pair of Stella McCartney sneakers, edgy!

Still thinking if I should contact Valentina again since there are many other promotions that the Shopping Concierge is running as well!

Gift-with-Purchase From now till 30 September 2020, receive a Banyan Tree Soothing Tropical Travel Ritual Set (worth S$35) with a min. spend of S$500 in a single transaction! While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
HSBC Visa Infinite Credit Cardholders Exclusive From now till 12 September 2020, receive a Samsonite Astra 55cm luggage (worth S$350) and white-glove delivery for your purchases with a min. spend of S$2,000 in a single transaction! T&Cs apply.

Keep safe but make it #fashion

Here’s how I matched my outfits with the items that I’ve bought from Changi Shopping Concierge!

Tumi Harper Leather Backpack and Chloé Lauren Sneakers in lace (Mild Beige) Tumi Harper Leather Backpack and Chloé Lauren Sneakers in lace (Mild Beige)

Matched my new Tumi backpack and Chloé sneakers with a casual outfit, perfect for a day out!

Chloé Lauren Sneakers in lace (Mild Beige) Chloé Lauren Sneakers in lace (Mild Beige)

Check out the scallop lace details of the Chloé Lauren Scallop lace sneakers!

Casual yet chic, I opted for a simple crop top and denim jeans to go with my Tumi Harper backpack and Chloé Lauren Sneakers. I looked all ready (almost) to board the plane for my next travel adventure.

Chloé C Square Bag in Sepia Brown Chloé C Square Bag in Sepia Brown

Love how the sepia brown of the Chloé C Square Bag stands out against my white dress!

Whether you are interested in a specific product or looking for recommendations just like me, you can chat with the friendly concierges via WhatsApp! And no, they are not bots but real humans providing you with a personalised service so take note that the concierges are available from 8:00am to 10:00pm and will acknowledge your message within an hour. For more information on the Changi Shopping Concierge, visit the website. Luxury shopping at tax-absorbed prices via Changi Shopping Concierge is only available till 30 September 2020 so don’t miss this! I’ve had such a wonderful experience and I hope you will enjoy this service too. Happy shopping!

The views expressed in this article are those of the author, Eugenia Ong.

About Eugenia: A travel enthusiast and a recent addict to bounce fit workout routines, she frequently updates @eug_ong on Instagram with photos of her wanderlust adventures and snippets of her bounce fit trampolines moments.

For more updates on Changi Airport, follow us onFacebook, Instagram, Twitter, Telegram and YouTube.