RI top big spender in S'pore

RI top big spender in S'pore

SINGAPORE (DPA): Japanese visitors top the list of big spenders in Singapore, snapping up watches, fashion and jewelry with Indonesians right behind, a study showed on Saturday.

Indonesians accounted for 21 percent of all tourist-related sales, 1 percent less than their Japanese counterparts. Indians placed third, but far behind with their spending accounting for 6 percent.

Global Refund Singapore, the local office of a Sweden-based company, conducted the study from January to April.

"The Japanese shoppers spent the most on fashion apparel, followed by jewelry and watches," said managing director Asad Jumabhoy.

Indonesian shoppers concentrated on the same three categories but spent most on watches, followed by fashion and jewelry.

Indians went for gold. "Indian shoppers value the quality and range of gold products and spent most at goldsmiths," Jumabhoy noted, followed by purchases in computer products and watches.