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Orchard Road supposedly got its name from the orchards and plantations that existed in the area until the turn of the 20th century. In the 1900s, a mysterious disease swept through the nutmeg plantations, wiping them out within a year. Because of its location in a valley, floods were also common. They were only controlled in 1965 when Stamford Canal - part of which runs below the pedestrian mall fronting Wisma Atria Shopping Centre today - was deepened and widened. In the 1970s, pioneering landmarks like C. K. Tangs, Plaza Singapura and the Mandarin Hotel came up and led the way for entertainment complexes. Brick by brick, and block by block, towers of glass and steel lined what used to be mud-tracks to make Orchard Road the premier shopping belt today. Shopping Highlights The Centrepoint The Centrepoint is among the largest and most popular shopping centres in Singapore, meeting virtually every need of tourists and locals alike. Here you'll find the legendary Robinsons & Co - the winner of the Tourism Awards 2002, Best Shopping Experience - Retail Outlet. There are also stores specialising in classical music, casual clothing, optical equipment, electronics, furnishings, Oriental rugs, sporting goods, fine arts, Asian antiques and artefacts, books and much, much more. The self-contained complex also has an excellent selection of restaurants and fastfood outlets. DFS Galleria DFS Galleria Scottswalk, the place to enjoy duty-free savings on the world's leading luxury brands. ION Orchard A brand new retail experience awaits you across 660,000 square feet of shopping space made up of more than 320 stores spread over eight floors, featuring new-to-market brands, unique store concepts, creative F&B offerings and first-of-its kind mall features, all integrated with an art programme to complement fashion, design and lifestyle as well as an exciting calendar of festivals and signature events. Home to innovative retail concepts from some of the world’s top luxury, fashion and lifestyle brands, ION Orchard will deliver a holistic, multi-sensory lifestyle experience and a distinctive cocktail of style, design and art that will cater to everyone. Reflecting its status as a redefining landmark in the local retail landscape, ION Orchard will house a collection of global flagship and concept stores of both established and new-to-market brands, covering the spectrum of fashion, lifestyle, entertainment and F&B. ION DNA – Are you born for style and luxury? Ngee Ann City It will take you more than a day to completely browse through this massive complex which won the Tourism Awards 2002, Best Shopping Experience - Shopping Centre. Besides the Japanese giant chain store, Takashimaya, there are over 100 specialty stores retailing sports items, stationery, electronics and electrical, jewellery and designer clothes. Popular US label Guess?, Hugo Boss Woman, Spain's Zara and Mango fashion labels and Australia's Country Road are just some of the many international boutiques here. Or drop by Kinokuniya, the largest bookstore in Southeast Asia. There's also a full-facility sports centre, an art gallery and a culture centre you can visit. Paragon Shopping Centre This haven for fashionistas delights with its diverse mix of renowned international brands such as Gucci, Valentino and Versace; edgy streetwear brands such as P.O.A Superstore, and department stores such as Metro and Marks & Spencer. A palatable selection of international and local cuisines awaits the discerning diner, particularly at The Food Cellar at B1. Other lifestyle shops include designer furniture stores, sports and spa outlets.
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