TIONG BAHRU PLAZA : ITS IMPACT ON RESIDENTS' CONSUMPTION BEHAVIOUR

Abstract

In this case study, a particular suburban shopping mall, Tiong Bahru Plaza (TBP) has been chosen. TBP represents the 'new generation' of malls in suburban areas which are located in close proximity to MRT stations and promise one-stop shopping and entertainment. This study aims to explore the impact of TBP on the consumption behaviour of the residents in the surrounding community. Two areas are under study: the consumption patterns of residents and the consumption experience at the plaza itself. The significance of unstructured leisure time will be discussed and it is expected that residents will be more involved in the culture of consumption, experiencing a greater shift towards the appropriation of the symbolic meaning of commodities.