Shoppers get a chance to "Grab and Go"

Beyond the bright lights which deck out Orchard Road and the Marina Bay district, there is a very serious competition taking place - all part of the Singapore Tourism Board's 2009 Reasons to enjoy Singapore marketing campaign.

It's called the "Grab and Go" challenge, in which both local and visiting shoppers who spend at least S$300 can participate by heading to a giant suitcase full of goodies located next to the Singapore Visitors Centre at Orchard Road.

Prize coupons are loaded in the giant suitcase and propelled around the booth by built-in fans. Participants are required to grab as many prize coupons as they can within the given time.

The challenge is part of the Christmas in the Tropics promotions where shoppers can grab up to S$200,000 worth of prizes.

Every S$300 spent on retail purchases, with a maximum of three combined receipts on the same day, entitles shoppers to an opportunity to grab vouchers and prizes. Purchases can be made from any retail outlet islandwide.

Lucky winners

And the challenge - which started on November 14, 2009 and is slated to end on January 3, 2010 - has already had some lucky winners.

"The Grab and Go challenge not only makes the shopper happy but also has the tourist in mind this Christmas season," said happy legal executive Madam Fadzilah, who won Uniquely Singapore souvenirs after a trip to a Salvatore Ferragamo shop one afternoon. "I for one hope to return with the chance of winning more prizes," she added.

Holidaymaker Rosemary Falconer was equally enthusiastic about the challenge, and the light-up in general. "This is our first time experiencing 'Christmas in the Tropics' since we usually visit Singapore in June. I look down Orchard Road and I'm awed with the Christmas light-up, the decorations and street performers," said Ms Falconer, who won a pair of attraction tickets in the challenge.

Christmas - a time of giving

"Christmas is a time of giving and there is always that last minute present to grab. This year, as shoppers rush around to get the perfect gift for their friends and family, they can get more value out of their shopping by participating in the 'Grab and Go' challenge which is open to both locals and visitors," said Mr Chew Tiong Heng, Director of Destination Marketing at the Singapore Tourism Board ( STB).

In addition to the already attractive prizes up for grabs, as part of VISA's strategic partnership with STB, shoppers who charge all receipts to Visa will get double time in the challenge booth.

Instant prizes include shopping vouchers and tickets to attractions. There are also eight weekly grand prizes of $2,000 shopping vouchers to be won. In addition to winning an instant prize, all "Grab and Go" participants will be ranked on a leadership board, according to the number of coupons they have grabbed during the challenge.

On 24 December 2009, the participant who grabbed the highest number of coupons will win the grand prize worth S$30,000, comprising 600,000 KrisFlyer miles, from Singapore Airlines, shopping vouchers and hotel accommodation. The other top four winners will also win KrisFlyer miles, and shopping and hotel vouchers of varying value.