SINGAPORE – As Singapore approaches its 60th National Day celebrations, the nation’s growing nostalgia has translated into a boost in sales for local antique stores, especially for items tied to the country’s history. Store owners report that sales of Singapore-related memorabilia have increased by up to 40 per cent in 2025 compared to last year, with younger collectors leading the surge.
Younger Generation Embracing Heritage
A new wave of millennial and Gen X collectors is showing heightened interest in vintage Singapore items, inspired by social media trends that highlight heritage and nostalgia.
At Viewpoint Trading and Collectibles, sales of old-school toys, vintage flags, and National Day memorabilia have grown by nearly 30 per cent. Store owner Michael Poh attributes this to a desire to own a tangible piece of Singapore’s past.
“Milestone national events always bring in more customers,” he shared. “This year, our sales for Singapore’s 60th birthday have even outperformed SG50 by around 20 per cent.”
Among the store’s best-selling items are National Day mini-flags from the 1970s. Unlike modern plastic flags, these cloth-based flags are rare and highly sought after by collectors. Out of an original 300 pieces, only nine remain available for sale, making them prized artifacts for nostalgic Singaporeans.
Social Media Driving Vintage Interest
Michael Poh notes that social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram have played a major role in introducing vintage collectibles to a wider audience.
“People in their 30s and 40s are now the new vintage collectors,” he said. “Meanwhile, many seniors in their 70s or 80s are selling off items they no longer need, creating a steady supply of rare pieces.”
Despite the role of social media in sparking interest, Poh emphasizes the importance of a physical store for verification. “Photos can’t capture the feel and authenticity of an item. Serious buyers want to come down and see it for themselves,” he added.
Treasure at Home Sees Similar Growth
Another local antique shop, Treasure at Home in Tai Seng, has experienced a 40 per cent rise in Singapore-related sales over the past year. Owner Sadri Farick, who manages the family-run store, said demand peaks around National Day, as both collectors and businesses look for heritage-themed items.
Among the most popular collectibles are:
- Ceramic cups from the 1960s, once used by hawkers to serve drinks
- Coats of arms that used to hang in government offices
- Vintage posters, letters, and documents from Singapore’s early years
“The vintage landscape in Singapore is growing,” Sadri explained. “We now sell to cafes, museums, large corporations, and even overseas buyers who want authentic pieces of Singapore history.”
Willing to Spend for Nostalgia
Sadri also observed that collectors are increasingly willing to splurge. Some shoppers enter with a budget of S$200 but leave spending over S$1,000, driven by the rarity and sentimental value of certain items.
He credits heritage conservation efforts and revamped museums for nurturing a deeper public appreciation of Singapore’s history. Social media also allows historical knowledge to reach a wider audience, inspiring people to connect with the nation’s past through physical collectibles.
Sourcing Vintage Items Remains a Challenge
Despite rising demand, both antique stores admit that finding rare, authentic Singapore memorabilia is becoming more difficult. Many pieces come from senior citizens who are downsizing or families passing down heirlooms.
Store owners like Michael Poh and Sadri Farick continue to actively seek out these pieces, recognizing that each item carries a story that contributes to Singapore’s collective memory.
As SG60 shines a spotlight on heritage and nostalgia, the growing interest from younger buyers ensures that Singapore’s tangible history lives on—one collectible at a time.
