Singapore’s New Hustle: Carousell’s Cash Machine
When the pandemic hit, the tiny island nation of Singapore was drummed with a cautionary “back in the day, we think we’ve got it all figured out!” Or came the grim truth: a recession that could rival the shy ex–friend that never shows up at the party.
But like every good drama, the plot twist wasn’t doom and gloom—just “so, what now?” The Singaporean community answered: “Let’s sell everything we own!”
Enter Carousell: the Office of Mithill & Fun
Carousell, the local marketplace that has become the go-to for turning a jacket that hasn’t seen a partner since 2010 into a modest moneymoov, pivoted fast.
During the whole Circuit Breaker period (April 7 – June 1), the average Singaporean made a 2,200 SGD haul—yes, that’s the same as a small double‑tread SUV (if you happen to dream in numbers).
- One million transactions of second‑hand treasures – that’s a million times “I love new things” turned into “I love money.”
- People from all walks of life stocked up: some just wanted to make a quick stash, others sought a safety net, and a number of unemployed folks needed a real‑life safety vest.
Baking: From Keeping the Row Home to Rolling the Profits
Even the “doom” baked goods found a sweet spot. Carousell saw an average of four baked items dispatched every hour during the lockdown. Snapping up cookies that were half‑gone and selling them at the best price, people turned dough into dough.
Within the same timeframe, people queried for five more searches related to baking gear – it’s not just the bread that matters, the spatula, oven mitts, and pastry brushes had their own penthouse in the sales list.
The Takeaway
Singapore’s resilience isn’t just a slogan; it’s a daily practice. From a community of savvy resellers who made the most of their idle stuff to bakers who turned curdled secrets into sweet income, the hustle is real, but it’s also a reminder: We’re still in the ball‑park, just trading in a different innings.
Carousell Helps Local Sellers Bounce Back During COVID‑19
New Marketplace Opens Doors for 100,000+ Items
When the pandemic hit, many local shop owners were left with empty storefronts. Carousell responded by launching a fresh local Food & Beverage category, letting over 100,000 items find new homes online. It was the platform’s answer to the “circuit breaker” crisis that had shoppers and sellers scrambling.
Beyond Food: Essentials for the Lock‑down Life
- Handmade masks for kids that double as superhero capes.
- Home‑workout gear—because nobody wants to miss the gym while wearing a suit of cardboard.
- Video games that turned living rooms into battlegrounds.
Valerie Tang’s Mask‑Making Magic
Valerie, a hair and make‑up artist in Singapore, found herself sidelined when the circuit breaker rolled in. “Three months of no gigs” read like a cruel joke—until she turned her craft studio into a mask‑factory. Her online shop @tiffzty sold over 300 handmade face masks for kids, turning a passive “no‑work” period into an income stream. She’s still producing those cozy masks on weekends, proving that creativity can survive any lockdown.
Video Insight
(Imagine a quick clip that shows a Mr. Bean‑style mask‑making session—sorry, you’ll have to imagine that. The original article included a YouTube embed, but we stick to text for now.)
Stay Updated on COVID‑19
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