The hipsters of Singapore profess that they love shopping at thrift stores in theory, but in reality they get all their gear at Haji Lane. And despite the fact that Cash Converters is technically a thrift store of sorts, you’d be hard pressed to see anyone who’s not an auntie or uncle shopping there, let alone a self-respecting hipster.
Well guess what, we paid a visit to the closest Cash Converters outlet and discovered that it’s actually a treasure trove of items that would make a hipster consider sneak in, buy it and make a hasty retreat.
Ukulele – $29
Any hipster needs a ukulele to demonstrate his dedication to creating twee covers of all the latest indie hits.
Moka pot – $12
In the hipster universe, it’s a disgrace to not appreciate good coffee. Even at home, drinking Nescafe is equivalent to renouncing your roots. A classic moka pot, made in Italy, will make any hipster the envy of visiting friends.
Typewriter – $59
Seriously, need we even say more? Regardless of whether he actually knows how to load an ink cartridge, every hipster needs a vintage typewriter so he can live out his Jack Kerouac fantasies.
Mao statue – $99
While it is doubtful that a hipster should actually be interested in Chinese history, this imposing Mao Zedong statue would make a great addition to any irony-infused interior.
Storage chest – $7.90
This vintage looking treasure chest enables a hipster to feel like a voyager in ancient times or part of the Pirates of the Caribbean cast. Lends immediate street cred to any bedroom.
Vintage print plates – $22
If you’re type of hipster whose favourite movie is Wong Kar Wai’s In the Mood for Love, you’ll need one of these vintage print plates, each with a different old Shanghai-inspired design.
Turntable – $199
Deejaying is a legit hipster hobby that will earn you respect from your own kind. Once priced at $399 by Cash Converters, this turntable is now a fraction of the price after being overlooked one time too many by the auntie-uncle set.
Bongo drum – $29
Tone deaf and unable to pick up any decent skills on the ukulele or guitar? Try the bongo drums instead, an instrument that lends you a modern-hippie cachet while not being affected by your inability to differentiate pitch.
Casio watch – $25
If you’re a true hipster, you already have Casio’s gold calculator watch. Add this vintage-inspired watch with a brown leather strap to your collection.
Power bank – $2.50
Without a power bank, you won’t be able to charge your iPhone when the battery goes flat after a slew of selfies and Instagram uploads. Crisis averted!
Dr Martens boots – $49.90
Footwear is one of the keystones of a hipster’s identity and can immediately sift out the wannabes from the real deal. Let these Doc Marts, with their bold star prints, do the talking.
Longboard / skateboard – $49
If you can’t afford one of those expensive fixie bicycles, the next best alternative is to get a longboard or skateboard—so why not this hybrid from Cash Converters? It comes with LED flashing lights which, granted, might make you look like an ah beng, the hipster’s mortal enemy. But at this price one can’t complain.
Have you ever bought anything at cash converters? Tell us in the comments!