This could potentially be the final nail in the iconic Beach Road Army Market's coffin.
Facing dwindling crowds and an uncertain future, the Army Market now has to compete with online retail giant Taobao as several military gear and uniforms are spotted on the Chinese website.
The items include the army singlet, combat boots, no.4 uniform, commando's iconic red beret, water pouch and even the helmet.
Combat boots at 370 yuan (S$82)
The iconic red beret at 158 yuan ($35).
The seller even used a picture of real commandos in Hendon Camp.
No. 4 uniform complete with rank and insignia at 510 yuan (S$113).
Water pouch from 210 to 280 yuan (S$46 to S$61).
Helmet at 780 yuan (S$172)
The above items are all sold by a seller with the handle of guokainb68. A majority of the seller's merchandise is army-related and looks pretty legit complete with tags and all.
However, it is interesting to note that only one red beret was successfully sold.
That said. the army singlet (19 yuan, S$4.20) sold by another seller【点睛】is probably the most popular SAF-issued item on Taobao with 32 pieces sold.
And it even has some glowing reviews:
Translation: "Bought more than five, six pieces for my father, husband and grandfather. They all like it."
Translation: " Texture is soft and it is made of cotton. The only thing is that I bought a size bigger."
Translation: "The singlet's quality is not bad. Craftmanship is good and is comfortable. Seller is fast to deliver item. I'm satisfied."
Kudos to ST Logistics for creating such a hit.
In 2010, Mindef said that it is illegal for servicemen to sell their personal equipment that is issued to them by the SAF.
Not sure if the sale of SAF-issued goods on a foreign website is allowed though.
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