AT 640,000 sq ft, Ion Orchard is far smaller than VivoCity and Ngee Ann City.

But the hype and expectations surrounding Singapore's newest mall are much larger than its size might suggest, not least because of its literally flashy appearance and prime location at the busiest junction of Orchard Road.

Some analysts say it could change the shopping experience in Orchard Road when it opens its doors on Tuesday.

More than 70 per cent of its 335 stores will be new to Singapore. Among them are jeweller-to-the-stars Harry Winston, Italian label DSquared2, Spanish high street label Bershka, Chinese sportswear retailer Li-Ning and Australian shoe company Rubi Shoes.

Ion Orchard's soft opening comes 2 1/2 years after its ground breaking in 2006.

The mall is part of a $2-billion retail and residential development called Orchard Turn.

Read the full report in Tuesday's edition of The Straits Times' LIFE!.