Gen-Z’s New Playground: What’s Hot at PLQ B1

  • 29 Jan 2026
Gen-Z’s New Playground: What’s Hot at PLQ B1 

B1 at PLQ just got a fun refresh, and it’s quickly shaping up to be the new hangout level for Gen-Z and young adults. We’re talking thrifted streetwear to cute lifestyle shops and budget-friendly Japanese eats. This revamped floor definitely has everything you need for a chill day out. 

Planning a weekend stroll, squeezing in a quick after-school meetup, or looking for a grab-and-go lunch between classes or work? PLQ is conveniently located near the Paya Lebar MRT station, making it a very accessible spot. Head down to the newly refreshed B1 level, and you’ve got everything in one level: shops to browse, snacks to pick up, drinks to sip, and comfy corners to just hang out.

What makes PLQ B1 Such a Gen-Z Magnet?

Think of PLQ B1 as that one level where everything just clicks:

It’s compact enough to explore without feeling overwhelmed. It’s packed with new stores that speak Gen-Z language. We’re talking about thrifting, cute finds, affordable food, and casual hangout spots. Convenience without being tacky! You can browse preloved fashion, pop into stationery and novelty shops, grab a Japanese rice bowl, then end with a coffee or bubble tea, all on the same level. Regardless of whether you only have 30 minutes or an entire afternoon, B1 makes it easy to mix shopping with snacking and spontaneous catch-ups.

 

Thrift shopping for everyday style at PLQ B1

For young adults, office workers, and shopaholics looking for unique pieces that will reflect their personalities, PLQ has a treat for you.

Image source: 2nd STREET

2nd STREET (#B1-09/10, PLQ Mall, Basement 1)

If you ever find yourself asking, “Where to thrift in Singapore?” this is it! Thrifting fans, this one’s big! 

2nd STREET brings the joy of secondhand shopping to PLQ with seemingly endless racks of curated preloved fashion, streetwear, and everyday staples. It’s the kind of store where you go in “just to browse” and leave with a jacket or bag you didn’t know you needed. Ideal for outfit hunting before events, school, or just refreshing your everyday rotation.

As Japan’s largest second-hand store chain, you can expect fresh and unique pieces, where you can find something that screams your personality. It also offers buy & sell services if you’re ever interested in decluttering and letting your clothes spark joy for others.

Stationery, novelties & everyday lifestyle finds

On the hunt for small items that bring massive amounts of joy? B1 at PLQ is full of stores that make browsing part of the fun. With aesthetic stationery, quirky collectables and everyday lifestyle essentials, B1 is basically a playground for shoppers and anyone who loves cute, functional things.

M&G Life for aesthetic stationery & everyday essentials (#B1-18, PLQ Mall, Basement 1)

If you’re the type who can’t resist cute notebooks, pastel pens, and tidy desk accessories, M&G Life will be your happy place. The store bursts with cuteness: aesthetic stationery and practical everyday items that can help make studying, journaling, or even planning just a bit more fun.

M&G Life is the perfect go-to for back-to-school shopping, small gifts, redesigning your workstations, or even for just a quick dopamine hit between errands. Fair warning, though! It’s almost impossible to leave this store without buying at least one tiny item. Or two. 

Image source: Turtle

Turtle for cute novelties & fun accessories (#B1-31, PLQ Mall, Basement 1)

Founded in 2018, Turtle has grown into the go-to store for stylish home and lifestyle essentials that can definitely elevate any living space. At the PLQ B1 outlet, Gen-Z shoppers will find a curated mix of decor pieces, functional lifestyle goods, and even charming novelty items. 

Practical and pleasing to the eye? Yes, it’s the perfect excuse to buy that pillowcase. And that soap dispenser. And that tea set. 

Image source: The Green Party 

The Green Party for home goods & lifestyle picks (#B1-07/08, PLQ Mall, Basement 1)

Think home goods, lifestyle accessories, and quirky finds that make your space feel more you. The Green Party’s got your back. Guided by concepts like comfort, pleasure, and nature, The Green Party curates everyday items that are not just cute but thoughtfully designed with health and environmental values in mind.

Step into The Green Party and you’ll find a calming mix of stationery, collectables, accessories, fragrances, plush toys, homeware, and personal care essentials. Everything is made to be practical, affordable, and aesthetically pleasing. Definitely perfect for shoppers who love adding personality to their space or daily routine. 

Miniso as the OG Gen-Z Lifestyle Store (#B1-11/12, PLQ Mall, Basement 1)

Shoppers from all generations will be hyped to know that PLQ now houses this staple that never goes out of style. In fact, PLQ has the largest Miniso store in Singapore, so be sure you don’t miss out on this. Plus, PLQ also has the Miniso Land Flagship Store which is basically a dream come true for different generations.

Miniso continues to be a go-to for affordable lifestyle items, plushies, beauty tools, and licensed characters. Their extensive collection of IP collaborations like Disney, Sanrio, Peanuts, One Piece, and more cover many interests and hobbies. Here’s a fair warning, though: 5 minutes will never be enough. 

Gifts Greetings for quirky and in-demand collectables (#B1-20, PLQ Mall, Basement 1)

Step inside Gifts Greetings, and experience a truly authentic collector’s heaven. Stocked from ceiling to floor with impressive toy brands like LEGO, Hasbro, Mattel, Funko, and tokidoki, among others, Gifts Greetings will never fail you if you’re on the hunt for fun gifts. 

Established in 1999, Gifts Greetings is now a well-loved brand that has cemented its role as the one-stop destination for gifts, toys, and party supplies perfect for every milestone. 

Affordable Japanese food, Korean coffee, and bubble tea under one roof

If shopping works up an appetite, B1 has plenty of easy, wallet-friendly options for meals and café stops. Maybe you’re craving a warm bowl of meat or a cold coffee. Or maybe you need a bubble tea break. Or maybe you want all three, no judgment. B1 has it all for you. 

Everything is conveniently clustered on one level, so you can eat well without breaking your shopping flow.

Image source: Sukiya

Sukiya for Gyudon & Japanese classics (#B1-15/16, PLQ Mall, Basement 1)

Hungry after a day of shopping and thrifting? Or just looking for somewhere to chow? Sukiya hits the spot with its famous Gyudon: basically a heavenly bowl of thinly-sliced tender beef cooked in a delicious and savoury sauce and topped with onions. Now imagine this sumptuous meat served on top of that perfectly-cooked Japanese rice. 

Aside from Gyudon varieties, Sukiya also serves other authentic Japanese meals such as Japanese Curry, Beef Yakiniku, and different Teishoku options (set meals with rice, miso soup, beef or chicken yakitori plate, and side dishes).

Must-tries: Sukiya is best known for Gyudon, which you can customise with toppings like kimchi, cheese, grated daikon, or ponzu, depending on your mood. Other must-tries include the Suki-Cha Original Latte and Unagi Bowl with Beef.

Image source: Compose Coffee

Compose Coffee for Korean-style coffee breaks (#B1-K3, PLQ Mall, Basement 1)

Compose Coffee brings a little bit of Korea to PLQ with its café vibes. You can’t get any more Gen-Z than this: iced lattes, Americanos, and sweeter brews that are easy to sip while walking around.

Known for premium quality coffee at affordable prices, Compose Coffee’s beans are roasted at their Busan facility. So sip that coffee knowing every cup is fresh and delivered with care.

Must tries: Order a Croffle (we recommend Salted Caramel) and pair it with a Pandan-Coconut Milk Frappe. For Matcha lovers, the Jeju Matcha Latte will satisfy that itch. 

KOI Thé, the bubble tea favourite (#B1-02, PLQ Mall, Basement 1)

No Gen-Z hangout is complete without bubble tea. The well-loved Taiwan brand KOI Thé remains a crowd favourite for a reason. It's consistent, refreshing, and perfect for post-shopping drinks or catching up on the latest “tea” over bubble tea. 

Known, loved, and respected for its focus on quality and craft, KOI keeps things refined with freshly picked tea leaves brewed the traditional way. The result? Clean, delicate flavours. 

Grab a cup, find a seat, and catch up with friends before heading home.

Must-tries: You can’t go wrong with the Golden Bubble Milk Tea and Peach Oolong Milk Tea. But also, try the Singapore-exclusive flavours like the Ribena Black Tea and Chrysanthemum Tea. 

Don’t forget to drop by B1 on your next PLQ visit!

Paya Lebar may be a comfort zone for most shoppers, but PLQ always makes sure there’s something new for you to explore.

If you haven’t explored PLQ B1 in a while, now’s the time. With thrift shopping, cute lifestyle stores, and easy Japanese eats all in one place, it’s quickly becoming the go-to level for casual hangs and quick breaks.

Discover why B1 is shaping up to be Gen-Z’s new favourite playground. Drop by PLQ this weekend and explore the refreshed B1. Whether you're here to thrift, snack, or browse cute finds, your new go-to hangout is waiting for you.