SINGAPORE'S annual shopping orgy - the Great Singapore Sale - will start on Friday.

To lure in shoppers, retailers are dangling larger carrots like bigger discounts and longer shopping hours.

But with local consumers getting antsy with rising costs of living, businesses are also managing their expectations and banking on the tourist dollar a little more.

At least 30 per cent more retailers are working with the Singapore Tourism Board to offer tourist discounts, compared to last year.

STB's also promoting tourist-exclusive deals this year, on top of its Tourist Privilege Card which gives visitors significant discounts.

Other highlights of the Sale unveiled at a press conference on Thursday included special $15 deals islandwide to celebrate the Sale's 15th anniversary, new themed shopping tours and a shopping challenge taking place this Saturday.