when i was young nike shoes cost very cheap less than $30 or $40.
I dont think its prediction, i think its more like they knew that sg has become very rich, and many are willing and able to afford shoes with a high price, nothwithstanding whether quality good or no good. They know that men with deep pockets will still buy their stuff. Otherwise DW would not have expanded into sg. I dont see any DW shop in JB.
Not sure why you think it's not a prediction -- there is, IMHO, a trend towards the appreciation of the finer things in life just as there is a trend among the younger generation being more vocal and politically active. It's like Maslow's hierarchy of needs. At the basic level, you need sustenance etc, but as you scale the rungs, you want more (including freedom of speech, advocating for LGBT causes etc). Buying expensive stuff, and political choice are probably at the apex (you don't have to worry about sustenance), and when a country grows more affluent, and the citizens' other needs are met, they grow ready to spend more on luxury goods.
Based on trends, it's safe to make certain predictions.
Very rich and being able to afford doesn't equate to spending $$$ on shoes branded under local labels. The cultural practice is such that many rich men in SG spend on property, art, cars, watches, food etc. Clothing, much less shoes, are often, though not always, relegated to the lower of priorities. This is not to mention, there is often an inherent bias against local makers/designers, so there's no knowing what would have happened.
DW doesn't have to expand into SG. It's a Singaporean label from what I've heard.
